Lightning

Lightning is an interesting event which happens during rains of pre monsoon showers or by the end of monsoon. It is difficult to capture the event on camera as it is very short and fast event ( Lightning event! to be precise). Though I have tried to capture them many times it doesnt happen because it should be dark , there should be no rains. we need a safe shelter from where we can take picture with visibility of good area of open sky free from any distarcting elements and above all camera and lens need protection from water ,dust and wind.With some camera settings it is not difficult though! Here are some points:
1. Camera to be set in manual mode and aperure of 6-9 and shutter speed kept at bulb so that we can really wait for lightning and release shutter after the event.
2. ISO can be kept at 200 -400 or otherwise picture becomes bright with long exposure.
3. It is better to shoot in RAW and further adjustment can be done post exposure
4.Tripod is a must and if we have a wireless remote release it is much better .
5. Keep the lens in manual focus and set focus for infinity.
6. last but not the least wait patiently and keep on taking pics .
Ihave taken these pictures from t the terrace of my house  or if there is rain try from the balcony sit out place. So far I didnt get an oppurtunity to go outdoors in field or open space but  it can make wonderful pictures outdoors. The settings I use or as explained above and used white balance of fluorescent as it will make sky dark blue.The focal length was kept minimum so that larger area of sky can be covered and can catch any event in the exposed area.I usually  focus the camera in the direction of maximal lightning. It usually happens in some definite and particular area repeatedly.I just release the shutter using remote release and wait for lightning.If there is one I release the shutter release after the event and if there is none after 20-30 seconds. I set the long exposure noise reduction on from the camera menu. This will take sometime to process after shooting is over and in between if there is one lightning we are sure to miss it. But I feel it necessary as it will decrease grains.
To shoot one event if are lucky 8-10 exposures may be needed or it can be easily hundred takes for one successful capture. It definitely depends on the frequency of lightning. Big streaks or long vertical streaks really require lot of luck and tons of patience . When I get one surely will post here.

 The light streak seen near the roof is LCD screen light from my son's camera ,as it was a long exposure shot it has captured light trail when he moved camera in that direction.