Preparation matters most

Lightning photography is less about reacting quickly and more about preparing before the storm reaches its most active phase. Safety always comes first: work from a sheltered location, keep away from exposed ground and never use a tripod in an open field during an active storm.

Camera settings

• Mode: Manual
• ISO: 100–400 to preserve highlight detail
• Aperture: usually f/5.6–f/8 for sharpness and depth
• Shutter speed: 2–10 seconds at night; shorter exposures or a lightning trigger in brighter conditions
• Focus: manual focus, set carefully on a distant building or landscape feature

Composition and timing

Choose a wide view with a strong foreground or skyline, but leave enough space above the horizon for the bolts. Use a sturdy tripod, turn off image stabilisation when the camera is mounted, and make a sequence of exposures rather than waiting for a single perfect frame.

Working method

I check the histogram regularly and adjust the exposure before highlights become clipped. If the storm is distant, a longer exposure often gives the best chance of recording several strikes in one frame. When lightning becomes very frequent, shorten the shutter time and keep the camera running continuously.

Patience is crucial. The most dramatic image often appears after the composition and exposure are already correctly set.

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