Landscape Photography - Using Long Exposure to Shoot Lightning
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- čas přidán 23. 03. 2017
- Usually we get our weather here in Perth come in from the west or south, but around about this time of year, every now and then, we get weather come down from the north. As a landscape photographer, I always get a little excited, not because of the large clouds that form over the hills or the large drops of rain that start to fall, but because of the flashes of light that start to dance in amongst the clouds. This tropical weather produces the ideal conditions for tropical storms…I can’t think of a better time to grab my camera and get out shooting.
The radar tells me that the storms are forming over the hills and will be heading south. So I drive up to Toodyay which is situated in the hills of the Darling Range at the edge of the Wheat Belt.
While there’s still some light, I scout around the area for locations that will give me a good look out over the landscape as the storms pass by. When considering a good location I take into account three things; 1, vicinity to the lightning as it passes, 2. make sure nothing is obstructing the view of the storm, 3. and if possible a foreground with some interest, or perhaps a leading line to add to the image.
As the storm approaches, I discover a spot of the side of the road overlooking some farm land. I position the trip and set up the Nikon D800 camera with the 17-35mm lens. I don’t need polarisers or filters, just the lens hood to protect the front glass from catching any drops of rain…I don’t want any droplet makes on my final images.
Shooting lightning is a little like fishing. The longer you have you line in the water the likely you’ll be to catch something. Sae goes for lightning, the more you have the shutter open the more likely you’ll catch the lightning. I use a few different techniques to time the shutter with the lightning. First, I use the intervalometer, that I didn’t think that was very successful as I couldn’t control the timing. So I changed to a manual technique with the camera in mirror up mode and using my cable shutter to fire the shots when I thought the next lightning was about to strike.
When the light decreased, I change slightly again to a method using blub mode, which allowed me to slow the shutter down to 1 or 2 minutes, which enabled me to capture multiple lightning strikes for a more impressive image.
Read more information about my Landscape Photography at www.andrewmarr.com.au
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If you are interested in how I approach post-processing, take a look at the following videos:
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I would love to hear your feedback on the video, if you have any questions or if you found this helpful or entertaining, please let me know in the comments below.
If you think others would enjoy this content, please share the link to this video or any of my others videos.
Thank you for your support! :)
Your patience is unbreakable. It's true great things come to those who wait. Great cinematography and results photographs. Thank you for your knowledge and inspiration.
One of my favourite videos you have done Andrew
I think I have just found one of my favourite CZcams-channels. Amazing photo's!
That's very nice feedback to receive Stef, thanks for that!
Excellent video with great captures and instructions. I really appreciate the amount of training you are able to give in relatively short videos. Never boring.
Thanks for taking the time to have a look at some of the earlier videos, thanks also for the feedback! 👍
I could binge watch al your vedios! I loved this one, because the photos are sooo beautiful and moody! Wow!
Coming up from behind a storm is a very good idea. Thanks
That vlog is as good as it gets Andrew. I’m very much a beginner and your work is the standard I’d love to reach. Thank you for you time and effort putting this together because it really does help beginners like myself 👍
Thanks for contributing! Enjoyed a lot!
Thanks Jim, appreciate the feedback, thank for your comment!
Great shots...the ultimate light painting!! Can't wait for the next storm to pass through our area so I can give this a try
Haha, you're right Ged...the ultimate! Best of luck with your next storm mate, not only can it result in some wonderful unique images, but there's something exciting being out in these sorts of conditions, cheers!
Amazing work yet again. These are stunning.
Cheers Tim, it's was heaps of fun. I enjoy these moments when you not sure if it's all going to work, but it puts a little pressure one from the video perspective. Thankfully things turned out in the end, thanks mate!
Great video. Loved that you explained the different techniques used to capture the lightning.
Wow - this was a great video and there are not so many out there on capturing lightning - you did a bang on job Andrew! Thank you for taking us along with you. The images were beautiful 👏🏻
Thanks very much Kim, that's very kind of you to say. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd be successfully, doing a video of lightning has it's risks (and I'm not talking safety) as I could walk away with nothing, but luckily it worked out. I'm glad you enjoyed it, thank you! :)
That opening time lapse!! Could be straight out of a National Geographic documentary. Amazing job Andrew!
Wow, haha, thanks for you comment that's very kind. Not bad for an iPhone time-lapse, thanks again! :)
Loved this vlog, brought back memories of my youth around those towns. Great shots but I wouldn't be brave enough
Thanks so much that has explained how they get such good shots , love the local stuff , I live in York .
Top drawer video and top drawer pics. Pleasure to watch, especially the opening scene.
That's very kind you to say, thanks so much for that feedback.
Wow. Wonderful shots!
Thanks so much Lars.
Thanks Andrew. I live in Arizona, our monsoon season is ideal for capturing lightening shots. I've found that a bit of experimentation works well for getting the shot, very similar to your technique. I always try to be away from the main storm, but it's not always possible, and you not only get a bit of a soaking, but put yourself in harm's way by being a lightening rod. I'm not into damaging my equipment either, tho I use a rain coat for my camera, and use quality sealed lenses. I've gotten many a shot in bulb mode, usually less than a minute. Many at 30 seconds or less. It is a lot of fun as you say, and some of the shots are amazing. Thank you for the video on your technique on how you get the shot, not many online to see how its done.
Incredibly beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much Trinley, I appreciate your wonderful feedback!
A great explanation of methodology, the shots came out great and I picked up a few tips. Really nice timelapse at the start too.
Thank you very much, great to hear you found the video informative, the time-lapse was just taken on my iPhone but is one of my favourite parts of this video as well!
I can only imagine being this good. Excellent work.
Haha, that's very kind of you to say Deborah. I have to admit to you though that half the work is just being in the right place at the right time. Thank you for your comment! :)
Nice techniques and strategy resulting in some excellent lightning shots. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.
Thanks David for the moment mate, glad you found this informative and you enjoyed the images!
I always click thumbs up before watching your videos as I know they are going to be great.This one is no exception. Cracking, jobs a good en !
Cheers Paul, that's very kind of you. Thanks for the support mate! :)
Brilliant Video, Beautiful pictures, very well explained.... Thanks....
Great video, very informative and inspirational. Loved all you photos
Excellent images and a great video too Andrew, one of the best I've seen recently.
That's very kind of Steve, thanks very much mate! :)
i realy cant get enough of you videos ! they are so wonderful
Thanks so much, really glad you're enjoying them!
Great video, Andrew! Some cracking images there. Following behind the storm seems to be the way to go. :)
Thanks a lot Jon, I'm keen to give this another go. Evidently the best approach is to position yourself close to where the storm will pass and capture the lightning as it goes by. The disadvantage of being behind the storm is your always chasing it as it goes away from you.
Great video! You got a lot of really awesome images. I really loved the vertical with the lightning and the stars.
Thanks Brent, that's very kind of you to say mate. The last shot almost didn't happen as the rain was coming in fast behind me. I was sure if the star would turn out as there was still some light in the sky.
Your photos are mind blowing, Andrew. I've learned so much from them. I just finished a trip around ring road in Iceland and I used a lot of the tips and tricks you've spoken about on your channel. I can't wait to get back home to edit these.
So glad i was browsing the comment section on one of Peter McKinnon's videos because that way i found your channel. Amazing work, sir!
luka_____ thanks Luka, very happy you found my comment. Welcome to my channel. Love Peter's work. It's sometimes a bit of a challenge for small channels to get their content out there. Great to have you on board! :)
Bravo....!
Thanks very much Paulo! :)
Beautiful photo's Andrew, superb video.
Thanks David, glad you enjoyed this video, thought I'd try something a little different! :)
Nice work Andrew, I like the overhead views as well as the actual still images.
Great shots. Congratulations. Nice work.
Thanks very much Joao, glad you enjoy this!
Hi from north wales in the uk,Just stumbled across your channel mate love your videos going make a coffee and chill watch as many as I can tonight brilliant work,
Hi Paul, first welcome to my channel and thanks for subscribing mate. Glad to hear you're enjoying the videos. Grabbing a coffee sounds relaxing. Just make sure you have some breaks (I imagine I can get a bit much after a while :)) Thanks so much for leaving a comment!
Wow they turned out great
Thanks so much Francis, I wish I had more chances to capture lightning.
Nice. Great pictures, it was interesting watching your thought processes and how you set up the shots. Thanks for sharing!
Top Notch, very ice images.
A BIG thumbs up on this video! With spring just starting and the weather changing you have inspired me to take a stab at it. I know just the locations I will use. Thanks Andrew!
Appreciate that James, thanks mate. Do you get many storms around where you live? It can be a little hit and miss for some storms, but this one did all the right things. Let me know if you capture anything, I'd love to see!
A lot of weather to be had but not always lightning. I will let you know when I get something worthwhile.
Love love love your video on capturing lightning. This has been one of my passions and have only had the opportunity to get a few lightning strikes since taking up photography in August last year. Thank you Andrew for a great video 👍
Thanks very much Leanne for your lovely feedback, I glad to know you enjoyed it. Hopefully there's some tips to help you capture the lightning when you get your next chance, be safe! :)
Amazing photos, great vid!
Thanks Tyler, appreciate your comments mate!
I really enjoy the artistry you bring to your presentation. It is a great way to learn and enjoy!
Thanks so much Thomas, I so glad you enjoy the way the videos are presented. I not only want the videos to be informative but also entertaining, so that's great feedback thank you! :)
Really enjoyed this Andrew, thanks for sharing with us. That last exposure with the starry sky coming in was lovely. Would've been the icing on the cake to have a tractor or hay bales just for a bit of foreground but still very nice. Next time there's a wild HK storm I shall venture out
Amazing weather glad you were out to capture it.
Thanks, it was amazing conditions, well worth the drive, cheers! :)
Really like this one and lovely shots!! Keep snapping!
Thanks so much, great to hear you enjoyed this video and the images. Thanks for commenting, will do! :)
Not seen all that many of your clips but seen other similar where they have way too much filler (like long drawn out drone footage back and forth etc), talk little to nothing about the scene, thought about composition or camera setups that might work at that case.
Very inspirational channel.
Thanks very much Ramazan, that's fantastic feedback to hear! :)
Amazing Andrew! Congratulations for bringing us this exciting theme.
Thanks so much for your comment! :)
Amazing shots!
Thanks so much! :)
You got some bangers there well done.
What a drama in the sky! Now you have motivated me to go for a storm chase. I will definitely give it a go!
Thanks very much, a little drama always makes for a good image. It's great to hear you are motivated to get out a try this, it's what these videos are all about, so that's great feedback, thank you. Let me know if you capture anything! :)
Awesome Andrew, thanks for the great insight ......
Pleasure Dave, glad you enjoyed it, thanks for commenting!
Excellent lightning shots Andrew!
Thanks vey much Nigel! :)
Nice pictures and description.
l may try it.
Good job Andrew.
Thanks Udaya, glad you enjoy this one. Thanks for your comment, best of luck! :)
Wow, I never fail to learn something from your video's, what an awesome way to capture lightning. I loved that last image with the contrast of the clear sky with the clouds and lightning, awesome.👍👍👍👍
That's fantastic, I so pleased the videos are helpful, thanks Tim! :)
That last image with the stars in the sky looks absolutely amazing, well done! Loved the rest of the images and the video too, some looked almost post-apocalyptic.
Andrew, catching up on your previous releases quite a bit today and I have to say, these were stunning. Along with your vlogs prior to this where you put up some great images of the sea and the power of the waves, your ability to show the true power of nature is fantastic and again shows another theme to think about in terms of photography
Cheers Scotty, looks like you've been going through the back catalogue, hope you've been enjoying the old videos! Thanks for your feedback mate!
Stunning images! Great job!
Thanks so much Marko, appreciate the feedback mate! :)
Great shots!
Well done. Very impressive.
Very clever - great dialogue, wonderful images. Thanks for all you share!
Hey thanks for the positive feedback Alan, I appreciate you commenting, thank you! :)
Amazing pic Andrew!
Thanks very much! :)
hey great video. i cant help but see paintings where you see photographs. Love that drone.
Thanks David. How are you at painting lightning? :)
Hi Andrew, I rarely use this word but the opening time lapse was epic! And the storm chasing was really refreshing. It's something that we don't see every day on photo channels so I really enjoyed it.
Thank you very much Marieta, it's so wonderful to hear your feedback. That means a lot, so thank you again! :)
Another great video:)
Wow what a great video Andrew,i love the time lapse and the drone work is great,but them images of the lighting are truly stunning.Like to see how you set it up,as i tried before and wasn't quick enough to catch it,but seeing this ,i will give it a go .Cheers for sharing this with up,they are getting better all the time .
Thanks Iain, it always great to get your thoughts mate. The time-lapse was captured with a iPhone, amazing little cameras! I keep working on the drone footage as I think it bring such a unique perspective to the video. I appreciate your ongoing support mate. Best of capture that lightning.
super work Andrew, the images worked awesome,
appreciate you work on this, well done cheers
Thanks again Rick, always love getting your comments, how did your photo exhibition go?
Its coming on the Mothers day weekend Andrew, so much work to do yet lol
Hi Andrew, Let me say first of all that I am a huge fan! This video has been one of my favourites. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards Eric (from the Rock of Gibraltar)
Thanks very much Eric, really appreciate your kind feedback mate. So glad you enjoy this one, it was a little risky but it all turned out in the end. :)
Thanks for sharing this. I have been wanting to start photographing lightening storms but wasn't sure the right approach to doing so as far camera settings. Great video. Photo's look fantastic! Thanks.
Hi Andrew, great video with some very good images. I would say that the trip to Toodyay was well worth the drive. Thanks for posting.
Thanks David, it's been a while since I drove up there and it's not too far away. I should really visit more often.
wow. great job Andrew! images look amazing! (and great choice of music in this video too) 🙂
Hey thanks Alex, it's very helpful for me to know what people enjoy in the videos, so thanks for your feedback mate!
That last image is amazing! Great job!
Thanks so much Jesse, really glad you enjoyed this, thank you! :)
This is by far my favourite video of yours, amazing images, really inspiring. Wish we got storms like that in Ireland but they are very rare here.
That's wonderful to hear Damien, thanks for your feedback mate. You may not get these storms, but I'm envious of the drama cliffs and landscape you get in Ireland, a place I'd love to visit one day! :)
Fabulous opening time lapses, really interesting and informative and great images. Thank you!
Thanks Val, the intro time-lapse was one of my favourite parts of the video. The light was amazing, I just captured with my iPhone and knew I had to include it in this video. Glad to hear you enjoyed the images, cheers! :)
Great video as always Andrew. Love your drone work and your images are beautiful. I look forward to your next video.
Thanks John, glad to enjoyed the drone footage, I'm still work hard on improving that aspect of the videos (perhaps that's just the excuse I use to fly that thing more). Not sure what I'll do for the next video, hopefully I'll come up with something soon!
Maybe a video on drone work. Advice for guys like me who may be considering a drone. Tips for flying and filming. Hope this helps get creative juices flowing.
love the last image
Thanks Mohd, as the light faded, the stars started to appear in the images. It was a great time for the lightning to pass by! :)
Great video... I'm hoping to catch some lightning here in soggy England but cannot remember the last time I saw a good storm! :)
great shots mate well done
Thanks very much Andy!
awesome shots!
Thanks for that Barr! 👍
Excellent video and some great photos. Thanks!
Thank you Granville, great you hear you enjoyed it! :)
Great shots Andrew, and good tips on shutter speeds.
Thanks Andy, appreciate your feedback! :)
Great work mate
Cheers Billy!
Thanks for the video!
Absolutely amazing , you deserve get more subcribes .
Hi Andrew great to see a West Aussie putting it out there.
I like what you're doing. A few years ago I looked into getting a device that sits on your hot-shoe which activates the shutter when lightning is detected. Think they come from Colorado for about $400. Saw some awesome lighntng storms at West Angelas when I worked there some years ago. Absolutely scary they were so close.
Hey thanks Michael, glad your enjoying the WA content mate. I have seen a few devices that trigger the shutter when lightning detected, I've always wondered how effective they were. Yeah, I lived up in the Pilbara for 8 years, saw some cracking storms. You would have seen some awesome lightning inland though!
Thank you.
Superb Andrew, loved it.
Cheers Rexx, great to hear you enjoy this, thank you!
great vid & stunning shots mate thanks for the tips & happy chasing.
Thanks so much for that! 👍
Incredible images!
Thanks very much Lisa! :)
Cheers from Nova Scotia, Canada! :)
Great job
Thank you Hu!
Very interesting video!
Thanks for your comment Phil! :)
A very enjoyable video - excellent commentary and some wonderful images. Subscribed!
Thank you, firstly welcome to my channel and thank you for subscribing. I appreciate the support!
stunning video and photos Andrew.... amazing footage. heart warming. Well done on the research to chase the storm/lightening. beautiful country side. I see you are making good use of the mavic. We had a storm in Cape Town, I managed a few good shot of the sea but not of the lightening. I was too scared in the open space.
Hi mate, thank you for your kind feedback! The country areas are beautiful across Western Australia, I'll hopefully start sharing more these locations in future videos. Loving the Mavic Pro, definitely my favourite purchase in the past year. You are right to be cautious around the lightning, I was being very careful not to put myself in danger.
love the video,really inspired
Thank you for your comment Wallace!
This is a great Video make me want to have a storm so I can go out .........Love the videos you do and try some of the tec's you do....
Thanks Brian, appreciate your comments. It's great to learn that the videos are motivating others to try this out. It's one of things that drives me to make content like this, so that's great feedback, thanks!
Great video (lecture) and outstanding results. Excellent work, Andrew and thanks for sharing.
Cheers Tom, sorry if I get a little lecture like, I'll try and keep it a little more casual in future!
I didn't mean it in negative way at all. It was nice to see how you approached it for the first time describing your thoughts and process. Many people would do it in similar way, I believe, and it was both informative and tutoring which is great. Thanks again.
Very neat video... I am going to try an outing on a day with lightning and see what I can accomplished. Your videos are quite informative and insperational. Neat photographs too on IG.
Thanks you Denis, appreciate you leaving a comment mate. Best of luck chasing down a storm. It can sometimes be very challenging but also extremely rewarding! :)
Amazing and duly subscribed amazing production great pics bravo old bean..
Cheers mate, welcome to my channel Shaun and thanks for subscribing! :)
This video is so well put together! You sir just earned a new subscriber. Can't wait to check out your other videos! :D
That's awesome! Welcome to the channel and thanks for subscribing Lando. So glad you enjoyed this video mate, I hope you enjoy the others! 👍
Great images Andrew. I love the time lapse at the first as well. I have a few more months till we have our storm season. I live in Oklahoma so I'm right in the middle of tornado alley. I've chased them but never got any good images. We shall see if I get some this year.
Hey thanks Clint, the time-lapse was one of those moments when the light was perfect and did all the work. I actually took it on my iPhone and new I had to include it in the video. You guys can get some serious storms over there, spectacular images but dangerous work...be safe mate!