Mono Lake Lightning

Lighting from a storm over Mono Lake (Early July, 2002).

Taking pictures of lighting isn't that hard, given that one has a tripod. A cable release helps greatly (didn't think of it at the time and instead went for 30 second exposures and got some that had no strikes at all) - all you have to do is hold it open (bulb setting on the camera) until there is a strike or two (or as many as you want) and then release it and go on to the next frame. Don't worry about exposure much - the sky is dark and the lighting is bright - trying to meter the lighting is like trying to meter the sun. Fortunately, the strike is only for an instant.

Hat on top of the camera to keep it frong getting wet (and to make me know when I was -- there was a building about 50 yards behind me, and all around low scrub. Note: If while photographing lighting you feel the hair on your neck stand up, lie down. This wasn't an issue then, but its a good thing to remeber.)

Camera: Nikon N80
Film: Kodak Ektachrome 100
Lens: 17-35mm zoom (@17mm) @f/32
Shutter speed: 30 seconds