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Sunset Strike
Sunset Strike
HarveyG


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Sun-Something (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Nikon D7000
Lens: Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG for Nikon
Location: Fort Skaanskop, Voortrekker Monument
Date: Oct 20, 2013
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 400
Shutter: 2s
Galleries: Sky, Landscape
Date Uploaded: Oct 20, 2013

 Photographed at dusk and the remnants of pink sunlight can be seen behind the strike. Rian and I storm chased. We were surrounded by a ring of lightning and standing on a highpoint was quite nerve racking during a massive African Highveld thunderstorm.. This is the first time I have attempted lightning photography and I got some great shots and learnt by my mistakes. The one I (we) wanted to submit had too much wobble...so I must use my camera timer rather than shutter release. I am also now entering other work than my beloved birds in flight...

Thanks to RianBotes for location advice and showing me the best spots. Sorry I didn't submit the other one Rian; it was just too OOF. My title should have been "Dusk Strike"... maybe then the 1, 2, 3, 4 voters would have "gotten it". Would like to see who they are and check their entries...

This image is © copyrighted 2013 by Harvey Grohmann. Duplication, publication, copying is strictly forbidden and protected by law. To obtain pricing and consent contact me via Photocommission.com

Statistics
Place: 55 out of 98
Avg (all users): 5.6625
Avg (commenters): 8.0000
Avg (participants): 5.5116
Avg (non-participants): 5.8378
Views since voting: 607
Views during voting: 156
Votes: 80
Comments: 7
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 11/06/2013 09:06:28 AM
Thanks Steve. Problem is I needed my CPL and like a chop I left it at home. 8 seconds might have blown out the lighting on the monument without it?

The tripod needs to be lowered so as not to bow as much and weighed down. I need to do mirror lock up and timer... Thanks for the tips. Next afternoon thunderstorm meet me/us there!
 11/06/2013 02:57:45 AM
Not bad Harvey as a first try. Yes standing on one of the highest points around with a big thunder storm passing by is a thing to experience but not always standing next to a camera on a tripod making that metal contact point even higher... :-)
If you think that was bad - try being in the middle of a storm passing over the Drakensberg on the escarpment... lightning isn't your only worry then but being blown off the edge!

I'm sure Rian gave you some technical tips but I'm surprised to see ISO of 400. I would have gone ISO 100 and achieved a shutter duration 4 times longer than your 2 seconds = 8 seconds making it easier to capture more strikes.
You mention shake etc - perhaps your tripod couldn't handle the 8 second exposure in those winds? Did you try weighing it down with a heavy bag / rocks?
Timer or remote shutter release also helps.

Don't give up - try again but keep safe!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/31/2013 09:24:29 AM
Hey Harvey. Only now remembered the shot and must comment. Great effort at first go and glad I could be there with you in having fun doing this. Have to also enjoy comments from Amanda and Herman... We got them this time around... ;)
Great SA presence on DPC
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/28/2013 02:18:43 AM
Ja, Harvey, Ek't trouens gedink dit is Rian s'n. Well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/27/2013 10:09:55 PM
Harvey, jy weet dis net Rian wat hierdie foto's mag plaas!

Really well done, I do not know how you got the detail on the Voortrekkermonument so perfect.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
10/27/2013 04:20:14 AM
Ah ha, en ons weet almal wie hierdie een geneem het. Met die monument in die voorgrond ai ai
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/25/2013 04:59:05 AM
Ye - these have been waking my baby up at night! ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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