How to Photograph Lightning - Tutorial & Pro Tips
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- How to take beautiful pictures of lightning and the best cameras for lightning photography and video. Camera settings and tips... To license video contact hankschyma@yahoo.com
TRIPOD
Use a tripod so that you can take long exposures without motion blur. The heavier the tripod, the better. Instead of pushing the shutter button on your camera body, use a cable release. That way you won’t risk moving the camera with your big clumsy finger.
FOCUS TIP
Set your camera on manual focus and focus on infinity. CAREFUL! Many camera lenses focus beyond infinity so I always have to nudge my focus back a hair. Focus on a distant light to make sure you’re in perfect focus.
BEST CAMERA SETTINGS
ISO
Start with your ISO set at 100.
APERTURE / F-stop
Start off in the middle around F8.
If lightning is striking far away, and shows up too dim, open your f-stop more to f5.6 - f2 until all the branches are nice and bright. If you have too much light, close your f-stop to f11 - f22. If your f-stop is open all the way and the lighting branches still are not showing up well, then bump up your ISO to 200, 300, 400 etc.
EXPOSURE
When it’s finally dark enough, start taking long exposures… 1 second - 10 seconds or more depending on how much ambient light there is. My favorite time to shoot lightning is at sunset. Because of all the existing light, you can only leave your shutter open a second or two. Once it’s pitch black, you can leave your shutter open for 10, 20, 30 seconds or more.
BEST CAMERAS FOR LIGHTNING PHOTOGRAPHY
The best cameras for lightning photography are the ones with manual settings options. Most digital DSLR cameras or mirrorless cameras have these options. Nikon, Cannon, Sony, Fuji, etc. all work great.
HOW TO TAKE PICTURES OF LIGHTNING WITH A PHONE
The best way to take photos of lightning with a phone camera is to just shoot video and then take a screen grab of a good frame. You might get lucky trying to take a photo with burst mode or by simply taking a normal photo, but the cards are stacked against you.
ROLLING SHUTTER vs GLOBAL SHUTTER
Most video cameras nowadays are equipped with a rolling shutter. that means the frames you are capturing are recorded through a scanning process that rolls down the sensor. Though this process occurs really fast, lightning is much faster. The result is often annoying blocky rectangles called partial exposures.
Most negative lightning strikes I capture on video are ruined with partial exposures. Positive lightning channels and anvil crawler lightning tend to exist longer, thus are captured some-what better by rolling shutters. While shooting video of lightning with a rolling shutter, I usually set the shutter speed at 30, the frame rate at 30 and cross my fingers.
Another option is to invest in a camera with a global shutter. A global shutter scans a snapshot of the entire scene all at once. So, no partial exposures. The catch is you'll likely spend thousands of dollars at least on a good HD or 4K camera and the global shutter technology is not one for low light sensitivity.
Music:
"Won't Pray Adagio" by Southern Backtones
guitar score by Hank Schyma
"Ode to Joy" performed by Hank Schyma
** FREE Pecos Hank 2018 calendar poster file **
You can shrink it down and print it on your home printer, or have a shop print the full 24x16. You can also use it as your desktop background.
I’d love to know what country or state this poster is hanging up in so let me know in the comments.
Merry Christmas from Texas!
Download link:
www.dropbox.co...
A free tornado calendar from my favorite storm chaser, Best, Christmas, Gift, EVER!
Your comedic relief is perfect in your videos. So informative but you always find a way to make me laugh or smile.
"The greatest strikes happen in that short time between exposures." Whew, I thought Odin just liked screwing with me specifically, glad I'm not alone.
No, you are not alone. I feel exactly the same way
Yup, happens all the time
Yep. Buy 2 camaras :D
You mean thor
add me to the club
Last time in Georgia (the country) I was timelapsing the whole thing... 5 big strikes in a row, ALL of them between exposures.
Just found the calendar! My son (15) turned me on to your channel. Love the storms, love the snakes, love the humor. I'm going to get the calendar printed off for him. Thanks for all the mind-numbing boardum you have to go through to get the good stuff.
Tell him I said howdy. Cheers Jerry.
Pecos Hank, I would just like to take a brief moment to thank you for the great content. I have been subscribed to your channel since I discovered it a few months ago while I researching a particular tornado. Your channel has since become one of my favorite subscriptions. It has been a mix of a few good laughs, tones of new knowledge learned, and amazing videos and photos of the indescribable beauty and awe that is mother nature's wraith and majesty.
Love hearing that! Thanks for taking the time to chime in Thorin.
Seconded for exactly the same reasons.
thirded for precisely the aforementioned sentiments.
I get so sad when the videos end....could watch Pecos Hank all day.
I know! I could watch a feature length documentary by this guy.
Found this video about a month ago as I was (unintentionally) sitting in a massive thunder storm trying to get a good shot, and failing. You explained everything wonderfully and I was able to get my first lightning photos so thank you!
I love thunderstorms since I'm a kid.
I bought a 2nd hand Sony Alpha A7s camera and 2 lenses!
The place where I'm living, you have thunderstorms twice a year if you're lucky. So I always checking the forecast and following the storms on the lighting maps.
Last night I went out and captured my first few 'blue cobwebs' in my life.
I only have a bicycle so I was riding with a huge backpack through the night around 1am to find a great spot.
I had a massive grin on my face on my way home and in my bed while I was falling asleep like 4 am even if I had to go to work at 6:30 am.
Thank you brother for sharing your pure and simple explanation in this video.
Some people says it's like fishing.... well it's way more exciting than that.
Wish you all the best!
Same.
All the time I've spent doing photography, this is the best explanation I've seen for how to do a slow shutter shot. Great job!
I’m sat on our hotel balcony in the Italian alps hoping for some lightning after watching this!! Keep rockin it Hank!! Love your channel!! 👊
You are seriously the best UA-camr! ❤
AGREED!
Yes he is.
Agreed
Agreed
Out of all the random videos I had to click, I am so happy it was this one. This is good info and I am dying of laughter.
Came across your videos as far back as 2013. You are one of just a very select few I take inspiration from to get into landscape and storm photography. Just picked up a Nikon D3200 and beginning to learn. Not doing anything but learning and will eventually work via "trial and error."
you have a really natural and easy way of explaining every thing that a photo snob would make so complicated no one would understand, good stuff
"As you get more experience, you'll see lightning tends to strike in the short time between two exposures"
All. The Time.
The pros catch that one ;)
Oh yes yes yes but why why does it chose that time ahhh
Hank, upload more videos please! Always look forward for what you have to show us, just wish there was more of it!
I'll try to stop wasting my time making good videos so that I can upload more often ;D
Hey Hank! Just a suggestion for the next tornado season, could you please also upload the whole chases (or most of the chase)? I am sure many, many people would dig watching a good long video full of Pecos Hank awesomeness!
I might hook you up with a loooooooong chaaaaaaaaaaaase. Those usually put people to sleep. but not the cool people
Please do!!!! I love watching full chase videos, and I can never get enough of yours... so a full Pecos Hank chase? YES PLEASE!
Pecos Hank PLEASEEEE! As others have stated, your followers would eat this up!
I'd love that too!
I'd be interested too!
I dunno about everybody else here, but I could seriously just sit and watch your raw tornado chase footage for hours. I think I've binge watched most of the longer videos in your channel several times over at this point.
We'll see what 2018 brings. Thanks Calyo.
Sweet.... tutorials from Hank !!! More please !!!
I've seen so many of your videos a million times, but somehow missed this one, and I'm glad it came up on my recommended today!!! I've been wanting to get into photographing lightning with my DSLR, but had no idea how to change my settings to capture it. Especially since I'm so new at photography! Thank you SO much for uploading this!!!
Same
Dude... nailed it. Informative + hilarious 🔥 You're sincerity translates well to your production value. This was sick!
Great presentation with some awesome pictures too 👍🏻
Daily dose of hank was well timed. Great video.
this is probably the most effective information video ive ever seen on youtube. cheers for this
Awesome video ... Thanks for the tips and info !!! Have a great trip and Merry Everyone.
One of the best UA-cam videos I have seen ever! Solid information and entertains, without the BS. Thanks from an old Irishman!! 🍀
I just don’t understand it Hank. Your followers are so loyal and gracious of your incredible content. How, after your weather channel appearances and your (unbeknownst to me until recently) early stuff on local news channels, do you not have millions of subscribers. I’m going to start sharing your gems, including this vid, on FB and hope that some of my friends’ list become subs to your channel. You warrant the recognition we Pecks Hank subs think you deserve....so people, if you feel the same way let’s get this amazing spirit and amazing person’s content to a wider audience!...whereas the merch hank?!? I’m really officially ready to by a shirt or a sticker or something, you’re amazing!
My wife retired December 31st and I bought a Nikon Z50 for her. She has been wanting to do more photography now that she has the time. She’s watching this video is already taking notes. Thanks Hank👽
Hank, Hands down, you, you are Just amazing, your the one UA-camr that doesn't charge a outrageously high price, Or any price for that matter for your merchandise, lol!!!!! Well, I know what my family's getting for Christmas this year!!!
Hook em up Meghan. :D
YASSSSSSSSS
Without a doubt one of my favorite channels on UA-cam. Been watching all the videos that come through my recommendations and this one finally hooked me as a subscriber.
Thank you again for your uploads. Just remember: You still have a free beer (or 6) waiting on you in northeast Houston.
Maybe you could bring that free beer to the Continental Club in midtown on December 6?
Tonight?
Let me rephrase that: Name the place with a little more heads up (provided i am not on call with work), Consider the beers yours. Ive been to the Continental Club once before, its a pretty cool place.
Just when I thought a Pecos Hank video couldn't get any better, you go and drop some pro tips and a free calendar! You are awesome! Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Interesting, informative, and beautiful photos!
You Just Made My Day!! - Say hello to your King Cobra in Thailand from all of your fans! Thanks Hank, Happy Holidays!
Dear Santa, All I want is a King cobra kiss of death ;D
Thanks for the present, Happy travels.. and holidays to you sir..
first of all, great, great images, but a close second is the entertainment value. very funny in a most subtle manner...well done!
Thanks for this; If I ever do this for a hobby, I'll have this video for backup!!!!!
:D
How is this guy not at 1million subs yet, love the videos man
0:56 Hilarious!😅 Great video! I don't know how you learned all this, but you sure are a master!
0:48 solid advice right there. 😃 Sweet time lapse, not sure I'd have the patience. Dig those older photos. Have fun in Asia. Don't come back without a King!
Good video
By far the best lightning capture tutorial on UA-cam. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Thank you from a new subscriber.
Thanks for Subbing Michael.
6:16 This is what I was just asking. The only camera I'm able to capture good lightning on is my old mini DV cassette camcorder
Quarantined in the appropriate location - clicks trash bin! Dude, you’re hilarious while being an incredible teacher at the same time. I can’t believe I’ve only just found you. Thank you universe and thank you for your content 🙏
0:14 I had paused the video right as he says "lemons" and heard instead "women" and was more than a little shocked at the words that followed...
orion khan I had to listen to that twice as well :)
By far the best explanation of shooting lightning I’ve ever watched!!!! Great photos. I learned a lot.
Nice video bro I hope tornado season comes and hope u get large tornadoes :D
thx hank! please have a safe trip. look forward to this spring and upcoming vids from you
2nd
Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of these valuable tips. Keep on shooting!
Very nice Pecos Hank. I like the technical stuff and your approach to it. And you have humor :-) And your photos of storms and lightnings are absolutely stunning. I am very much inspired.
Dude, you're the best out there. I haven't seen anyone else record storms like you do.
The fact you did this... wow. You're just an amazing person and you really care about your work and want others to know whats up. Kudos bro.
I usually have my DSLR with me at work and was lucky enough one day some severe storms were rolling in as we got out of work, so I camped on the top of the parking garage and was able to capture a few strikes with the video method you used here. Extremely helpful video!
I managed to get 5 of these last night after watching this, one with branches at 30 seconds exposure, the best shots I’ve ever had in my life.
As far as Charisma, humor & down-to-earth-ness goes, a lot of storm chasers don't even reach your knees. You're a league of your own!
Ty for being one of the best storm channels out here on YT!!! Have fun in Japan and Thailand 😀 and good luck on the King Cobra hunt!
I loved this video. The energy. The information. Everything.
You are not only a good photographer but also a very good youtuber. thanks for all these tips.
Great job Hank and have a great trip . Make sure your back in time for storm season 2018 I wouldn't want you to miss it!!!!!
I'll do everything in my power to chase 2018. Cheers Tim.
Great presentation. Your offbeat humour , delivery and expertise are inspiring! Thank you.
Excellent "how to" video. The humor was great and not distractive. You have some excellent photographs.
An excellent, informative and entertaining video, thank you so much for posting. Thoroughly entertaining and educational.
Boy you're so right about those Texas waterfall rain storms. Once visiting Brownwood Texas from Ohio I never saw it rain... and lightning... and hail as much in my life as I did there on several occasions. At least we didn't get any tornados while I was there. Dallas got all of those. Thanks for your great video.
HAHAHA!! You crack me up in this vid!!! Super Informative! Thanks for taking the time to upload this one Pecos!
I just knew you were a Texan! 17 yrs. in Austin myself, in FL. now. Hey, great pics and tips there Bubba, thanks! Good night Austin Texas, where ever you are!
I've watched this several times now, and it's still funny every time. Hank is a pisser, and a good teacher!
I came across your site 2 days ago while searching the Joplin,Mo. tornado! I saw for myself first hand what an F5 rated tornado could do. I was raised in Oklahoma, moved to Missouri for 30 years, then back to Oklahoma for 9, and been out here in Wyoming for a little over a year now. I've always been interested in tornado's and storms since being a teen. I probably took myself out of getting any decent photos/videos of tornado's/supercell storms by moving out of Tornado Alley to the sage plains of Wy.
I want to tell you that I really enjoy your Storm Chasing videos, your candid and naunaced little side scenes and quips! Also your technical knowledge and how you put to use, (Tips and Tricks)! I am subscribed to your channel and the channel of Orf, on his study with computer engineered software what makes Tornado's do what they do and what to look for! It is all fascinating to me and always has been. I want to learn as much as possible, and with people like yourself and the Scientific software being used in Wisconsin I believe, I and others will gain more knowledge of Storms and Tornado's. You stay on your toes and don't let a Storm/Twister pull an El Reno on you! The 2019 season is just around the corner! Looking forward to what you can come up with this year! I live for Storm Chasing through people such as yourself! Never been on a dedicated season of Storm Chasing myself. Keep up the great work, keep safe, and get that important footage and information to the right people!
Most Respectfully; Jon C.
Like your style. Let alone the photos of lightening strikes. Thanks for the tips and tricks.
Always good to hear from you Hank. Keep on keepin
i started doing landscape photography a few months ago and right now is thunderstorm season in az so i've been wanting to get some photos and this video helped out a lot with tips that will make my process a lot faster so i can get amazing photos
Awesome so glad i have watched this, i had trouble with the Rolling shutter, but im gonna try to your settings😍
I just love watching your videos and photos, amazing photography!
Amazing tutorial! Love your gentle wit and jovial humor. Especially love your photos and videos!!! Thank you so much for sharing your special gift.
I saw this video a year ago which inspired me. Just caught my first lightning storm and I’m hooked!!
Happy holidays Pecks Hank, thanks so much for the gift 🎁! Safe travels in Japan and Thailand!
I love the humor! Thank you, all great advice start to finish in a compact video. Pretty cool friend!
Nothing brings happiness more than photographing lightning ⚡
This is such a nice way to say thanks to your fans ! The calander is so cool I definitely have to get one printed out here in Ireland !
Oh boy I’m getting that calendar. Thank you so much Hank! And thank you for working so hard to bring us great content!
Happy to do it Vincent. Cheers from Texas.
Love the presentation. Thx for the information, learned a lot. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and insights 🙏
Yo!!! This was fantastic and you were both informative and entertaining, especially being a n00b behind the lens and with the same sense of humor. Thank you!
I was in first grade and the sirens were going off and everyone clearing the school yard and i walked futher out in the field under the swirling clouds. Ive always been fascinated by such things. Watching this makes me wanna do this for fun some time. Thanks for the in depth details too.
Amazing story and amazing photography journey
Awesome work as always Hank!!! You're the best on UA-cam!!!
You are an awesome teacher! Can't forget what I learnt today!
Just stumbled across this video and your channel, now a new subscriber! Nice job, with the right amount of technical info combined with humor to make it enjoyable to watch. Looking forward to watching some of your others videos. Thanks
Just found this video as I was looking for tutorials on lightning strike photography. Funny and informative! love it. 💧⚡️ 👏🏼
This is awesome!! Great tips... now if only I could find that darn storm.
Thanks, and good job to Pecos Hank ! this was my first Pecos Utube view. informational and entertaining !!!
Hands down you are the world's best storm chaser...Happy Holidays!
Great videos Hank! You're a natural at explaining things. From camera setting to super-cell development. Two thumbs up!
Boy am I glad I found your channel! Going on a tornado tour this spring and need all the help I can get, Cheers
See you out there Matthew.
Awesome awesome work and thanks for the camera tips! Happy trails to Japan & Thailand.. Stay safe
Great advice, great demonstration shots, AND hilarious delivery? Instant subscription 👍👍
Loved this, if anyone is an inspiration to me when it comes to lightning photography it’s you Hank.
:D
Just got into storm photography from just astrophotography and landscape. I’m a huge storm nerd in Kansas, so I plan on doing some chasing this spring since I’m SkyWarn certified. I also work at Mpix in Pittsburg, Kansas. The shoutout at the end made working some long hours in the photo processing and printing areas all worth it.
That's awesome Larry. I'm about to send another order to mpix today. You guys do great work.
What a relief, I thought I was the only one that had the problem with lighting striking in between shots!😂😂✌
Cool pictures/videos, great explanation! I like your syle of using old footage for transitions. Keep it up!
This is great. Exactly what I needed/wanted. And the delivery makes it a joy to watch. Thank you. Bon voyage and happy holidays.
Happy Holidays!