Re: [photo-3d] hyperstereo of lightening

[Brian Reynolds <reynolds@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hershel Saylor wrote:
> If it were my project, I would do it via radio control.
> By using RC servos connected to shutter release
> cables, you could trigger them together.
> 

Radio control during an electrical storm is a bad idea.  Besides the
antenna acting like a lightning rod, the electrical noise of the storm
is likely to cause radio interference.

A quick look at some storm chasing sites leaves me with the impression
that most people are using video cameras instead of still film
cameras.

> I recall some really good lightning shots that I saw a
> few years back.  The photographer described how
> the shot were taken.  When ready to shoot, he
> covered the lens with a black piece of cardboard
> and then opened the shutter.  He would then uncover
> the lens until he had what he thought was enough
> flashes then cover it and close the shutter.
> 
> I didn't understand why he chose this method, but his
> shots were incredible!!  I have tried to take lightning shots
> several times over the years and have nothing to show
> for my labor.
> 

This is known (among astronomers) as the hat trick.  By doing this you
eliminate camera vibrations caused by the mirror and shutter opening.

-- 
Brian Reynolds                  | "Dee Dee!  Don't touch that button!"
reynolds@xxxxxxxxx              | "Oooh!"
http://www.panix.com/~reynolds  |    -- Dexter and Dee Dee
NAR# 54438                      |       "Dexter's Laboratory"