Lightning Strike Imaging Technique - Update

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Feb 21: Lightning Strike Imaging Technique - Update

An update.


2016-01-31 Daytime Storm. 35 x 1 sec lightning strike images stacked in StarStax (c) R. Powell

My refined lightning strike capture technique:

MOUNT: 

  • Mount the camera on a sturdy tripod in a safe sheltered place.
  • Ensure the tripod is rigidly weighted to avoid wind disturbances.
  • Never set up in an unsafe place out in the open or under a tree or umbrella.
  • Even a metal tripod can attract a lightning strike so select a location carefully.

LENS SELECTION: 

  • If the storm is close, use a wide field lens.
  • If the storm is distant, try a slightly narrower field lens.

CONTROL:

  • Attach a bulb shutter control device or intervalometer.
  • If desired, set the intervalometer to shoot continually.
  • Alternatively, just keep pressing the shutter  every time an exposure ends.
  • Either way, there will be gaps between shots when strikes are missed.

EXPOSURE AND SETTINGS:

  • Set the focus to manual and focus carefully on a distant object.
  • Set the camera programme selector to manual (or bulb).
  • Set the ISO to 100 or 200 (do not use auto-ISO).
  • Set aperture to about f/5.6 to f/8, depending on light level.
  • If completely dark, set shutter speed to 20-30 seconds.
  • If not completely dark, reduce exposure and/or adjust the f-stop.
  • If it's broad daylight, storms may require short exposures of only 0.5 to 2 seconds.
  • If the storm is distant, increase the exposure time and choose a lower f-stop number.

WHITE BALANCE:

  • I have yet to decide which is the best white balance setting to use, so I have normally set it to 'auto'. 
  • I researched on-line about this. Some experts do recommend the 'auto' setting. Others recommend a 'cool' setting (e.g. 'fluorescent').
  • I might try 'fluorescent' next time out.

AIMING:
  • Point the camera towards the best estimated direction of the approaching storm.
  • Try to include a ground feature in the image field of view.
  • Take a test shot. 
  • Adjust the settings and aim, to suit.
  • After you start, do not readjust the aim, unless the camera is very poorly aimed,

SHOOTING:

  • Grab a chair and sit down next to the tripod.
  • Keep shooting until the storm passes.
  • If a nearby object such as a tree is in the field of view, try illuminating it.
  • Enjoy the storm.

PROCESSING:

  • After the storm, check the frames and separate the successful images.
  • If you had to adjust the tripod or re-aim the camera during the storm, sort them into 'before' & 'after' shots.
  • Stack the successful identical frames using freeware such as 'StarStax' 
  • Process them slightly with Photoshop to contrast the strikes.
  • Crop the image as appropriate and resize to suit.
  • The session is a success if at least one decent strike is recorded on camera!


2016-01-29 Evening Storm. Single Lightning Bolt. (c) R. Powell


I shoot lightning from the safety of my home - and I recommend you do too.

Posted by roger in Lightning

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