Tuesday, August 23, 2011

CATCHING THE FLASHING LIGHT




I was standing on my porch Sunday night trying to capture a piece of mother nature's light show. It had not started to rain yet so I thought the timing was right to photograph some of the lightning flashes that were constantly filling the sky. 


I used my camera with the video accessory  and started filming. I then stepped inside to see if what I thought I had taken turned out. No, it had not. The flashing light from the lightning was too fast for my camera. 


My son suggested we take a screen shot of what I had captured and turn it into a still photograph.  The photo above is the result.  


I think this photo tells a story about powerful storms. Just before the lightning flashed  -- all was completely black outside. Then a lightning flash occurred -- during which the mountains a mile away could be seen from my porch.The flash only lasted a nano-second but light illuminated all of the southern sky from my viewpoint. Beauty in a volatile stormy sky! I had captured the nano-second, not in a video as I wanted but in a still shot. This was just fine with me -- it is all a learning process.


The time was about 10 PM and it was starting to pour. The thunder was close overhead and occasionally making those threatening ripping sounds. I sat back in my comfortable chair - listening , watching, and enjoying the show.

16 comments:

  1. I love a good storm. Why is that?

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  2. Farmchick -- I know several folks that love a good storm. Perhaps it's the cocoon comfort of being in your sheltered spot and maybe a bit of drama with the all the noise and flashing too. Thanks -- barbara

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  3. Barbara, this is really a fantastic picture. It's so intriguing how you were able to catch the light even if you didn't catch the bolt.

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  4. What a neat photo. The light at the bottom left really feels like a safe, inviting haven from the mysterious night. I'm glad you were safe and could enjoy the storm passing through.

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  5. Hello Barbara:
    What an absolutely fascinating image. Such electric storms as you experienced really do demonstrate the power and unpredictability of Nature. They are not uncommon during the summer months here in Hungary.

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  6. Ya, turn off the TV and just watch the show. Neat!

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  7. Storms are so fascinating. The last great forntier. Just watch out you don't end as toast.
    Dianne

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  8. It's fascinating how still photography gives us a chance to see things that we don't even notice, otherwise. That is a stunning photo, catching the light after the lightening, when most of us are already looking for the next bolt.

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  9. DIANNE -- i'M VERY CAREFUL. STORM CENTER ON THE SIDE BAR OF BIG 70 BLOG HAS SOME FANTASTIC SHOTS OF STORMS, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK IT OUT. -- barbara

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  10. Birdman -- If I had a TV I would turn it off. Thanks for the nice comment -- barbara

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  11. Lance and Jane -- I hope you get the same type of excitement from your storms as many people here do. I wish I knew more about storms. Thanks -- barbara

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  12. Sheri -- Looks like a hurricane is headed toward the east coast. I hope you are far enough away that you won't experience it first hand. -- barbara

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  13. Linda -- Oklahoma must be quite a storm center. Your winds sound terrific in force. All I remember about Oklahoma is the insidious dust storms from the depression era. Thanks -- barbara

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  14. We often sit on the porch to watch the light show -- how I'd love to be able to capture one of those multi-pronged bolts!

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  15. Vicki -- When you do catch the three pronger, I hope you put it on your post -- barbara

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  16. Barbara, thanks for thinking of me. We're well away from that area though, thankfully.

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