Tips

Weather is one of the most inspiring and dangerous subjects of photography. The information I have written here is in no way intended to take the place of the good sense that tells you you should not be on a high perch during a thunderstorm. It's dangerous, it's stupid and people have died doing it.

With that said.
I usually find a parking garage and drive to the top level. The best lightning with the clearest shots and least amount of water on your camera occur before and after the rain.

Find an area with few or no street lights as you will need to leave your shutter open for extended periods of time. (Note: this can only be done if you have a camera with a bulb setting on your shutter speed control.)

• Set up your tripod and use a remote release cable (15 to 24 inches should do).
  
• Use a wide angle lens (35mm to 70mm).
  
• Use 100 speed film or slower.
  
• Set your lens aperture to it's higest number (smallest opening).
  
• If there is little or no light around, you should be able to keep your shutter open for several minutes. (this also works for fireworks)
  
• Keep in mind that lightning is brighter than the sun at the center of the strike, so unless you want midnight shots that look like mid day shots, release the shutter after a strike occurs and advance your film to the next frame.
  
• Look for patterns in the the lightning. If several strikes occur to the right and no where else, shift your tripod. Don't wait forever for the perfect strike, they don't happen. Your best shots will be surprises to you when you get them developed.
  
• When it starts raining, put your gear and youself back in your vehicle. Don't hold out for that "one more" perfect shot. it's not worth loosing your gear or your life.
  

SAFETY

• The safest way to do this is not to do it
  
• Do not stand near tall metal objects like light posts or antennas.
  
• Do not stand next to trees or very tall people wearing tin foil.
  
• Remember at all times that your camera and tripod are made of metal and the only conductive object around that is taller than them is you.
  
• If you are wet. Pack your stuff up and go home.
  
• Never ever think that I am telling you that you are safe if you do these things. This is a very dangerous thing to do and people have died trying to get these types of photos.
  
• If you are scared now, you can always go to the top floor of an office building, close the door, turn off all of the lights and get fairly decent photos with the windows closed. Just make sure you have permission to be in the building.
  

These types of pictures are best taken well after sunset. a black sky is your best bet. Most of mine are shot after midnight. Once you feel comfortable with your camera settings, experiment with different filters. color filters can really change the mood of the photo.

Be safe.