JoJo's Photobox: Yes! More lightning!

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Sunday - August 10, 2008

Yes! More lightning!

[Lightning]

One of the things I love about going to Albuquerque is the view of the city at night. All those twinkling lights in the valley are beautiful. I was determined to get a night shot while I was here. Tonight, I got an extra special treat. Doncha think?

I almost stopped to take the night shot last night but I didn't have my camera ready. So, I decided it could wait. I was driving from Grandma's to Ginger's at about 8:30 this evening when I turned the curve that gives me this view. And, I noticed that there was a thunderstorm taking place in the mountains across the valley. So, I decided tonight was definitely the night. I went to Ginger's and told her my plan. 'Got my camera ready and headed to the spot I'd vaguely picked out as a good spot. 'Turns out, there were a lot of power lines in the way. So, I went a bit further and pulled off the road next to a very large vacant lot. I got out my tripod and folding canvas chair. It was a bit breezy and cool so I grabbed a cap and jacket as well. Then, since I was gonna be hiking into a vacant field, I decided to switch from my slip-ons to the boots I'd thrown in the back of the car before leaving Austin. Then, I hiked about 80 yards into the lot...putting plenty of distance between me and those pesky power lines. I got set up right at 9 o'clock. And, started shooting. And, shooting. And, shooting. And, I kept seeing lightning strikes just off to one side or the other. Always out of frame...or mostly out of frame. Or striking just after the 4- or 6-second exposure would end. Arghhh. I almost gave up after about 15 minutes. And, then again, after 25. But, then I noticed that one part of the sky actually seemed to be getting a bit more consistent lightning action. So, I focussed on it. And, I almost got a couple of good shots. But kept missing. And, then it was 9:30 and I decided I'd have to give up. But, being the stubborn sort that I am, I decided to give it a few more shots. And, I got it! 'Got my shot. So, I immediately packed up shop and headed back to Ginger's. No need to keep on keepin' on once I got this shot, eh?

By the by, I took nearly 300 shots in all. And, only got 10 or 15 that are even a little bit interesting. And, only one "it" shot. Perseverance, boys and girls. Perseverance. That's the lesson of the day.

By the by #2: here's the lightning shot I snapped back in May in Austin. While that was a fine shot, I don't think it can really rival this one.

Posted by Joanna at 10:51 PM