Storms coming hopefully

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AstroMarcus

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Marcus
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Hi Guys, just a quick question, with the cape level looking like it may reach a good level for some storm photography, was wondering what settings to use if A: the storm is during the day, or B: at night. I have a Canon 550D with a 18-55 lens, which is probably the one to use as I do have a 55-250.

Just had another thought, would it be possible to use a ND filter, that way if it was during the day, I could leave the exposure open longer, if I was pointing in the right direction of the lightening, but what would happen if the exposure was only running for lets say 5 or 6 secs then the lightening happened, would the camera still pick the strike up, or would it be too dark in the frame?

Thank you in advance, hope you can help.


Many thanks

Marcus
 
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Hi,
Same setup here, I was planning on manual settings, manual focus. I've got an ND8 filter for the daytime if needed. I was going to setup on a tripod then just run the intervalometer on multiple shots and the longest shutter speed I can get and hope.
Simon
 
That's if the storms do show up though, not trusting the weather too much at the moment!

But yes, if you're in search of lightning then the general rule is 5+ sec exposure and an ND would help depending on how bright the day may be. I honestly can't wait to get some rain, fed up with watering the plants!!!
 
The only shoot where I have captured lightening.
1/2 hour before dawn on a very overcast day (we didn't see the sunrise as it started bucketing down.

Just set the camera on manual (both exposure and focus), shooting RAW, and took repeated exposures (with a remote) 'till I got a lightening strike. It was easy. I can't remember if this was one strike or 3 during the exposure


Lighting (2) by dicktay2000, on Flickr


Camera Canon EOS 5D (full frame)
Exposure 10
Aperture f/10.0
Focal Length 24 mm
ISO Speed 400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program Manual
 
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Thank's guys for the feed back, yep your right, you never know...Netweather is normally fairly accurate.
 
I have never done storm photography but I am really hoping for some stormy weather very soon mainly for photo ops but also because it is just too darn warm for me. What does everyone love about photography in storms? Do you have any techniques you follow to get the results you are after?
 
Managed to get this last night at the Cardington Sheds. My first every lightning photo :-)

1003169_616206911745192_499467259_n.jpg
 
I'm dead impressed by both of those! We had loads of lightning, but it was accompanied by torrential rain, and much as I would like to try lightning photography, I am not dedicated enough to get up at 0300 in sheets of rain to find a suitable scenic spot to photograph it from!
 
MadWoman said:
I'm dead impressed by both of those! We had loads of lightning, but it was accompanied by torrential rain, and much as I would like to try lightning photography, I am not dedicated enough to get up at 0300 in sheets of rain to find a suitable scenic spot to photograph it from!
Click to expand...

You need to justify your username :nuts:
 
Good point - it was my nickname at work years ago, but perhaps I need to work at living up to it again!
 
I love lightning...
It doesn't matter where the lightning happens in your exposure as it only lasts for a fraction of a second anyway just like flash, you may get overexposure if you get too many strikes per frame though.
As for lenses - it depends where you are in relation to the storm. I was at 18mm for this shot because it was taking up the whole sky.

Took this during a storm in Spain.
6100677623_341bab4b8b_b.jpg
 
I think your all mad going out in a thunder storm just to take a photo.
There are some great shots here.
Some times its good to be a little bit crazy
 
Much safer than walking in an open field listening to an iPod though ;)
 
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