The Perfect Storm
An amazing storm carves a path of lightning through Queensland Australia 6th Nov 2014.
An amazing storm carves a path of lightning through Queensland Australia 6th Nov 2014.
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Nov, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was capture just outside of Amberly Air Base in Queensland Australia.Time
The storm came through around 4-5 O'Clock in the afternoon after a typically hot and humid day.Lighting
This lightning was extremely dangerous. Almost every lightning strike was a CG or Cloud to Ground. That made capturing images very dangerous and difficult. The dry dead grass also meant small grass fires were started but didn't last long as not long after this image the area was declared drought striken.Equipment
I used a Nikon D7100 with a Tamron 10-24mm Wide angle lens. I also ran a standar wireless Pixel Oppilas remote as it allowed me to stay beside the car for safety. And it was all placed on a Sirix Digital MAX3550 tripod.Inspiration
I have a pashion and love for all types of weather. But by far my main love is storm photography. The sheer beauty and power mixed with the respect and danger it carries is an amazing thing. No storm is ever the same and no storm every creates the same shot. Every single time you will get that never repeated shot.Editing
With this one i wanted to leave it mostly raw and how it was seen. Even the dirt hitting the lens from the outflow wind's. I lowered the brightness just a tad to prevent the image blowing out as the lightning can be bright. I think something so powerful and raw speak's for itself.In my camera bag
On any given day I carry a Nikon D7100 and D5200. I carry three lenses. 1- A Tamron 10-24mm wide angle lens. 2- A Nikon 55-300mm lens and 3- a stock standard Nikon 18-55mm lens. I also have a Patchmaster Lightning trigger for severe and dangerous situations where leaving the car would be too risky. A Pixel Oppilas wireless remote. And a mix of ND8 residual filters and cleaning clothes.Feedback
I would suggest you watch your ISO very careful. Lightning can be extremely bright compared to the foreground and it can be easy to blow out an image. Iso-100 to 400 is normally fine for any occassion. Also remember to auto focus if need be and then switchto manual focus. Now you can take shot after shot without missing anything as the lens won't need to refocus inbetween shot's. And the most important thing is know your exit plan and know the limit's. Lightning can travel kilometer's or Miles from the storm cloud and strike a location yet to be under the storm system itself. These are normally referred to as clear air bolt's. So stay safe, undercover and alway be ready to leave. Long lenses can put you in the action without risking your life. So a 300mm is a great companion in lightning shot's.
