The forces of nature captured on CCD

For the impatient: Pictures

Against my better judgement, I ran after a lightning storm on Friday that was in the neighborhood. The results of this little adventure were a couple of pictures that make me say aloud to nobody in particular, "I love taking pictures" . And now, I share them with you!

Lightning strikes during a Phoenix monsoon storm, tracing the geometry of the clouds

In case you, too, are tempted to conquer your better judgment, know that these pictures were taken with maximum aperture (F2.0), a shutter speed between 5-15seconds, and the lens focussed on infinity. Naturally a tripod is required. Alternatively, using a temporary petrification charm on oneself would do nicely. Once you've started the exposure, begin pleading for an electrical discharge of massive proportions.

Also, panoramic pictures of Maui are now available.