I have always been fascinated by the beauty of electrical storms. For many years, I have attempted to capture it on film. All of my attempts were futile, until digital and video cameras were devised. I am on my third digital camera. Finally one compatible with my computer and quality photos. The Sony Cybershot is also remarkable for close up videos. Who would have thought it could capture lightening. I was almost afraid to try, for fear the lightening flash may injure the sensitive lens. However here is the proof that it can be captured.

I set the camera on my window sill as the storm approached. It was already getting dark, when the light show began. Nature's fireworks, as good as any fourth of July celebration. Approximately 30 minutes of videoing and the storm had passed. I could not wait to get it up on my monitor. It was way too much darkness for an interesting video. I pulled it on to the Windows Movie Maker video program and began editing. Split and cut, before and after each flash and my 30 minutes video was reduced to less than two mintues of flashing action. See Lightening Strikes Video linked on this page. Some of the bolts of lightening were so breath taking, I wanted still pictures, so I could truly absorb the beauty.

I tried a number of picture editors, but could not find photography editing software that was computable with the photography program I was using. Necessity is the mother of invention, so the saying goes. I wanted thous photos bad. They were so beautiful on my screen. Wondering how to convert, I noticed the digital camera by the computer. Giving it a good old try I shot the pictures off my screen. It worked! Check out my Photo History Hub for all my retired equipment. Any ideas on recycling old cameras and camcorders, pleast leave a comment.

Now I want to experiment with some diffrent setting and see if I can improve the quality. I'll keep you posted of the results. LATER!