New to lightning with the FZ1000?

Flycaster

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The lightning season is about to start here in SoFL and I'd like to try to take a few shots. I've done some internet reading on how to capture lightning scenes, but as I'm new to the camera (and just developing a renewed interest in photography,) I have a question or two to ask about using the FZ1000.

Camera is mounted on a tripod. No remote release. Manual mode, focused on infinity. Planning on using f/5-f/5.6 with a shutter speed of 30s, RAW/JPEG. I understand composition for this type of shot.

Is this a reasonable set-up?

With this approach, do I start the capture process when I see the lightning or when I think lightning will occur?

Assuming I start when lightning starts, what I don't understand is the lightning lasts maybe a few seconds, but the aperture is open for 30s, so aren't things messed up with the aperture being opened longer than actually needed?

Lastly, get me back on base if I'm running out of the base-path.
 
30 seconds might be too long, almost for sure if during daytime thunder storm. I think you should be somewhere in the 5-10 seconds range. I would probably also shoot it in time-lapse mode. That will minimize missing out on strikes. Depending on the intensity of the lightning you'll have to adjust your settings so you don't overexpose. Some trial and error testing will be needed.

I live in S. Fl. as well and have long wanted to shoot lightning. Problem is getting a good vantage point for me. Shooting from ground level requires a lot of open space to get far enough views or up from a building.
 
maybe you could take a 4 k video and then grab the shot;s from the video

just a thought

have a look at my video grabs if you want to click on original under each picture

 
My settings were for night-time lightning, but you are right in that I'd have to adjust for day-time shots. Now, time-lapse shooting does seem like a good choice.
 
Extracting stills from 4K video has to be the way to go.
 
I would think 30 seconds might be too long.

Maybe 2 to 10 seconds.

Catching lightning is more about patience, than anything.

Lightning strikes too fast, to wait, and try to press the shutter as soon as you see it.

Some years back I took an early nap, only to be woken by loud noises......thought it was noisy neighbors, but found out it was thunder!

So, for the next 45 minutes, I tried to capture the lightning. It was happening a few times, within a minute, or so it seemed.

Leaning camera (then LX3) against window ledge, I patiently tried many attempts to capture the 'light show' I saw that night. I was inside, not outside, lol.



Trying shutter speeds from 1 to 10 seconds, and varying the shutter time, as I shot.



Here's the result:



b52109c5e2f2405dbe6c98c9ba105d99.jpg

Oh , do enable burst mode...and take many, many shots!

This one above was at 2.5 seconds, and cropped a bit.

ANAYV
 
The exact time depends on the scene and how much ambient light there is. if you are in a bright city vs in a dark country area.

I use 15- 30 seconds usually. longer time gives you leeway to paint a foreground with light if so desired.



p105215912-5.jpg




p8554509-5.jpg




p84791402-5.jpg




--
Kevin Coppalotti
 
Great catch!

Bill
 
Spectacular, Kevin!

Bill
The exact time depends on the scene and how much ambient light there is. if you are in a bright city vs in a dark country area.

I use 15- 30 seconds usually. longer time gives you leeway to paint a foreground with light if so desired.

p105215912-5.jpg


p8554509-5.jpg


p84791402-5.jpg


--
Kevin Coppalotti
http://maxhr.zenfolio.com/


--
Bill
(not "Brian" - he's my deceased dog which I loved dearly)
I'm not a pro. Images I post, except people pix, are unrestricted for non-profit only. Please do not redistribute any of the people pix I post. C&C always welcome and encouraged - I'm not touchy about the negative comments. https://www.flickr.com/photos/118214307@N08/
 

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