On July 2, 2014, a powerful summer storm moved across Brooklyn, NYC and the Long Island area. While the weather was clearly not suitable for astrophotography, it created perfect conditions for another dramatic sky phenomenon — lightning.
This was my first attempt at photographing lightning with the Canon 60Da. Instead of stars and the Milky Way, the sky delivered sudden bursts of atmospheric electricity.
Lightning photography requires patience and timing. Unlike astrophotography, where exposures are predictable, lightning is chaotic and instantaneous. The strategy is simple: long exposures and waiting.
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| Canon 60Da Lightning Photo during Brooklyn NYC Long Island storm 07-02-2014 |
What Causes Lightning?
Lightning forms inside storm clouds when strong updrafts separate electric charges. Negative charges accumulate in the lower part of the cloud, while positive charges build higher up. When the electrical difference becomes strong enough, a rapid discharge occurs — creating a visible lightning bolt.
A lightning strike can reach temperatures of approximately 30,000°C (54,000°F) — hotter than the surface of the Sun.
Although this is not deep-sky astrophotography, it is still a powerful example of sky physics in action. Storm systems are ultimately driven by solar heating and atmospheric dynamics, connecting this phenomenon to the broader story of Earth–Sun interaction.
Camera Setup
- Camera: Canon 60Da
- Lens: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
- Tripod: Stable ground setup
- ISO: 100
- Aperture: f/13
- Mode: Bulb
- Exposure: 6 seconds
A narrow aperture (f/13) helped control brightness and preserve detail in the lightning structure, while multiple short bulb exposures increased the chance of capturing a strike without overexposing the scene.
Urban storms over New York City create a unique atmosphere — dramatic clouds illuminated by distant city lights combined with sudden electric flashes. Even without stars, the sky remains a stage for extraordinary natural events.
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