How To Shoot A Lightning

The beauty of lightning has a real magic power! Almost every amateur photographer desires to catch it. (photoshop lightning in 7 steps)

If you want to become a lightning-hunter you can use any technique that we offer you here.

The first one is

1. to shoot without a tripod
2. continuous shooting mode (how to use continuous shooting mode)
3. to use AI Servo mode
4. shutter speed from 1/20 till 1 sec

When you see the lightning - press the button, so you will catch it when it strikes several times. The pause period between the series of lightening is about 25-27 sec. Using this information you can increase a possibility of a good shot. Of course, you should be prepared for megabytes of trash but it’s worth it.

1. make sure that your tripod stands firmly 
2. shutter speed from 15 till 20 sec (or max)
3. aperture to start with f/6 (close it if the lightning is too close or bright)
4. min ISO
5. focus at infinity

The third technique requires a flash slave (a photo sensor) such a device that traps the light. It’s a special equipment that synchronizes your camera with a light source. When the lightning flashes it activates the shutter of your camera.

What problems can you face when you’re hunting after lightning?

bad example: incorrect ISO and exposure (too much noise and too bright)

Four useful hints:

1. Think of your camera protection from rain in advance. You can use a simple umbrella or a plastic bag.
2. Try not to allow any other lights to get into your shot. It will cause incorrect exposure.
3. If during the long shutter speed there were 3-4 flashes or a very bright one it’s better to cover the lens. Otherwise, your shot will be overexposed.
4. If you use a tripod you may take photos moving your camera slightly and thereby covering a larger angle, so that later you can combine the best ones into a panorama.

It may also help you:

·        The less aperture value you use the clearer lightning trace you get.

·        If your camera allows it it’s better to work in RAW mode because while editing the pic you will be able to extract more details than from jpg.

·        If the sky is not too dark you may use a filter to darken the image.

·        If you can not focus the infinity then focus at any faraway lights and switch to the manual focus.

If you want to share your experience you are welcome to our photo forum