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RianBotes


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2010-03 (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS
Location: Groenkloof
Date: Mar 17, 2010
Aperture: f7.1
ISO: 100
Shutter: 22sec
Galleries: Sky, Nature
Date Uploaded: Mar 18, 2010

 My dream shot for almost 2 years now. Countless trips, countless failures. With the World Cup soccer They have added a Soccer ball in the tower which made this so much more appealing for me to capture.

I was beginning to give up hope since its approaching winter here and with that no more storms, and the relevance of the Soccer ball a distant memory. I was playing Table tennis (very safe sport by the way) with a friend of mine and I saw the distant Flashes.

Grabbed my stuff and following my usual routine of driving and guessing what the weather is doing. I inittially thought it wasnt going to work out as it was way over east but then noticed more activity in the West. I knew the game was on and I just might be lucky tonight. I floored it to get there in good time. This is Groenkloof with the Telkom tower - prominent feature in Pretoria. In the distance (orange building) Voortrekker Monument - Also landmark feature of Pretoria. I have another lighting shot with this building in it on my portfolio.

Setting up I got on top of a power box which elevated me to clear debris/grass and ugly fence in front of me. Judging the distance of weather I went to F7.1 bulb. Then I realized my cable release was in the car. Having walked a bit and climbed on the box I was in two minds. I wasnt about to loose a shot to get this from the car and I decided to be carefull. One thing I have learnt is that when things happen, it's over in a flash..so to speak.

This Bolt cought me completely of guard as it turned out much closer and my 7.1 f stop was way to big. The bolt really lit up the scene and I have had to bring exposure down in PP quiet a bit. I then stopped down to 9 and even 10. I have a couple of other bolts as well but this works out best for my taste. It looks like the one finger of the bolt is touching the Tower on right and in zooming in, it would seem like it. I cant be sure about this however

Yes I know. People must be bored with me by now with my lightning pics. I am fascinated with it and I cant get enough. You think you see the bolt when it strikes but you dont really. Previewing (sometimes) I always am surpised at what it really looked like.

Hope the people can enjoy this for it's power, beauty and man's insignificance to the power of nature. God is truly great.
_____________

Thank you very much for this all people from DPC. I appreciate all votes and comments. It really has been a great week but really thought there was a couple of entries that would take honours here. Some excellent work. I have to also thank my wife who lies and wait at night worrying, yet always supporting me. Thanks once again.
Rian
PS I am also very relieved it made blue to save Jutilda from being called a monkeys uncle...;)

Statistics
Place: 1 out of 350
Avg (all users): 7.6667
Avg (commenters): 8.2857
Avg (participants): 7.6915
Avg (non-participants): 7.6200
Views since voting: 7969
Views during voting: 314
Votes: 144
Comments: 80
Favorites: 41 (view)

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AuthorThread
 12/01/2011 01:35:09 PM
What an awesome awesome capture! You are most definitely the king of lightning shots. Looking at this makes me want Spring to come even faster now!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 02/07/2011 09:43:51 PM
This is absolutely brilliant!! What a shot! Congrats on the ribbon! I drive that road often. My husband and I also find lightning fascinating and incredible! God is truly awesome!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 01/25/2011 03:11:19 AM
Amazing capture
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/26/2010 06:24:07 AM
This is a fascinating capture. I've always wanted to get a lightning shot but don't think I could ever get something like this. What an awesome way to win a ribbon :D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 11/25/2010 02:16:38 AM
Geez man, this is one the best lightening shots I've seen. Great capture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 10/28/2010 01:30:37 AM
Never get tired of looking at lightning shots. Especially ones as good as this. It would definitely be hanging (quite large) on my wall if it was mine. Fantastic capture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/10/2010 02:29:21 PM
Just incredible... One of the best lightning shots I've seen. VERY well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/19/2010 08:59:39 AM
Absolutely incredible shot... WOW!!! It doesn't get much better than this... WELL DONE & CONGRATS!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/15/2010 04:27:30 AM
Veels geluk! Hier in die Kaap kry ons nie baie kanse om so iets te probeer afneem nie. ;)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/12/2010 12:44:00 AM
Veeeva Bafana Bafana, Viva!
Absolutely amazing shot, unrivalled. So meaningful to me, on so many levels.
It has technical excellence, a sense of drama, and is oh so topical, with the World Cup about to begin.
One thing......if Fifa approach you, and ask to buy the rights to this photo, please get back to your DPC friends, and let us know! I would not be the least bit surprised.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/11/2010 07:38:40 AM
WOOOOOOOOW
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/10/2010 09:01:52 PM
Wow. I think I would have had to change my pants after this before getting back in the car. You are a crazy, excellent photographer. Congrats on the well-deserved blue ribbon, and most importantly THE shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/09/2010 09:58:57 AM
Master of Lightning!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/09/2010 06:46:15 AM
wow wow wow! Nice capture! A big congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/09/2010 06:11:02 AM
This is fabulous and i LOVE your description, playing out the scene and how it all went down. Very well deserved win!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 11:02:05 PM
Fantastic work, wonderful to see a fellow South African doing to well!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 09:35:38 PM
Congratulations! This is a totally fantastic shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 01:28:24 PM
Brilliant, and with such a great score...I knew this would win the blue ribbon...well done

And yes, God is truly amazing

  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 12:03:55 PM
Fantastic, i can`t remamber seeing a better lightning pic. faved.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 10:57:49 AM
Beautiful capture and great story about catching the bolt. You need someone to catch a picture of you getting set up to shoot these! Congratulations on the blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 10:35:25 AM
Stuning image!congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 05:50:26 AM
what a fantastic picture...talk about being in the right place at the right moment...(I think) Congrats on a fabulous finish!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 05:15:48 AM
Congrats!! This is a once-in-a-lifetime shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 05:13:08 AM
Huge congrats on the Blue!!! What a wonderful capture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 05:00:18 AM
Outstanding capture, congrat's on the Blue!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 04:21:08 AM
You certainly nailed it and this definitely deserved the blue. Congratulations. WOW
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 04:14:38 AM
Glad to see your dedication paid off. An amazing capture. Seriously, well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 03:32:05 AM
Amazing capture!! Congrats on your Blue Rian.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 02:11:08 AM
Nice work Rian. Great capture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 01:36:20 AM
Wow, you weren't kidding. Great shot, Rian!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 12:51:47 AM
Woah!!! What a beauty!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/08/2010 12:50:28 AM
Congrats, this was one of my 2 rated-10 photos. I got a feeling this was yours, for lighting is your "signature" theme, nonetheless, amazing and brave capture! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 11:45:00 PM
Veels geluk Riaan. Uitstekende werk. En nie eers 'n een of 'n twee nie!
Absolutely marvelous camera control and eye-for-a-shot and the Voortrekker Monument lit up on the horison, brilliant.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 11:39:04 PM
Congrats on your well deserved ribbon! Really spectacular images!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 11:23:38 PM
My first thought is... "Does he have an updated estate plan?" Seriously, be careful. This doesn't look like your closest call but it's your most spectactular IMO. Congrats on your ribbon! 10 for picture, 10+ for courage.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 10:53:45 PM
Fantastic shot!
This shot really makes my heart proud... my sister was the person that came up with the design concept of the soccer ball on the tower! She will be really happy to see this shot!
Keep it up Rian!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 10:25:18 PM
Bliksem what a shot :) Congrats!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 10:02:30 PM
Veels geluk met jou blou lintjie. Dit is regtig 'n pragtige wen foto.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 09:55:42 PM
Congrats - I love the photo. I also knew you had to be from Pretoria...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 09:55:00 PM
Don't you just love it when you hear the snap before the boom? Wonderful photo, and congrats on the ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 09:23:49 PM
Brilliant. It was worth the wait, then. ;-Þ Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 09:17:31 PM
THIS is about as perfect a lightning shot as I have seen. CONGRATS!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 09:07:12 PM
Awesome shot!!! Congrats on the blue! Umm... Since you got the blue in free study, I do think you should let me beat you in "waiting". It only seems fair :P
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 08:49:46 PM
Congratulations on finally catching the picture you've been hunting! ANd congratulations on the ribbon too!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 08:42:22 PM
Geluk Rian! Great one. You really are photographer of note!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 08:37:42 PM
Geluk Rian! Great one. You really are photographer of note!
 04/07/2010 08:34:20 PM
Great to see Pretoria on the front page! Fantastiese foto Rian!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 08:25:19 PM
Your perseverance certainly paid off. Sensational and awe-inspiring. Congrats on a well-deserved blue.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 08:23:34 PM
Amazing shot !!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/07/2010 08:03:32 PM
Nice going! Congrats on a killer win!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
04/07/2010 06:51:43 PM
OK, now here is a winner...amazing 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/06/2010 04:42:02 PM
This has to be a 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/06/2010 01:18:09 PM
wow, great capture, guess you were in the right place at the right time
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/06/2010 12:59:51 PM
This is just crazy good. I think that covers it. Got my highest score.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/06/2010 07:17:00 AM
great capture- top 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/05/2010 07:44:49 PM
Great capture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/05/2010 07:03:07 PM
Spectacular!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/05/2010 05:13:18 PM
unreal
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/05/2010 01:51:53 AM
Wohow!
What a moment... Great picture!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/04/2010 06:30:20 PM
That's a very impressive lightning shot that you captured. well done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/04/2010 05:53:02 PM
What can you say....SPECTACULAR!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/04/2010 03:58:16 PM
Wow - congratulations on a great capture!!! Thank you for sharing!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/04/2010 08:20:37 AM
A very good one!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/03/2010 12:50:15 PM
OMG! I bet I'm not the first person to have that reaction on opening this image. Incredible capture!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/02/2010 02:38:06 PM
Fantastic capture. I do hope you share the particulars of this image...it is truly something to behold.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/02/2010 01:19:07 PM
Wow! One of the better lightning captures I've seen for some time. I like the tower as an added subject point as well. Pity it's a little over exposed but that would be pretty hard to control with this kind of shot. Well done
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/02/2010 11:04:22 AM
great shot,,,,, lucky bast,,,, top 5 ,,,,,, wow ,,, this is deff 10,,,, first time i give picture here 10,,,,,,,,
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 06:04:34 PM
Impressive!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 05:31:35 PM
Extraordinarily clear! I like the little branch that looks like it's touching the tower.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 04:05:53 PM
I can see the headlines now: "World Cup final post poned due to giant lighting strike which destroys the game ball"

Cool shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 02:44:47 PM
one in a million shot .. just awesome .. see the blue for this .. lets hope .. its amazing .. :)
i'm not voting yet .:)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 12:37:10 PM
Spectacular!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 07:23:07 AM
Wow!!!!!!!!!! This will probably ribbon, it's one of the best lightning shots I have ever seen.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 07:01:33 AM
Nice capture
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 06:02:17 AM
Dang! That's some lightning bolt!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 05:52:29 AM
Now that's a hell of a lightning shot, and a bizarre structure as well. It's a really excellent piece of work overall, though on my monitor it seems seriously oversharpened...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 04/01/2010 05:50:47 AM
Really good title. This looks like The Wizard's Something-or-Other.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/31/2010 09:57:59 PM
Nice Rian! Scary stuff.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/31/2010 08:17:54 PM
Holy @%^*!!!!! That is just too fantastic. If this doesn't win the blue, I'm a monkey's uncle.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 03/31/2010 08:04:31 PM
holy guacamole!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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