There is an old saying that goes "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
Well if that is true, photographing lightning is proof that he also loves screwing with us.
I had the camera set for 30 sec exposure so the shutter would be open for 30 secs, shut for 3 secs and then open for the next 30 secs and so on for well over 100 shots. During that time, I reckon there were twice as many good lightning strikes during the 3 sec periods than there were during the 30 sec periods.
Add to that, after a prolonged period where I just got photos of the blank sky I decided that the show was over for the night. I was in the process of taking the camera off the tripod when there was a huge strike right across in front of me. Easily the best of the night.
After I had retrieved the camera from its flight through space to the driveway below, I set it up again and managed to get this about 10 exposures later.
So I guess I had the last laugh after all - well almost.
Wait, did you drop the camera?
Thank you for the story. It comforts me to know those 3 second intervals happens to other people too. Great shot for your efforts!
Thank you for the story. It comforts me to know those 3 second intervals happens to other people too. Great shot for your efforts!