Camera: Canon 77D; Lens: Canon L-Series 24-105mm
Aperture: f/5.6; Shutter Speed: 13"; ISO: 100
August 28th, 2021 brought about Tornado Watches and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings across much of Minnesota. That evening I was in Marshall, working on some good ol’ accounting homework. I couldn’t help but notice all of the lightning outside; it gave me a jolt of inspiration to go out with my camera. (Sorry Momma)
With Marshall Radio on, and staying on the open roads, I wanted to be aware of what was out there as it got dark. Towns about 20 miles away were getting 60+mph winds and hail, so I knew I didn’t want to be out long. This view to the southeast allowed me to watch the storm roll in and catch some sweet lightning shots. It was my first time capturing lightning, so by no means are they state-of-the-art images, but it was a cool experience nevertheless and a great learning opportunity at that.
I can’t explain it - I get these impulses to just go out and shoot sometimes. An itch, a feeling, that something is out there worth capturing. Sometimes it’ll be a sunrise or a sunset, and now for the first time, lightning; my intuition usually leaves me happy at the end of the day with the adventures and images I go to bed with. This desire to keep trying new things and explore the world of photography has really made me comfortable with not knowing everything. The saying “fake it till you make it” is so real in my photography journey. I don’t always know what the best settings might be in a certain situation, I might not always set up the best composition, but getting out there every day and experimenting is the best way to improve.
Photography has directly translated to other areas of my life. It’s made me think about ordinary things from a new perspective. It’s pushed me to go out and get better at the things I’m passionate about - to be hungry for knowledge. It’s allowed me to pursue what I love.