By Jason Green
The Art of Storm Chasing: Capturing Lightning
Lightning photography is a thrill. It’s man against nature, waiting for that split-second release of energy. But it’s also dangerous and requires patience.
Safety First
Never prioritize a shot over your life. I always shoot from a safe distance or from within a vehicle if the storm is moving too fast.
The Technique
Understanding how to trigger your shutter is key.
- Lightning Triggers: These devices detect the sudden flash of light and fire the shutter instantly.
- Long Exposure: At night, I prefer long exposures (10-30 seconds). You open the shutter and wait. If lightning strikes, you’ve got it.
Composition
Don’t just capture the bolt. Capture the bolt in its environment. A bolt hitting a mountain peak or illuminating a city skyline is far more compelling than a bolt in black sky.
“The storm does not perform for the camera; the camera must wait for the storm.”
Happy shooting, and stay safe out there!