“I get my best ideas in a thunderstorm.  I have the power and majesty of nature on my side.”  Ralph Steadman

The Island of Kauai was enveloped by a huge storm front with rain and thunderstorms.  Interestingly enough, the storms skirted around the eastern side of the Island and left the North Shore virtually untouched.  However, we could see the storm off in the distance as it ventured it’s way east over the ocean.  Headed for the mainland I guess!  The lightening lit up the sky like it was daylight – even from our vantage point.  We quickly gathered our tripod, camera and Neutral Density filters to try and get some lightning bolts.  It took quite a few attempts and long exposures but we were finally successful.  

Another shot I wanted to try was using the pop-flash technique.  Glen held an off camera flash unit, as did I.  I set the self timer, and during a long exposure (almost 7 seconds) each one of us popped the flash at a different time.  When I was editing the photos I realized I only had one good lightening shot, and it wasn’t in any of the pop-flash shots.  So – Photoshop here I come!  I combined two of the best photographs, created a layer mask and masked in the lightening bolt.  

Love the magic of Photoshop!

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