!!! Power of the Gods !!!
Back in Feb 2016 I had seen as most did in South East Queensland Australia a giant of a storm system brewing and charging towards the coast. For many it gave an...
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Back in Feb 2016 I had seen as most did in South East Queensland Australia a giant of a storm system brewing and charging towards the coast. For many it gave an amazing sunset opportunity. But for me it meant a race from Ipswich to Schorncliffe Qld and the most powerful view I have witnessed of lightning.
As the storm settled offshore it was fed again and again by other smaller storm systems as they collided with it. This only made the system itself more impressive and even more powerful. I would spend 4 hour's photographing and battling strong winds while watching this system. And it was a definite highlight for me.
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As the storm settled offshore it was fed again and again by other smaller storm systems as they collided with it. This only made the system itself more impressive and even more powerful. I would spend 4 hour's photographing and battling strong winds while watching this system. And it was a definite highlight for me.
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May, 2016Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Cloudy Nights Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Superb Composition
All Star
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Genius
Virtuoso
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was captured on the shores of Schorncliffe Qld Australia looking out to sea.Time
This was only a couple of hours after sunset so around 8pm Eastern Australian time.Lighting
Lightning although beautiful and amazing is also dangerous and violent and deserves allot of respect. When shooting be sure to have access to live tracking radar to track the system to enable the ability to exit if needed. Also use wireless remotes to avoid touching your tripod and camera as it can be a conductor and one of the first things struck in an electrical storm. As long as you put safety first and use common sense you can capture some really amazing images. Just remember no image is worth loosing your life.Equipment
With this image i used a Nikon D750 with a Nikkor 24-85mm ED on a Pro master FW29T tripod And a simple generic wireless remote.Inspiration
I have a really strong passion for weather photography and the unique and unpredictable nature in which she acts. No storm is ever the same and you will always have a different experience each time you follow a weather system.Editing
A slight raise of clarity and I increased the shadows to help boost the waters reflection.Other than that I couldnt really do much as a dark image with lightning the focus doesn't leave much.In my camera bag
I carry my Nikon D750. And I have my Nikkor 24-85mm ED and Tamron 15-30mm F/2,8. I also carry a Manfrotto light and wireless remote along with basic cleaning gear.Feedback
The easiest way is at night and to aim for long exposure. Do a few test shot's and remember the lightning may be bright so your exposure brightness will play a big factor. Also if you have infinity on your lens it is handy to use, if not try focusing on a distant object and then switch off auto focus. Its best to start at F/4 although you may need to switch it up to f/7 if your images appear blown out or too bright. Other than that it really is a trial and error adventure with great rewards when you are successful. If day time you may need a lightning trigger or filters to achieve a 2-5 second exposure.
