Pueblo got hammered last eve by this vicious thunderstorm, most electric ive seen this summer. I lost power for 4 hours. Instead of taking the lazy approach of nightime shots, i sharpened my Jeopardy finger with these 1 sec. exposures.
#3; the wind is starting to pick up! #4 is my best--i think ill post it at ESS.
Good return from this storm--got about 7 lightning shots from around 30 attempts.
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 7, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Instead of taking the lazy approach of nightime shots...
HEY! I resemble that remark! I was thinking about you yesterday, Stan. I saw this storm brewing, and since I had to go to the north end anyways, I ran my errands, and then went and parked in a big open field where I had an unobstructed view of the storm's approach. I had a clear shot from the Wet Mountains to PW to Pikes Peak. You're right, it was one of the most electrified storms I'd seen in a while. Not as much lightning visible as what I could see when aided by darkness Sunday night, but the number of big, fat, dangerous bolts hitting the ground was amazing!
These shots are very cool, but the first one, for obvious reasons, is the pick of the litter.
Yeah, i saw this storm as i was finishing grocery shopping--i had to quick look at my PW map to try to find a good dirt road on the extreme n side so i could avoid the houses as much as possible--i wished i could have stayed out later to get some more, but decided to go to the gym instead (while i was waiting for power to be restored).
Posted by Nat Coalson on August 7, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Really nice work, Stan! The range of colors in the first shot is gorgeous...
Posted by Jack Brauer on August 7, 2007 at 12:01 PM
That first shot is incredible! Beautiful blues in that cloud.
Posted by Jody Grigg on August 7, 2007 at 12:37 PM
That first shot is a awesome, the swirling cloud and the bolt really got my attention, and foreground flowers were a beautiful touch. Were you shooting from inside your car, or did you expose yourself to mother nature (it's only fair, I suppose, since she flashed you!)
Don;
I was ouside my car in a field (being eaten by mosquitos). All i can say is , do as i say, not as i do! I felt reasonably safe, and was under some power lines, which provide a small amount of protection, but there's no question i could have gotten fried. When the storm got too close for my comfort level, i ran to the car. As i said, not a safe practice at all, though i do know many storm chasers (many of whom are good photographers) and im usually the first to seek shelter, im not that crazy.
That is an awesome shot, Stan! The clouds look almost like if a tornado were coming. The innocent flowers are a great contrast to the dramatic scene. Very good one!!!
Yeah, that cloud looks like it could've given birth to a tornado at any minute. Great shots, Stan! That first one has it all - incredible sky, solid comp, great foreground.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on August 7, 2007 at 10:58 PM
All the shots are nice, but the first one is amazing. That will make a great print. Thanks for sharing.
Discussion
14 repliesGood return from this storm--got about 7 lightning shots from around 30 attempts.
HEY! I resemble that remark! I was thinking about you yesterday, Stan. I saw this storm brewing, and since I had to go to the north end anyways, I ran my errands, and then went and parked in a big open field where I had an unobstructed view of the storm's approach. I had a clear shot from the Wet Mountains to PW to Pikes Peak. You're right, it was one of the most electrified storms I'd seen in a while. Not as much lightning visible as what I could see when aided by darkness Sunday night, but the number of big, fat, dangerous bolts hitting the ground was amazing!
These shots are very cool, but the first one, for obvious reasons, is the pick of the litter.
I was ouside my car in a field (being eaten by mosquitos). All i can say is , do as i say, not as i do! I felt reasonably safe, and was under some power lines, which provide a small amount of protection, but there's no question i could have gotten fried. When the storm got too close for my comfort level, i ran to the car. As i said, not a safe practice at all, though i do know many storm chasers (many of whom are good photographers) and im usually the first to seek shelter, im not that crazy.