Description

This is my first capture of lighting. It was a big learning experience that I really enjoyed. Before I tell you how I got the shot, I want to fill you in on my area.

"The Valley" Is the Chesterfield Commons. Its the nations largest strip mall and it sits down low in Chesterfield surrounded by levees. 15 years ago 'the great flood" destroyed most of the valley. But now that its been rebuilt and fortified with higher larger levees, this strip mall stands at nearly 2 miles long with over 1.2 million square feet of retail space as well as 10,000 parking spaces.

Where I live is only roughly 5 minutes away from Chesterfield Commons. I live 2 miles back in the subdivision at one of the highest points. I have a clear view of a tree line. Behind the tree line is a private airport and Chesterfield Commons.

When storms come I am able to walk outside and see them as they pound away down in the valley. With some encouragement from my brother to try and get some photos of lighting, I set up outside in my front yard with my 18-55mm lens and a 2 second exposure taking over 150 photos untill I cought a bolt, as well as sheets of rain illuminated by one trillion watts. All created by nature. Crazy isnt it?

I know its not that great of a photo of lightning, but its my first so I wanted to share

EXIF REPORT
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Camera Make : Canon
Camera Model : Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL
Lens Make: Canon
Lens Model: Canon EF-S 18-55mm
DateTime : 2005:08:12 08:47:29
ExposureTime : 2.00Sec
FNumber : F5.6
ISOSpeedRatings : 400
Flash : Not fired
FocalLength : 53.00(mm)