How to take a lightning photo

Equipment needed

Camera

Digital single-lens reflex camera, other cameras are fine, but a digital single-lens reflex gives you more freedom in shooting.

Tripod

This is a must. Since you will be taking long exposures, make sure it is firmly fixed.

Release

Press the shutter release button directly on the camera to prevent the angle of view from changing or the camera from shaking.

Good equipment to have

ND Filter

A filter used to reduce the amount of light entering a digital camera.

Wide angle lens

The wider the angle of view, the greater the chance of capturing lightning.

Points to consider when shooting

Good conditions for shooting

• Safe place : A safe observatory with a wide field of view or indoors in an apartment building. Indoors, your equipment will not be exposed to the elements.
• Nighttime : Nighttime is easier to photograph.
• A place with little ground light such as street lamps

Camera settings

• Lens aperture : F8 to F16
• Shutter speed : B (Bulb)
• ISO : About 100 to 400
• Zoom : Use the maximum wide angle
• When shooting indoors, cover the space between the lens and the window glass with a black cloth to prevent unnecessary reflections from showing up. You can also use a blackout curtain and a piece of cardboard.

The above settings are not absolute. Adjust the settings according to the shooting conditions.

Shooting method

Point the camera in the direction you think lightning will strike and press and hold the release button for about 30 to 60 seconds. Even if lightning does not strike while you are holding down the release, release the button after 60 seconds and move on to the next shot. There are many different types of lightning flashes, so be patient and experiment with more than just the conditions described here.

Things to keep in mind when shooting

Since you will be shooting for a long time, please pay attention to the following to ensure your own safety.

• Shoot in a safe place. It is very dangerous to shoot on large grounds or on the roof of a building. If you are going to shoot outdoors, please do so in a place where you can hide, such as in a car.
• Unlike summer evening thunderstorms (heat thunderstorms), winter thunderstorms and thunderstorms caused by passing fronts (field thunderstorms) are widespread and difficult to read. Be very careful when shooting.

After that, if you have luck and energy, you will be able to take beautiful pictures.