Originally posted by Chris Foltz
Perhaps a little off topic, but maybe not. I've been interested in learning how to photograph lightning for several years now. I own a Minolta STSI SLR. I understand it works best with high speed (ala 100 ISO) film but beyond that, I'm clueless. Any resources out there such as websites or books that can help? I've googled the topic but never really came up with anything that helpful. Any info would be GREATLY appreciated.
Chris - your equipment will do great. Take your film speed down to 50 or 64 ISO, use tripod, cable release and B setting. Those are the basic tools with which to begin but much of your luck will depend on how much you're willing to drive and how much film you're willing to burn in an attempt to catch bolts in attractive foregrounds. Try to work with the sky's remaining light just after sunset or at night. I like to carry a bright lamp that illuminates chapparal or obstructions (such as power lines) in my foreground to make sure my vantage point is a good place to set up (not to mention seeing what's around in the desert). Scout your vantage points during fair weather to make sure they will be good when the storms come.
When you shoot, your camera must stay completely still when the shutter is open. If not, the camera will record sharp lightning but a blurry foreground. In lightning photography, you are exposing over seconds. I use anywhere from 1 second to 30 seconds (longer than that can risk reciprocity law failure...weird color shifts in the film). Keeping the camera still during exposure...this is the challenge. I chase in Southwestern monsoon conditions where gusts frequently reach 40mph and even 100mph on some occasions. Sand can be blowing, rain comes in torrents and visibility can be poor. A heavy tripod, sand bags/rocks to add weight, a wind break of some sort...these are needed. As well, I'll often go for the flanking line as the weather elements it throws my way can be less of a challenge yet the cloud is still electrified. I have good luck too with secondary rainbands because Round 1 washed the air clean and the sandstorm (which makes my images more red) is over. This is why I often chase until 3-4 o'clock in the morning in the desert. In the Plains as well, the best lightning I have seen was at 4:30am in Liberal, KS.
When your camera is open and you are exposing, distractions will happen such as air traffic (which makes a trail of dots across your image), headlight pollution or other artificial distractions (another reason the wee hours are favorable). Use a black card to cover your lens when the camera is open during the distraction time. Remove the card when you wish to continue exposing. Practice on Fourth of July fireworks next month...it is the same type of photography. Cover up to save seconds or lift the black card as you anticipate interesting light objects.
Observation of the storm will be your best ally, as it will reveal the pattern of how separation of charge is balanced out and how energy drains from a cloud. (I recommend Dr. Martin Uman's book "Lightning" as well). The best thing a lightning photographer can do is educate themselves about the specific behaviors of lightning, why it comes from different parts of the cloud and when, and to allow for the hazardous element of totally unpredictable and capricious lightning. Studying lightning safety is just as important as studying lightning behavior, that's for sure. I have seen some extreme hazards in lightning photography and highly unpredictable behaviors. I never shoot during all phases of a storm or when it's on top of me, there is definitely a time to bail (I don't really recommend shooting lightning unless someone is already a stormchaser). Just something to keep in mind.
It is though, the most rewarding photographic subject for me.
Good luck!
