Friday 25 April 2008

Thunder and Lightning! Strike at Night

"Thunder and Lightning!"
Lightning striking in a thunder storm at night
Sky Watch Friday
lightning strike - thunder storm at night with lightning striking and purple sky
Wow! That's what I thought when I saw this lightning bolt strike last night. We had a thunder storm here (fairly rare, I might add) and so I went out, like I did during our last lightning storm, in the cold and wet, to get some lightning photos. The noise of this particular strike nearly deafened me! It struck less than 1km away, so the thunder came almost instantaneously.

I took this picture on "B" shutter mode with about a 20-second exposure at F6.4. The lightning you see in the picture is actually the result of two strikes - one huge lightning strike (the large ball of white lightning on the left), and another smaller one almost directly after.

Because of the long exposure, and the brightness of the lightning, I had to use the GIMP to adjust the saturation curve for this image to make the lightning bolts visible. But I can assure you it isn't "touched up" in the common sense of the word - this is exactly what it looked like in real life! Even though I only saw the lightning for a second, I can still see the strike as if it was right in front of me now. And I can hear the thunder just as clearly - it was the sort of sound that's so loud and deep that you can feel it as much as hear it!

This Thunder-bolt Sky Watch Friday photo taken with the Fujifilm S9600 digital camera.
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84 comments:

  1. Unknown25 April 2008 at 8:15 am

    Amazing shot David and very good catch description. As usual well done..

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  2. Carletta25 April 2008 at 8:19 am

    I agree with John - AMAZING!

    It amazes me you went out in the storm to take it! I would have cowered inside. Thanks for capturing it for us.

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  3. SandyCarlson25 April 2008 at 8:27 am

    That is SOME color! Beautiful.

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  4. Unknown25 April 2008 at 8:44 am

    Hi John,

    Thanks for your comment, I'm glad you enjoyed this photo. Have a great SWF, hope you don't get caught in any storms like this one (unless you're getting photos that is)! :)

    Cheers,

    David

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  5. Anonymous25 April 2008 at 8:47 am

    I enjoyed your photograph, David and also your vivid description. It is a really nice shot.

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  6. Trish ~ ♥ ~25 April 2008 at 8:50 am

    Wow! was my first thought, my second what we will not be to get a good/different photo. Stay safe.

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  7. Unknown25 April 2008 at 8:53 am

    Hi carletta,

    I wasn't actually outside for much time. I was inside working on my blog during most of the storm, hoping the power wouldn't cut out, but then the storm swung around into a good position for getting photos. So I went outside, it was freezing, and I ended up with a cold, but I think it was worth it for the shot!

    Hope you have a nice weekend, have you seen David McMahon's Anzac day post? It's a great summary of this important day in Australia.

    Cheers,

    David

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  8. imac25 April 2008 at 8:55 am

    Gosh I dream to capture that.Fantastic.

    Visit my Sky watch also the Goat Man.

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  9. Unknown25 April 2008 at 8:55 am

    Hi sandycarlson,

    I love getting photos of lightning, partly because of the colour. When the lightning strikes, it's so quick that you don't get to see the colour. It's only in the photo that it actually turns up, and then it looks amazing.

    Thanks for visiting, have a nice SWF.

    Cheers,

    David

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  10. Unknown25 April 2008 at 8:59 am

    Hi Abraham lincoln,

    Thanks for your visit. One question I have about the descriptions - do you like the bold words I'm highlighting, or would you prefer just plain text. I put them in thinking they might help break up the words, but it all depends on what you, the readers, think of it.

    Cheers,

    David

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  11. Unknown25 April 2008 at 9:00 am

    Hi me & my puppies,

    Thanks, I'll certainly try to stay safe, and during a lightning storm I never go out into an exposed space for that very reason. I still want to be around for a few more pics! :)

    Thanks for your comment and visit. Hope you have a great weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unknown25 April 2008 at 9:35 am

    Hi imac,

    Like the last lightning photo I took, I've always dreamed to get lightning shots, and if you keep trying it'll eventually work. I look forward to seeing your shots one day soon!

    Cheers,

    David

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  13. david mcmahon25 April 2008 at 9:58 am

    Great work, Dave

    That's literally Thunder Down Under!

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  14. Marcos Santos25 April 2008 at 10:48 am

    Amazing
    The sky is purple too.

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  15. This Is My Blog - fishing guy25 April 2008 at 11:35 am

    David: What a great shot of the lighting strikes. Your photos are always outstanding.

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  16. Unknown25 April 2008 at 11:41 am

    Hi David McMahon,

    Thanks for taking the time to visit. I suppose you could say the thunder in the sky is actually "under", over, and around - quite a confusing description!

    Hope you have a "fair dinkum" Anzac day and enjoy SWF too. :)

    Cheers,

    David

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  17. Unknown25 April 2008 at 12:15 pm

    Hi marcos santos,

    Thanks for dropping by, I hope you have a great day this SWF.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sherry25 April 2008 at 12:17 pm

    Oh my goodness, that is a truly awesome photograph. Bravo!

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  19. Unknown25 April 2008 at 12:17 pm

    Hi fishing guy,

    Thanks for your comment, it's great to hear such positive feedback, it really helps to make the whole blog worthwhile. :) Hope you have a nice weekend, while we in Australia enjoy our long one.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  20. Unknown25 April 2008 at 12:36 pm

    Hi sherry,

    Lightning is one of the most awesome things in nature IMHO, I'm glad this photo could convey that impression to you. Thanks for visiting, have a great weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

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  21. Anonymous25 April 2008 at 12:38 pm

    A great photo with a no less vivid description!

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  22. Unknown25 April 2008 at 1:22 pm

    Hi quintarantino,

    Thanks for dropping round, I'm glad you could enjoy the description. Have a nice SWF!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pretty Life Online25 April 2008 at 1:49 pm

    Great shot for SWF! mine's up too, hope you can drop by. Have a wonderful friday and weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lilli & Nevada25 April 2008 at 3:58 pm

    that is awsome

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  25. Sunshinelene25 April 2008 at 4:00 pm

    It's a very great shot! I wonder when i could take a photo like that. I can just imagine how loud the thunders must be. It must be deafening and real scary for the lighting to hit humans.

    Happy SWF!

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  26. Unknown25 April 2008 at 4:01 pm

    Hi pretty life online,

    Thanks, I dropped by your site, love your pics. Have a nice day!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  27. Unknown25 April 2008 at 4:51 pm

    Hi sunshine4life,

    I encourage you to simply keep trying if you want to get shots like these. I have tried quite a lot, and after much practice now know basically what to do with the camera to get what shots. But lightning shots, like photos of small children and animals, involve a lot of chance - just keep the camera there, keep snapping photos, and eventually you'll get a photo that you think - "WOW!"

    Cheers,

    David

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  28. Scotty Graham25 April 2008 at 4:51 pm

    yes, you nailed it. Great shot.

    Scotty

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  29. Unknown25 April 2008 at 5:02 pm

    Hi lilli and Nevada,

    Thanks for dropping round, hope you have a nice weekend. If you've got some time, please check out my Anzac day post, I don't know if you know about it but it's an Australian war memorial day.

    Cheers,

    David

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  30. Gerald (Ackworth born)25 April 2008 at 5:46 pm

    fabulous photo - I've always admired the ability to photograph lightning having never had any success it myself.

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  31. Unknown25 April 2008 at 6:09 pm

    Hi ackworth born,

    Why don't you have a go? When the next storm comes, just take some shots, slower shutter speeds are best for a start (20-20 seconds is good). It's really quite easy, just keep at it until you get a good one.

    Thanks for dropping by, have a nice weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

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  32. Tom25 April 2008 at 7:38 pm

    I really must try this out.. I love shots such as this.. thanks for showing it today.. We have a range of hills and moor land around us.. I have parked up my a time and watched the storms moving across the views in front. I will try to capture the next one.

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  33. Unknown25 April 2008 at 8:09 pm

    Hi scotty graham,

    Thanks for dropping round, hope you have a nice weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

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  34. Unknown25 April 2008 at 8:19 pm

    Hi old wom tigley,

    Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. I look forward to seeing your storm photos, drop me a line when you do post, otherwise I might not notice! It'll be interesting to see if your storms are any different to the Australian ones, like the sunsets seem to be.

    Hope you had a nice SWF as well as Anzac day, have a great weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

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  35. Juliana25 April 2008 at 8:47 pm

    wow....great shot

    Please check out mine Thanks

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  36. Anonymous25 April 2008 at 8:48 pm

    OMG....fantastic shot.

    Will you visit mine Thanks

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  37. Unknown25 April 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Hi juliana rw,

    Thanks for dropping round, I've visited your site & love your photo.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  38. Unknown25 April 2008 at 9:36 pm

    Hi picturing,

    Thanks for your visit. Hope you have a great weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  39. chrome3d25 April 2008 at 10:32 pm

    Excellent, like most of your pics. Taking pics of lightnings is really hard. I tried it and couldn´t get any so that makes me respect good lightning shots more.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Daniel J Santos25 April 2008 at 11:14 pm

    Fantastic, amazing, excellent done.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Chrissy25 April 2008 at 11:46 pm

    Hey David,
    This is amazing! Great capture. Thanks for stopping by my blog :-)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Dewdrop26 April 2008 at 12:03 am

    You're right, David. I do love your SWF shot this week. Great CG (Cloud to Ground lightning) capture! I love the way the sky turns purple in lightning shots. Phenomenal.

    My SWF Shot

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  43. Gattina26 April 2008 at 1:16 am

    What a great shot !! Wonderful !

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  44. Jane Hards Photography26 April 2008 at 1:33 am

    i thought hanging out the window to get mine was dangerous, but going out in with that lightening about beats me.I love, purple, love storms, and absolutely love this magnificent image. Sublime capture.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Cherie26 April 2008 at 3:26 am

    Oh my goodness! I can almost here the cracking and feel my hair stand on end. Marvelous shot!

    And the thunder made you nearly deaf - I can believe it.

    Great.

    ReplyDelete
  46. dot26 April 2008 at 4:28 am

    Really amazing picture and the colors are fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anonymous26 April 2008 at 6:09 am

    Beautiful and so difficult shot.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Petunia26 April 2008 at 6:53 am

    WOW! Love this one!

    Petunia's SWF

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  49. Anonymous26 April 2008 at 10:59 am

    This is best Sky Watch Friday picture this week.
    Great shot..

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  50. Neva26 April 2008 at 11:29 am

    This is awesome!! I tried to do lightning today but failed miserably!!!need to practice that shutter speed on a tripod I guess! Thanks for the blogger draft info..I have seen comments from other people but you actually told Scotty how to get there...I appreciate the info!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:33 am

    Hi chrome3d,

    I'm sure if you keep at it you'll be able to catch a good lightning shot one day. I look forward to seeing the photos you get in the future. If you're looking for something different to try, put the camera on 30-second exposure or bulb, and when a big lightning stike comes, stick a cap over the lens for the rest of the exposure. This helps avoid glare.

    Cheers,

    David

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  52. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:39 am

    Hi Daniel,

    Thanks for visiting, hope you have a great weekend. Did you remember Anzac day in America yesterday?

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  53. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:55 am

    Hi Chrisss,

    No problem, it was a pleasure to drop by and see your lovely work. Thanks for returning to visit here. See you soon!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  54. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:55 am

    Hi Dewdrop,

    I'm glad you enjoyed the shot. That purple colour is amazing - I wonder what causes it.....?

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  55. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:56 am

    Hi Gattina,

    Thanks for visiting, have a great weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  56. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:57 am

    Hi babooshka,

    Sometimes to get good photos you have to take risks. It's just up to you how far you go! I'm glad you like this picture, thanks for dropping round. Good luck with your lightning captures!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  57. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:58 am

    Hi Cherie,

    Glad you can appreciate the feeling of this shot. It's certainly awesome when you can stand there and feel and see the lightning, even better than the photo.

    CHeers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  58. Unknown26 April 2008 at 11:59 am

    Hi Dot,

    Thanks for visiting. I appreciate your taking the time to comment on the post, it's very easy to just look and not give a comment too. Have a nice weekend!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  59. Unknown26 April 2008 at 12:00 pm

    Hi Luiz Ramos,

    Thanks for visiting. I hope you have a lot of success in the future with getting lightning shots yourself, it is certainly a rewarding experience (so long as you survive it! :) )

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  60. Unknown26 April 2008 at 12:02 pm

    Hi Petunia,

    Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment. Have a nice weekend!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  61. Unknown26 April 2008 at 12:04 pm

    Hi Guild-rez,

    Thank you so much for your great compliment, it's certainly a great honour to be considered the best SWF picture. I hope you have great success in your photography in the future, SWF and beyond.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  62. Unknown26 April 2008 at 12:06 pm

    Hi Neva,

    I'm sorry to hear that your lightning shots failed. A sturdy tripod is essential for the slow shutter speed. Just drop me a line if you need some help, and I'll try and give you some advice if you continue to find it difficult. What I've found most important though is just practice!

    Glad you found the Blogger in Draft info useful too. I'm using that all the time now, it's certainly a very useful feature.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  63. chanpheng26 April 2008 at 5:17 pm

    Very impressive shot!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Unknown26 April 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Hi chanpheng,

    Thanks for dropping round and commenting. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Have a great weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  65. FO - 226 April 2008 at 10:42 pm

    Amazing shot!
    Great! :)))

    ReplyDelete
  66. Katarina26 April 2008 at 11:40 pm

    Wow, that's an amazing shot! The power of nature...
    /Katarina

    ReplyDelete
  67. Davidlind27 April 2008 at 5:49 am

    Excellent shot. We don't talk much but I follow your stuff with interest . And this post is top of the line not just for the photo but the commentary as well.
    I might be having problems passing the captcha test. Why do these damn things have to be so difficult. One plus One equals two would do the job.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Unknown27 April 2008 at 10:41 am

    Hi ida,

    I'm glad you enjoyed this lightning shot, thanks for leaving your feedback. Hope you have a great weekend.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  69. Unknown27 April 2008 at 10:42 am

    Hi Katarina,

    The power indeed, it is amazing to see, I'm glad you could enjoy the photo and get this out of it.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  70. Unknown27 April 2008 at 10:45 am

    Hi Davidlind,

    Thanks for leaving a comment. I too don't have much time to comment on peoples blogs (sorry!) but I do subscribe to your blog and read it. I'm having trouble right now with the CAPTCHA too, maybe Google's changed it or something. Anyway, I might have a go at removing it and see if I start getting Spam. One of these days I'll get around to changing to Wordpress where I can have real control of my blog! :)

    All the best with your blogging/photography, hope to see you again soon.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  71. Anonymous28 April 2008 at 3:09 am

    I really liked all the photos on your site, but the dove is special.
    You have a great gift. I so enjoyed my visit here.
    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Unknown28 April 2008 at 3:41 pm

    Hi ga.farmgirl,

    Thanks for your visit, and your comment. I'm certainly glad you enjoyed your visit here, thanks for giving your feedback. Hope you have a great day too.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  73. Hilary29 April 2008 at 1:13 am

    I absolutely love thunder storms. That's a great capture.. a true beauty of a shot.

    Sent here by the en-lightning David McMahon.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Anonymous29 April 2008 at 6:57 am

    Wow is an understatement. That photo beats the other lightning one hollow! It is so alive!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Unknown30 April 2008 at 8:01 pm

    Hi hilary,

    Thanks for telling me about Dave's post - I wasn't aware of the fact that this photo had recieved the "post of the day" award. I'm glad you could enjoy this photo, loving thunderstorms.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  76. Unknown30 April 2008 at 8:23 pm

    Hi anonymous,

    Thanks for sharing your comment. I'm about to update my sidebar with this photo - I agree with you, it beats the other one hollow!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  77. Liam the Hawk2 May 2008 at 1:00 pm

    WOW! Amazing shot! Great colours!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Unknown5 May 2008 at 5:39 pm

    Hi Liam the hawk,

    Thanks for visiting. I'm glad you could take the time to comment. The colours did turn out pretty good, IMHO, although the saturation was adjusted. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this pic.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  79. Unknown10 May 2008 at 3:18 am

    Fabulous site. Thank you for bringing some beauty into this rather dull day.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Unknown10 May 2008 at 8:42 pm

    Hi birdy,

    I'm glad you could really appreciate this shot, hope it brought light into your day.

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  81. Unknown10 May 2008 at 8:43 pm

    Hi karan,

    I'm glad I could help, sorry it's been a dull day though. Try looking at nature in a different way every day and you shouldn't be bored. :)

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  82. Anonymous11 May 2008 at 4:53 pm

    Wow is right!
    I miss the T-storms I grew up with as a child.
    You did a super job of caturing the electricity!
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  83. Unknown12 May 2008 at 4:40 pm

    Hi loraleigh vance,

    Thanks for visiting, I'm glad you could enjoy these photos. Hope you get some more lightning storms like the one in this photo again soon!

    Cheers,

    David

    ReplyDelete
  84. Anonymous17 August 2008 at 4:21 pm

    AMAZING,I wonder how did you took that photo

    ReplyDelete

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