It's summer in Southwest Florida and once again the skies are putting on a show. But you don't need a ticket for a front-row seat for this show. Just look up and you are bound to see something spectacular − something you have never seen before.
Andrew West , an award-winning photographer for the News-Press and Naples Daily News, has been spending some quality time outdoors recently and his subject has been what's happening in the sky. Stunning rainbow sunsets. Breathtaking flashes of lightning. And that other-worldly Saharan dust .
We asked West to share his thoughts about taking photos of the summer skies and how he's successful at capturing this magic of Mother Nature. Here is his unique and expert perspective:
Lightning
When was this photo taken (day and time): On Monday, July 15. Just after sunset. About 30 minutes after.
Where was this photo taken: At the end of Winkler Road near Estero Bay Buffer Preserve .
What type of camera was used and any other technical details: Canon 1DX Mark II with a tripod. In technical terms, I always have the camera on a sturdy tripod, I usually use a really wide angle lens. These were shot with a 16-24 set at 16mm. I set the exposure for what I am seeing. In this case I did a lot of bracketing with my ISO at 100, my f/stop between f/4 and f/8 and my shutter staying open for 4-6 seconds, depending on the shot. The reason I hold the shutter open is because I try to time a lightning strike. It is a game of luck and some skill in anticipation of knowing when a bolt, or bolts will come out of the sky.
Andrew's perspective: For me photographing lightning is usually pretty spur of the moment because it is so hit or miss. I have seen the skies light up, only to get the camera and tripod out of the car set up at a location and see that the lightning is either dissipated or crackling behind a cloud. The object is get bolts or fingers of lightning. Evening skies right around dusk is also ideal. The evening sky adds to the texture and brings out the hues of the sky and clouds. But total darkness can also be amazing.
For this photo, I also dealt with a ton of very hungry mosquitos along with being on the edge of the storm. So I had to avoid raindrops as well. I shot with the camera under the hatchback of my car or used the brim of a hat to keep the camera dry.
What are some of the technical challenges of photographing lightning?
Like I stated above, timing, exposure and luck are some of the technical challenges. Staying dry and safe are of upmost importance as well. I try to minimize risk by staying near my vehicle and getting inside if the storm comes too close. I shoot from a safe distance to the storm as well. If available, I will also shoot under an awning or pavilion. If I feel unsafe at all, which I have on numerous occasions, I will retreat to the car or inside. It is not worth a photo. Are there times, when I've been too close? Yes. Have I regretted those decisions? Yes. I always stress safety when it comes to shooting lightning. Power poles and lines are my biggest enemy while trying shoot sunsets and lightning. Finding a good foreground is paramount. I've watches tons of situations die in front of me while trying to find a good location to shoot from.
Where does lightning compare for you for photographing nature? In other words compared to sunset or hurricanes (floods, etc.), cold weather, hot weather, etc.
Good question. Each genre of photography offers insight into a different part of the visual or artistic world. Photographing lightning is a little more challenging than say, a sunset. You need to have luck on your side. Wildlife photography requires a lot of patience, nice light and moments. As far as weather and hurricanes, I am always looking to see how people are affected. So that is a whole different type of photojournalism. One that requires a whole different set of skills. Not necessarily in the settings of the camera, but how to approach and deal with people who are struggling. It can be a challenge.
How do you ensure your safety when you are out in the field photographing lightning?
Honestly, you can't be 100 percent safe when shooting lightning. As we all know, It can strike out of the blue and in unknown random locations. If the lightning is popping all around me, I am not risking it. If it is off in the distance coming from one storm cell, then I feel more comfortable shooting. A lot of it is common sense and understanding your surroundings and knowing the rules about lightning safety.
Saharan dust
When was this photo taken (day and time): Taken on July 22 just after sunrise.
Where was this photo taken: It was photographed from the bridge over Fort Myers Beach looking toward the shrimp boat docks.
What type of camera was used and any other technical details: Photographed with my iPhone . I underexposed it a little to help with the saturation of the sun.
Andrew's perspective: The Saharan dust adds particles to the air which brings a haze to the area. It takes the light and spreads it out making for more textured and colorful sunrises and sunsets. It also helps with keeping hurricanes at bay. I always look forward to this time of year for all the different colored hues in the skies.
More: Drier air, nice sunsets: Saharan dust season at its peak in late July, meteorologists say
Rainbow
When was this photo taken (day and time): This was photographed on Tuesday, July 16 at sunset.
Where was this photo taken: Wa-Ke Hatchee Park in Fort Myers near Lexington Middle School.
What type of camera was used and any other technical details: Canon 1DX Mark II
Andrew's perspective: I looked out my door and saw that a rainbow was forming, so I jumped in the car and searched for a good spot to shoot − minus light poles and wires that would disrupt the view. It is always a challenge to find a good location in a very short period of time. Rainbows don't last long so finding a good line of sight in a short time period is crucial. I ended up at Wa-Ke Hatchee Park, I knew it had water and that I could make a cool reflection. I tried to create a full circle of the rainbow in the water but didn't have a wide enough lens. This was shot with a 16-24 mm lens. After this photo was shot, I hung around a bit longer and watched as a shelf cloud with lightning moved in. It was pretty epic. The sunset turned out really cool as well.
Photo gallery: More photos of our spectacular summer skies
See more lightning, Saharan dust and rainbow photos taken by Andrew West.
Video: Who is Andrew West?
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Spectacular summer skies: Andrew West's mesmerizing photos capture Mother Nature's magic
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