Lightening at Sunset

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

When arriving at this scene I knew it was offering nice shots - even more so should I manage to catch one of the numerous lightening strikes happening all around the area at regular intervals. The use of ND filters was not an option on my particular lens so I had to rely on patience, tenacity and a bit of luck and spot-on premonition of exactly when the next lightening bolt was going to strike within the area displayed in my viewfinder. I had 3 strikes in +/- 40 attempts, of which I liked this one most.

Exposure raised in the darker land area in PS (levels & curves) in order to better expose the hippo leaving the water for overnight browsing on-land (on the right hand side of the dam's edge - an extra bonus! :S3:).

All C&C's welcome.

Nikon D600
Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AS IF ED UMC
f/11 | 0.3s | 100 ISO | Beanbag

[Valerio Tarone]

Hi Tobie, a very good image, dramatic scenery! I should crop a bit on the bottom and the left part to strenghten the image.

[Diane Miller]

Wow! Great capture with an awesome sky to back up the lightning -- and the rhino is wonderful!

I could see a little off the bottom but would hate to cut into the clouds coming down from the upper left. Wonder if the rhino could be lightened a little? Maybe a large soft area there with more contrast.

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Tobie - One of your best for me. The lightning strike is fantastic. I didn't notice the hippo until I read your intro and had to go look for it. The pano crop works well here. Nice one.

TFS,
Rachel

[Warren Spreng]

What great lighting and very dramatic! Great catch!

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Thanks for the comments everyone! Valerio, Diane echo'd my thoughts on why I extended the scene so much to the left - to suit the clouds on the left. Thanks for the suggestion though! :S3:

[Don Railton]

Hi Tobie

Agree with those above, one of your best. I especially like the cloud. I too think the hippo could do with a little more definition (if its possible) and maybe just a little on the cloud.. I emphasis maybe and little for the cloud, for my tastes anyway.

DON

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Highlights raised a touch on the hippo, a little space dropped from the bottom.

http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=157464&d=1449421576

[Don Lacy]

HI Tobia, The repost fixes the minor issues a very nice image.

[Diane Miller]

Yes -- better -- a very special image!!

[Morkel Erasmus]

Tobie, my friend, this is the best photo you've ever posted anywhere! :5 :cheers:
My kind of shot - dramatic weather, wide angle scene, wildlife in the frame, iconic...
Like the repost best.

[Tobie Schalkwyk]

Tobie, my friend, this is the best photo you've ever posted anywhere! :5 :cheers:
My kind of shot - dramatic weather, wide angle scene, wildlife in the frame, iconic...
Like the repost best.

Thanks so much Morkel! :S3:

[Andrew McLachlan]

Lovely work Tobie...repost is perfect!