Monsoon Season in Arizona

[Tucson T4R]

Here are some lightning shots I captured from last night's storm.

 

[Capt Eddie]

What is in that area to attract the lightning. It looks like it hit the same location. Can you go there and see damage?

 

[Tucson T4R]

What is in that area to attract the lightning. It looks like it hit the same location. Can you go there and see damage?

Good point, I hadn't noticed that until you pointed it out. There is not much in that direction but rolling hills and residential neighborhoods. Based on the rain depth in front of the strikes I am guessing they were different distances from me but in the same direction. Lots of tall palm trees get hit around here during the monsoon storms.

 

[Lost Canadian]

Wow, there's some killer light going on in many of these photo's! To say I'm jealous would be a bit of an understatement. Keep the photos coming!

 

[wikid]

Talk about raising the bar... there are some great shots here. I will have to pull out the big dog camera to show something worthy of the very nice photography on display here
I am really enjoying this thread

 

[adi]

I went out 2 days ago, but didn't get any good shots. The lightning was too far away from where I was unfortunately.

I did learn a few things.
1) I realllllly need a filter to protect the lens.
2) Its a good idea not to venture too far from my shelter (truck), or I'll be running with my camera and tripod through heavy rain trying to save them.
3) ~2 hours of shooting was 2.5gb of pictures.
4) while waiting out the rain it would be nice to get some of those ugly window trim pieces so I could crack the windows.
5) taking pretty pictures is tough

 

[fangars]

I went out 2 days ago, but didn't get any good shots. The lightning was too far away from where I was unfortunately.

I did learn a few things.
1) I realllllly need a filter to protect the lens.
2) Its a good idea not to venture too far from my shelter (truck), or I'll be running with my camera and tripod through heavy rain trying to save them.
3) ~2 hours of shooting was 2.5gb of pictures.
4) while waiting out the rain it would be nice to get some of those ugly window trim pieces so I could crack the windows.
5) taking pretty pictures is tough

http://products.lowepro.com/product/CompuTrekker-Plus-AW,1925,16.htm
I have a Lowepro to protect my gear.
Has come in handy more then a few times. There will be hikes where you just can not bring your vehicle.
Get a separate bag for you tripod.
I have an all metal tripod, I have abandoned it a couple times as lightning storms blew past in New Mexico.
My tripod is probably the biggest reason I do not have any lightning shots.

 

[ttora4runner]

The pictures of the lighting are awesome.

 

[Pskhaat]

Here are some lightning shots I captured from last night's storm.

At least you're getting storms down there.

 

[fangars]

 

[adi]

Here is my first shot from the other night.



As far as the gear, I currently have a Lowepro fastpack, but the Mini Mag AW looks like it is the best option when I don't want the backpack. I really just need a all weather shoulder bag for the body, attached lens, and maybe a cloth or two. My tripod is also metal, and so far I've been in a good position to be safe using it. I just use the factory bag that came with it, I'm not too worried about getting it wet.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Coolio, ya got one! :victory:

I'm looking forward to later in the week when the storms are supposed to start getting active again. Now that I finally figured out how to capture lightning, I'm hoping to get some good ones this season.

 

[fangars]

 

[Tucson T4R]

A few more from last night

Here are a few more lightning shots form last night. They turned out a little darker than I wanted. Being off in the distance I should have opened my aperture up a little more to capture a little more light. Still fun though.

 

[Cabrito]

Stunning!

Great shots people!