[photo-3d] Lightning

[markaren@xxxxxxxxx]

The lightning thread disappeared before I had a chance to strike. :-) I
have a successful lightning photo ( and fireworks photos ) by using a
technique I call the " indian smoke signal."
The problem is leaving the shutter open too long, and gathering up too
much ambient light before the strikes can be recorded. Here's a way to
solve the problem. 
1) reduce ambient light behind the camera as much as possible. Set up
the camera so it is pitch black behind you.
2) use a flat black piece of cardboard, construction paper
etc......leave the shutter open while covering the lenses with the
cardboard.
3) as the sky illuminates just before a lightning strike, or when it
feels right to you, very quickly lift the cardboard away in a vertical
direction. DO NOT move the board in a horizontal or diagonal
direction......very rapidly in a vertical direction
4) return the cardboard to covering the lenses and repeat the technique
for the next strike.
Lightning is much more elusive than fireworks, but during an active
storm chances are good that you will capture a strike without washing
out the photo with ambient light.
Why no light behind you? Even a flat black item will reflect light back
into the lenses. I learned this the hard way. 
                                                   Mark Dottle


http://community.webtv.net/markaren/USVIEWSExchangeFolio