Lightning Over Arizona

[zkogut]

Hi Everybody,

Tonight was my first night of taking lightening pictures. I took 250 photos during the storm and then my battery died. Out of the 250 I got a few great shots and wanted to share them. Let me know what you think.

-Zak

[nikon66]

The are beautiful shots, well done.
Nice weekend.

[Marie Hass]

Hi, Zak,

Will you share your settings?

Marie

[bnnrcn]

Well done Zak I'm curious like Marie about the settings and how you shot these.

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[Downrigger]

Nice. Tricky to get lightning and I'd like comments on favorite methods - you're "lightning quick on the shutter, Zak.

[deetheturk]

Nice captures Zak!

[zkogut]

Thanks everybody. Yes, I will tell you how I shot these. Thankfully I had tons of lightning and was able to take my time and find the perfect settings. I have a Nikon D7100 with a DX sensor in case you are wondering. I used the Nikon 35mm F/1.8 lens and a steady tripod with a ML-L3 remote. The settings for the camera were 20 second exposure time, F/7.0, ISO 500, WB was set to Flash. I've read that I could have turned my ISO down to 100 since the lightning is so bright and that is true. I had to bring all of these photos down in Adobe RAW exposure. I took 250 pictures using the remote and it was the reason I was able to take pictures while scouting the sky for the most lightning activity. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

-Zak

[zkogut]

Well done Zak I'm curious like Marie about the settings and how you shot these.

Thanks, Binnur. Yes, I will tell you how I shot these. Thankfully I had tons of lightning and was able to take my time and find the perfect settings. I have a Nikon D7100 with a DX sensor in case you are wondering. I used the Nikon 35mm F/1.8 lens and a steady tripod with a ML-L3 remote. The settings for the camera were 20 second exposure time, F/7.0, ISO 500. I've read that I could have turned my ISO down to 100 since the lightning is so bright and that is true. I had to bring all of these photos down in Adobe RAW exposure. I took 250 pictures using the remote and it was the reason I was able to take pictures while scouting the sky for the most lightning activity. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

-Zak

[zkogut]

Nice. Tricky to get lightning and I'd like comments on favorite methods - you're "lightning quick on the shutter, Zak.

Thanks, Mark. I have my remote to thank for the speed along with my 20-30 second shutter speeds. I've responded to everyone below but I don't know how to tag everyone so they know I responded to the "how did you do it" question. I've cut and pasted it below.

Thanks, everybody. Yes, I will tell you how I shot these. Thankfully I had tons of lightning and was able to take my time and find the perfect settings. I have a Nikon D7100 with a DX sensor in case you are wondering. I used the Nikon 35mm F/1.8 lens and a steady tripod with a ML-L3 remote. The settings for the camera were 20 second exposure time, F/7.0, ISO 500. I've read that I could have turned my ISO down to 100 since the lightning is so bright and that is true. I had to bring all of these photos down in Adobe RAW exposure. I took 250 pictures using the remote and it was the reason I was able to take pictures while scouting the sky for the most lightning activity. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

[Dave Humphries]

I've responded to everyone below but I don't know how to tag everyone so they know I responded to the "how did you do it" question. I've cut and pasted it below.

Hi Zak,

There's no real need to respond individually (especially if the answer is the same), just a single reply acknowledging the names of those that have replied will be sufficient.

Good series, as you have already noted, the lightning as already bright enough and iso 100 would have sufficed.

Technically you have done very well with these; good focus, WB, etc. - the only thing that might be improved is perhaps to note the shots may not be quite level, as the lamp stands are not vertical and all lean to the left - but I am being really picky even mentioning that (sorry).

Welcome to the CiC forums from .... Dave

[Marie Hass]

Hi, Zak,

I asked about your settings because I love shooting lightning as well. In fact, I posted some of my shots in the community lounge section just recently. I use different settings - have a look at my thread.

You have done a nice job. When you shoot, try to shoot in a clear spot so as to avoid electric wires.

Marie

[zkogut]

Hi, Zak,

I asked about your settings because I love shooting lightning as well. In fact, I posted some of my shot in the community lounge section just recently. I use different settings - have a look at my thread.

You have done a nice job. When you shoot, try to shoot in a clear spot so as to avoid electric wires.

Marie

Marie,

I was to excited to think about the perfect spot since I'm new to lightning photography and it storms so rarely here. I do have a spot that is wire free and I'll use it next time for sure. Thanks for the tips!

[zkogut]

Hi Zak,

There's no real need to respond individually (especially if the answer is the same), just a single reply acknowledging the names of those that have replied will be sufficient.

Good series, as you have already noted, the lightning as already bright enough and iso 100 would have sufficed.

Technically you have done very well with these; good focus, WB, etc. - the only thing that might be improved is perhaps to note the shots may not be quite level, as the lamp stands are not vertical and all lean to the left - but I am being really picky even mentioning that (sorry).

Welcome to the CiC forums from .... Dave

Thanks Dave!

[lk1wzhu4aie]

well done!

[vaez]

nice done
thanks for explain
i prefer sky colore was dark blue its the same of day
good