Picture of the Day - September 5, 2009

"Blue Bolts"

Photo courtesy of Rick Ellis.                          (Click on the photo for a larger view) Lightning is one of the most powerful natural forces on our planet, and whenever a nighttime thunderstorm rolls through I usually end up standing near a window looking on in awe as one lightning bolt after another briefly turns night into day. I also enjoy looking at a great photograph that exhibits the power of a thunderstorm, and today's picture by photographer Rick Ellis is a great one. Here is the story behind this image: "In August 2009 an uncommonly active thunderstorm rolled through Toronto. The lightning and thunder were non-stop for over 90 minutes. As the storm front passed south and east the rain stopped, but the flashes continued. I shot over 80 frames at 5 second intervals and finally managed to image this horizontal display of electrical fireworks."      --Rick Ellis   Visitor Comments... Name: Christie Palmon Town: Eugene, OR Call me crazy, but I love a good thunderstorm too. My sisters used to crawl under a bed when the thunder started rolling, but like you I would run to the nearest window. Nice capture Mr. Ellis!     Name: Ed Morrison Town: Dunwoody, GA Great job on a rather tricky exposure.     Name: Dawn Reynolds Town: Windsor, Ontario I remember this storm well. My shih Tzu Bobbles (don't ask!) jumped up into my lap and sat there shaking uncontrollably for the better part of an hour, and I wasn't doing much better. It is interesting to see it in a photograph thought. I agree - great job Mr. Ellis.     Name: Ron Trees Town: Spokane, WA Great lightning capture Mr. Ellis!! I too enjoy a good lightning storm and have tried often to take pictures. I have gotten a few, but it is much harder than it seems that it would be. You have done a very good job here.   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"