How to Photograph Lightning

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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 
   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. 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. 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.

Resources

• Lunar Phase Calendar

[xivyisazombiex]

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]

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

[nathankallestad]

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

[FrazzledNanny]

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

[Flybyknight]

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*