My dream shot for almost 2 years now. Countless trips, countless failures. With the World Cup soccer They have added a Soccer ball in the tower which made this so much more appealing for me to capture.
I was beginning to give up hope since its approaching winter here and with that no more storms, and the relevance of the Soccer ball a distant memory. I was playing Table tennis (very safe sport by the way) with a friend of mine and I saw the distant Flashes.
Grabbed my stuff and following my usual routine of driving and guessing what the weather is doing. I inittially thought it wasnt going to work out as it was way over east but then noticed more activity in the West. I knew the game was on and I just might be lucky tonight. I floored it to get there in good time. This is Groenkloof with the Telkom tower - prominent feature in Pretoria. In the distance (orange building) Voortrekker Monument - Also landmark feature of Pretoria. I have another lighting shot with this building in it on my portfolio.
Setting up I got on top of a power box which elevated me to clear debris/grass and ugly fence in front of me. Judging the distance of weather I went to F7.1 bulb. Then I realized my cable release was in the car. Having walked a bit and climbed on the box I was in two minds. I wasnt about to loose a shot to get this from the car and I decided to be carefull. One thing I have learnt is that when things happen, it's over in a flash..so to speak.
This Bolt cought me completely of guard as it turned out much closer and my 7.1 f stop was way to big. The bolt really lit up the scene and I have had to bring exposure down in PP quiet a bit. I then stopped down to 9 and even 10. I have a couple of other bolts as well but this works out best for my taste. It looks like the one finger of the bolt is touching the Tower on right and in zooming in, it would seem like it. I cant be sure about this however
Yes I know. People must be bored with me by now with my lightning pics. I am fascinated with it and I cant get enough. You think you see the bolt when it strikes but you dont really. Previewing (sometimes) I always am surpised at what it really looked like.
Hope the people can enjoy this for it's power, beauty and man's insignificance to the power of nature. God is truly great.
_____________
Thank you very much for this all people from DPC. I appreciate all votes and comments. It really has been a great week but really thought there was a couple of entries that would take honours here. Some excellent work. I have to also thank my wife who lies and wait at night worrying, yet always supporting me. Thanks once again.
Rian
PS I am also very relieved it made blue to save Jutilda from being called a monkeys uncle...;)
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This is absolutely brilliant!! What a shot! Congrats on the ribbon! I drive that road often. My husband and I also find lightning fascinating and incredible! God is truly awesome!
This is a fascinating capture. I've always wanted to get a lightning shot but don't think I could ever get something like this. What an awesome way to win a ribbon :D
Never get tired of looking at lightning shots. Especially ones as good as this. It would definitely be hanging (quite large) on my wall if it was mine. Fantastic capture.
Veeeva Bafana Bafana, Viva!
Absolutely amazing shot, unrivalled. So meaningful to me, on so many levels.
It has technical excellence, a sense of drama, and is oh so topical, with the World Cup about to begin.
One thing......if Fifa approach you, and ask to buy the rights to this photo, please get back to your DPC friends, and let us know! I would not be the least bit surprised.
Wow. I think I would have had to change my pants after this before getting back in the car. You are a crazy, excellent photographer. Congrats on the well-deserved blue ribbon, and most importantly THE shot.
Beautiful capture and great story about catching the bolt. You need someone to catch a picture of you getting set up to shoot these! Congratulations on the blue.
Congrats, this was one of my 2 rated-10 photos. I got a feeling this was yours, for lighting is your "signature" theme, nonetheless, amazing and brave capture! :)
Veels geluk Riaan. Uitstekende werk. En nie eers 'n een of 'n twee nie!
Absolutely marvelous camera control and eye-for-a-shot and the Voortrekker Monument lit up on the horison, brilliant.
My first thought is... "Does he have an updated estate plan?" Seriously, be careful. This doesn't look like your closest call but it's your most spectactular IMO. Congrats on your ribbon! 10 for picture, 10+ for courage.
Fantastic shot!
This shot really makes my heart proud... my sister was the person that came up with the design concept of the soccer ball on the tower! She will be really happy to see this shot!
Keep it up Rian!
Awesome shot!!! Congrats on the blue! Umm... Since you got the blue in free study, I do think you should let me beat you in "waiting". It only seems fair :P
Wow! One of the better lightning captures I've seen for some time. I like the tower as an added subject point as well. Pity it's a little over exposed but that would be pretty hard to control with this kind of shot. Well done
Now that's a hell of a lightning shot, and a bizarre structure as well. It's a really excellent piece of work overall, though on my monitor it seems seriously oversharpened...
Snap -- crackle -- POP !
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