DonLawrence

Storm Cloud Lightning_

Micro burst in Southern Arizona

Micro burst in Southern Arizona
Read less

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

settings

Aperture 13/1 ISO 100 Shutter 1/90 Focal Length 16/1

upload_date

Nov, 2016

Views

3044

Likes

+883

Awards

Top Shot Award 22

Featured

Contest Finalist in Wicked Weather Photo Contest

Editor's Choice

Peer Award

+302

Superb Composition

+79

Absolute Masterpiece

+78

Top Choice

+43

Magnificent Capture

+43

Outstanding Creativity

+21

All Star

Superior Skill

Genius

Virtuoso

Emotions

Impressed

Happy

Top Ranks

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this near Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge in Southern Arizona

Time

This is a favorite image as I was going down looking for storms as it was Arizona's Monsoon Season.

Lighting

With Storm clouds moving so rapidly, the light changes are constant so be ready to snap when the light is most effective to your composition. Being on the opposite side of the cloud from the sun allowed the rays to shine through enhancing this image.

Equipment

I shot this with a Canon 5DIII F13 1/90 sec ISO 100 16-36 f2.8 @ 16mm RRS Tripod and I did use a lightning Trigger for this since it was day time lightning.

Inspiration

The Monsoon season in the desert as it brings us much needed water also great weather to take powerful photos like this one. I was going to Southern Arizona after watching the weather forecast with the intent of finding dramatic storm clouds. I saw the storm clouds building up steam and pulled over to find a good composition that framed the Rain Shaft Cloud. Then the topper was the lightning started and was able to capture a bolt hitting the ground.

Editing

I use Lightroom for standard adjustments and then added some enhancements for detail in Color Efex Pro

In my camera bag

I always carry a few of my favorite lenses ranging from a 16-35, 24-105, my favorite long lenses including the ultra sharp Canon 70-200 along with the big boy Sigma 150-600 in case I find selective scenes or wildlife.

Feedback

I base my destinations on weather especially during Monsoon Season, be flexible and be ready to change plans as the storms fades or increase. Having a smart phones with a good weather App is a bonus and I use a paid version of Weather Scope to help follow storm cells and lighting strikes. The biggest tip is being there ready for weather to happen as well as being flexible to completely change direction following the storm.

See more amazing photos, follow DonLawrence

DonLawrence

DonLawrence

Storm Cloud Lightning_

Micro burst in Southern Arizona

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow DonLawrence

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes. Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.

Share photos. Enter contests to win great prizes.
Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.