Jeff Smith

I started photographing lightning almost 30 years ago.I was mainly interested in getting to “the place” to shoot “the photo.” I began to shoot from the safety of my truck because I was getting incredibly close to the bolts. I realized that the view from the truck was a simple and valid and recognizable viewpoint.
Often when going on a shoot I’m trying to get close enough so that I can photograph large bolts but not be in danger. But when photographing nature you can’t be in control, you have to be willing and flexible to partner with randomness. Each storm builds differently. Sometimes the storm is on top of you and other times you never get to it. I began noticing that some of the most interesting imagery happens on the way to the storm, and since I’ve always been attracted to motion blurs I started photographing while driving, first using a cable release and window mount for the camera and later on with a lightning trigger. Now I have other secrets.
Riding with lightning I feel incredibly focused. My peripheral vision widens to the view of the lens. I think in f-stops and shutter speeds and am completely in the moment. While others sleep,I enjoy the sparseness of the road.