Tracking storms, this alien-like massive cell came across one of my favorite locations in Florida just a few weeks ago. I could not believe my eyes. I live right on the edge of "lightning alley" in Florida, where we get on average 56 lightning strikes per every square mile annually, with about 90% of these strikes happening from May to October between noon and midnight. In just 6 months I have filled up at least two huge hard drives with images.
Logistics:
On this shoot I captured maybe 50-100 strikes (and many other compositions). All I had to do was run out to the beach (try to stay calm) find my composition, and my favorite shutter speed for the water at the moment (always changes) then just shoot back to back exposures. Literally there was so much lightning it was hard to miss. Then as the storm moved from left to right (then another came from the right and clashed with this one, almost creating a waterspout) I would just recompose every few minutes.
I no longer shoot thee types of storms if they go directly over me. I have literally been knocked out by lighting (indirect strike) before (in the SW) and no longer want to take the chance. But I love it when they go by!
Sony A7R2
Canon 16-35L2 @16mm
125 ISO
0.6 shutter speed
f/22
Sunset
Manual cable release - continuous mode
No filters necessary as the scene got darker and darker.
No "lightning trigger."
*Processed using the Ultimate Quality Raw on Raw Layer Workflow in Lightroom/Camera Raw and Photoshop (those vids finally close to release).
I might put a video of the moment on my Youtube page.
WoW!!! Your work continually amazes me, Mark! If I didn't know you better, I would think this scene was created through Photoshop manipulation. Your work celebrates the wonder of Nature and lifts the spirit! Thank you for your passion and dedication to this artistic craft of Landscape Photography!
That is amazing!!!
One of the two things I fear is a lighting storm, I'd never dare to do what you did ... knowing me, I'd be turn into fried chicken in 3 seconds ...
I love the contrast of colors, exceptional !
KMSlandscape wrote:
I love the composition and components of your image, but I found the color differences to be a bit unsettling. Since I really enjoy black and white photography, I made the following image, wondering what you and others think? Great image in any case!
Please refer to Fred Miranda’s Landscape Posting Guidelines available as a link at top left of page - the applicable one in this case is, "No editing or processing of other users photographs without their direct permission.”
The juxtaposition of smooth and sharp in this image is astonishing. The movement in the water, the frozen rock and the brilliant lightening just create this visual show stopper. Amazing Mark.
