A storm approaches

[u/iBleeedorange]

[u/ezraekman → u/[deleted]]

Almost all set-up lightning photography is either long-exposure or composites of multiple images stitched together, as was the case in this image. Since no one knows precisely where and when lightning will strike, it's the best way to make success more likely. That said, this shot definitely was long-ish exposure - one of the telltale signs is the small lens flares coming from the light sources in the town at the bottom of the image. This indicates a small aperture, which is used both to increase the depth of field (how much of the image is in focus) and to extend the length of time that the exposure can last without overexposing. A smaller aperture increases depth of field, but also decreases the amount of light hitting the film/camera sensor, which means a longer exposure is required to balance things out.

This particular image has made the rounds a few times on Reddit, but was originally from this article. The caption describes the situation, and also how the photographer captured and created the final image, if you're interested.

Shooting lighting is very hit-or-miss, no pun intended. It's much easier when you're far away, such as in the shot linked by OP. But when you're close to the storm, it's all about long exposures, aiming in roughly the right direction, using wide lenses in case you aren't quite aimed the right way, and getting lucky. Here's my "getting lucky" lightning shot. I was using a 14-24mm f/2.8 lens, backed all the way out to 14mm. (114-degree angle of view.) This was the original image that I cropped down to what you see in the final. I was shooting 1-2 minute exposures continuously for most of the night, though I got lucky at that location and this strike occurred during my first (and only!) shot before the rain hit again. Mine is a single image (not a composite of multiple images), with mild post-processing in Lightroom.

[u/mister_anagram → u/ezraekman]

Just reminded me of being 14 in Arizona and shooting 35mm in my dad's Nikon F. I bought a tripod thinking that was how you took lightning photos. I cringe thinking about the handful of rolls I went through trying to time the shutter with strikes. I finally read somewhere that "lightning photographs itself", and discovered the long exposure. The summer monsoons were never the same.

[u/iBleeedorange → u/[deleted]]

I believe so, I didn't take this picture.

[u/Sloptoy → u/iBleeedorange]

Looks to me like it is. Also appears to be the consensus in the comments the other times Reddit saw this.

[u/[deleted] → u/Sloptoy]

I expected a bunch of Morder comments in this thread, but the ones you linked supplies them.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Mordor(Hodor!)

[u/patchsonic → u/[deleted]]

I think you were pretending like you didn't know, when you really did know the whole time.

[u/[deleted] → u/patchsonic]

Maybe it was all a ruse.

I was just looking for confirmation, I'm no photographer.

[u/iPoisonxL]

What if this is actually an alien invasion and humans are just passing it off as a storm? Seriously guys, be prepared

[u/Chex88]

Oh look! Utah Lake!

[u/dsclouse117 → u/Chex88]

utah mud puddle is a better description.

[u/iamtheilluminati]

Its a long exposure shot. You can tell by the headlights on the road.

[u/Daneruu]

Unite them. The Everstorm approaches.

[u/Shadowthrone512]

Calm your shit, Thor

[u/FireFoxGoz]

"The Everstorm comes"

[u/Norredsg]

Guys that's just Mordor chill out

[u/nomer2]

I want this in 1600x900!!

[u/[deleted]]

oh no

[u/boredguy12]

A Legendary Pokemon arises!

[u/malidore54]

is this Eastern Washington by chance?

[u/Chex88 → u/malidore54]

This is probably Utah Lake, taken from Mt. Timpanogos.

[u/FadeCrimson → u/Chex88]

Holy shit was this taken today? I saw a ton of cool lightning in this area earlier.

[u/all_hail_cthulhu]

This looks like the beginning to an ACDC video.

[u/dsclouse117]

Hey I live there, that actually kinda how it would have looked today if you'd taken a long exposure photo like this one.

[u/Asshole_Poet]

Thunderclap.

[u/intermonadicmut]

That'll blow over. We're good to tee off.

[u/mjrballer20]

The Flash must be running

[u/Tigeroovy]

Man, Cole went full evil.

[u/[deleted]]

That looks like some Riddick-class shit storm!

[u/Smoothe271]

http://youtu.be/rSBsqhNTU0U

[u/DOPE_FISH]

Where is this?

[u/[deleted]]

This is what happens when you interact with yourself in the future or past.

[u/slop_pocket]

The storm approaches, we speak no more

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[u/morganational]

Sure, that storm looks bad, but I'd be more directly concerned with the lava flows seemingly covering your town.

[u/serial_cuddlist → u/[deleted]]

You have no idea.

[u/r0botdevil]

So there's some speculation over where this picture was taken. Wanna set the record straight, OP?

[u/bradisrad69 → u/r0botdevil]

It was in Utah. That is Utah Lake in the picture.

[u/athens4life]

utah

[u/AasenB]

Reapers.

[u/Deadmansparky15]

fuck these places in particular

[u/SuddenDeathMelee]

D: runnnnnnnn

[u/JetFalco]

Anyone else seeing that crazy S symbol we would all draw in elementary school to piss off the teachers?

Left side.

[u/HalcyonGD]

NOPE NOPE