Storm Chasing the Plains - 2011 Edition

jamesl

Moving Pictures wrote: »

I'd be interested in the systemic for capturing the lightning shots. I've never given it a great try, but I'd like to ... What kind of exposure times do you work with?

Hi, thanks. The cool thing about shooting lightning with a digital camera is that you can repeatedly try without wasting film. Basically I expose for the scene. The Aperature depends upon how bright the lightning is. Normally F5.6 to F8 is good. Shutter speed is then dependent upon the scene. Maybe 15 or 20 seconds. Also, ISO 100 or lower if you have it. Good luck!

jamesl

D90mark wrote: »

Pretty spectacular stuff right there!

thanks! It was really amazing to see it in person. The camera just doesn't really capture the power and scale of the storms.

jamesl

clickin girl wrote: »

James, I do shoot in RAW! I will find an example so I can show you what I mean!

Were you able to find an example?

jamesl

CWSkopec wrote: »

These are all gorgeous, James. Nice work!

thanks Chris! I can't wait for Spring to get here!

jamesl

Logic 7 wrote: »

Phenomenal!

Thanks!

jamesl

nazquel wrote: »

hi james... amazing series!!
one question got me a little stumped... how are you using a 5dm2 w/ a 10-22 (EF-S mount)?

thanks! I wondered how long it would take for someone to ask that. It is possible to use the 10-22 with the 5d mk2. It is a little risky, however, as you can't really zoom out past about 14 mm. Google "Canon 10-22 with 5d mk2".

theprincereturns wrote: »

Awesome shots! I really miss thunderstorms!! We very rairly get them out here in Hawaii.

Man, I'd love to see a storm in Hawaii. Of course, you have lots of other cool thing to shoot there.

dave6253 wrote: »

Beautiful images of the awesome power of weather. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Dave!

moose135 wrote: »

Incredible work, James! Really amazing to look at!

Awesome, thanks. Glad you enjoyed them!

kdog wrote: »

Thanks kdog!

Yellowstonegirl wrote: »

James, these shots are amazing. We don't see such violent storms here. I love them all.

Kristine

Thank you Kristine! Glad you enjoyed them.

racefan wrote: »

very nice series liked them all...nice work

Great, thanks!

austinjames wrote: »

Awesome series of photo's, amazing colors and captures

Thank you! Very appreciated!

shniks

Spectacular photos. You have some real treasures in there.

deb22

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! I love them all but #3 is also a fav for the wall. Thanks for posting these, I watch storm chasers but these are far better.

zoomer

Love these. We don't get storms like this in Idaho, thanks for sharing.
Some amazing shots in this set.

bojana270

Fantastic photos
Hi James,

First, I didn't see that you are from Texas.

Since I am here, I was thinking just about Texas. There is hot, little bit rain and nothing so interesting, to make so good photos. Texas must be very different from the area, I live.

Now I see, I was very wrong: of course good photographer can find everywhere something and make very, very good shots, like you did.

I am glad that your photos are following my photos, otherwise I wouldn't see something soo fantastic!

B.

jamesl

deb22 wrote: »

Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! I love them all but #3 is also a fav for the wall. Thanks for posting these, I watch storm chasers but these are far better.

Thanks a ton! Glad you enjoyed them.

zoomer wrote: »

Love these. We don't get storms like this in Idaho, thanks for sharing.
Some amazing shots in this set.

Thanks! It would sure be awesome to have storms like this with the Idaho mountains in the background!

jamesl

bojana270 wrote: »

Hi James,

First, I didn't see that you are from Texas.

Since I am here, I was thinking just about Texas. There is hot, little bit rain and nothing so interesting, to make so good photos. Texas must be very different from the area, I live.

Now I see, I was very wrong: of course good photographer can find everywhere something and make very, very good shots, like you did.

I am glad that your photos are following my photos, otherwise I wouldn't see something soo fantastic!

B.

Thank you for the comments. There isn't a whole lot else to shoot in Texas for me other than the storms. Hopefully this year will be as good as 2011.

Mathieu05

Those are really amazing images James! btw, did you convert your 10-22mm to fit into your 5D2?

jamesl

Mathieu05 wrote: »

Those are really amazing images James! btw, did you convert your 10-22mm to fit into your 5D2?

Hi! Thanks for the comments! You can actually use the 10-22 on a 5d mk2 by removing the plastic baffle on the inside of the lens. This allows the lens to be attached to the camera. However, you have to be really careful that you don't back the lens out past 14mm or so or the mirror will strike the inside lens element when you shoot. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Nyfty

Super Cell Images
Number 3 is my choice for a wall hanger. Living in the Northern Tornado Belt, I've never captured anything like these images. Call me crazy, I usually duck and cover. Thanks for sharing!

jamesl

Nyfty wrote: »

Number 3 is my choice for a wall hanger. Living in the Northern Tornado Belt, I've never captured anything like these images. Call me crazy, I usually duck and cover. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! It's always amazing to me how no two storms look alike. They all seem to have very distinct looks and features.