Lightning strikes on the prairie
Canon 5DIII camera with a Canon 24-105 lens: 6.0 seconds at f/6.3 on ISO 800
(click on any image to open a page with a higher resolution version)
A couple of nights ago, lightning was being thrown around by several large storm clouds as they spread out and rolled over the prairies. After a spectacular sunset in Kananaskis Country earlier (the image below), I had just drove out of the mountains when I saw these strikes lighting up both the fields and the clouds.
Canon 5DIII camera with a Canon 17-40 lens: 1/160th of a second at f/5.6 on ISO 800
I ended up pulling off of the Trans-Canada Highway at Hermitage Road to watch this summer performance. It was just before 11pm when I set up my camera along a fence which was busy splitting up a meadow of wild grass. The moon was out and waxing near full so the land was gently lit up.
Canon 5DIII camera with a Canon 24-105 lens: 2.5 seconds at f/5.6 on ISO 1600
It was warm but the mosquitos compelled me to put on a light jacket. When a breeze came up around midnight, it was a perfect night to be outdoors.
Canon 5DIII camera with a Canon 24-105 lens: 10 seconds at f/8.0 on ISO 1600
Two hours flew by largely unnoticed before the storms had moved out of view and I decided to head home.
Canon 5DIII camera with a Canon 24-105 lens: 6.0 seconds at f/6.3 on ISO 800
Christopher Martin Photography 
AMAZING shots!
July 22, 2013 at 10:54 pm
A special evening and some fantastic shots.
July 22, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Stunning photos. Your photos always “WOW” me.
July 22, 2013 at 9:12 am
Once again you have wowed me and left me speechless
July 22, 2013 at 6:08 am
very beautiful photos, fantastic
July 22, 2013 at 4:26 am
Reblogged this on Beatz kane Blog.
July 21, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Wow, stunning shots!!!
July 21, 2013 at 9:52 pm
Wow, what an incredible evening! Spectacular work as always!
July 21, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Amazing lightning photos, Chris! I love seeing the clear sky and stars above the clouds!
July 21, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Wow!
July 21, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Hi Karen,
This cloud was an island over the prairies. As the lightning streaked down, the stars began popping into sight above. A very cool storm to watch.
Cheers,
Chris
July 22, 2013 at 9:02 am
Beautiful photo’s!
The first photo with the lightning looks very impressive.
July 21, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Thank you Esmee!
July 22, 2013 at 9:00 am