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How To

How to Photograph Lightning

Member
By Jared Balis
User-Submitted Article
(21 Ratings)
Lightning Over the Utah State Capitol
Lightning Over the Utah State Capitol

Have you ever wanted to take a picture of lightning but didn't know how? Here a step by step tutorial that will help you freeze frame the bolt!

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Camera
  • Tripod
  • Lots of Film (unless you have a digital camera)
  • Shutter Release Cord
  • Something to cover your camera (to protect it from rain)
  1. Step 1
    New Moon
    New Moon

    The ideal setting for taking pictures of lightning is to be in a spot where it's not raining and your camera won't get wet. However, you need to have a good view of the lightning storm. Make sure you are in a spot where there is no light pollution (away from city lights and other light sources). It's best if you shoot your photos on or around the night of a new moon (when you can't see it)

  2. Step 2
    Camera Tripod
    Camera Tripod

    Setup your tripod and attach your camera. Pay attention to where the lightning is striking. There is usually a spot where it strikes more often than others. Aim your camera to this spot.

  3. Step 3
    Shutter Release Cable
    Shutter Release Cable

    Attach your shutter release cord/cable. If your cord is long enough, you may want to sit in your car, or under cover. Chances are it won't be warm outside.

  4. Step 4
    Lens
    Lens

    Set your camera to manual. Focus the lens (it will most likely need to be focused out as far as possible). Set the aperture to 8 or a similar middle range. This will allow you to keep the shutter open as long as possible, giving you the best chance of catching lightning on film (or a digital memory device)

  5. Step 5

    Click away! If there are no light sources polluting your shooting site, you should be able to leave the shutter open for 30 or 60 seconds and still have a good shot. Keep snapping the shots one after another until you have the seen the lightning strike multiple times.

  6. Step 6

    Develop or upload your pictures and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't get hit by lightning. It can strike you miles away from the storm.
  • Keep your camera dry.

Comments  

| View All 23 Comments
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on 11/6/2009 I like your tips. "Don't get hit by lightening..." is an important precaution on how to get a great photograph of lightening. thank you.

starrm said

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on 10/15/2009 Very good article and step-by-step on how to photograph lightning. 5* and rec!

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on 4/29/2009 Great Article! Lightning are one of the great wonders of nature that are cool to take pictures of.

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on 4/24/2009 I have always wanted to know how to photograph lightning. Thanks for the information. 5*

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on 4/10/2009 Always wanted to try this but never knew the right method. I figured I needed a faster shutter speed but that seems to be the exact opposite. Thanks, I will definitely give this a try now. 5*

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