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The Strike

© Chris Budny
Deluxe Website: chrisbudny.com

The Strike

Uploaded: October 29, 2007

Description

EF17-85 @22mm, f/16, Thirty Seconds, -1/3ev, ISO100, RAW, tripod
Rework of earlier image: Curves and new Crop to remove the large foreground fountain spray.
This is an actual lightning strike captured during a 30 second exposure; it was not added via software.
Shot during a series of storms on the National Mall (WWII Memorial shown here) with Sue Rosin in late August.
10/07 2nd Place, Catchall

Comments

JANICE ZONNEVELD October 29, 2007

BEAUTIFUL, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO CAPTURE SMALL LIGHNING STRICKS SO KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO HAVE THE CAMERA IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME. WELL DONE.
JANICE #773502

Dominick M. Dimacale level-addict October 29, 2007

AWESOME IMAGE!!!


Dominick #4998788

Lola M. level-classic October 29, 2007

Amazing Photo ~ Nothing beats being at the right place at the right time ~ with camera in hand. #4999081

Susan Fox October 29, 2007

Well the crop works :-) You made a great photo even better. I still like the original but maybe that fountain to the right was too much in the scene. I didn't think so until I compared the two.

I hope this one goes all the way! #4999179

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 30, 2007

Thanks so much, Janice, Dominick & Lola!
Susan, thanks also---and I agree... I've grown to like this version better, already! #5003858

Susan M. Hembree October 30, 2007

This new re-do looks great, too, Chris! I hope this keeps moving up the ladder this time. It really is a great photo! And yes, I was there everyone--it's real! #5007353

Chris Budny level-deluxe October 31, 2007

hehehe... Thanks, Sue! I like it without that 2nd fountain... And I hope it moves up, too! #5008591

Melissa Papaj level-classic November 15, 2007

Very Very nice shot!!! #5077527

Mitchell S. Speert November 15, 2007

Wow! I think we have a winner here. Very nice. #5077959

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 15, 2007

Thank you both, Melissa & Mitchell--Mitchell, I hope you're right ;) #5078417

Ronald F. Fischer November 16, 2007

This is a stunningly capture, and a winner in my book! #5083514

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 17, 2007

I appreciate it, Ronald! Hopefully, the third try is the charm ;) #5086119

Nikki McDonald level-classic November 17, 2007

You know I loved the first submission, Chris, and I would never have thought to remove the fountain--it seemed to complete the image. But I have to admit that this crop gives more importance to the critical moment of the lightning strike and I love it, too. Most of all I hope it gets further recognition. #5088041

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 18, 2007

Thank you Nikki... My mom originally suggested the alternate crop to me, as I was pondering what might be "wrong" with the photo. You (and she) are right... the original foreground fountain spray was just too dominant in the image (not to mention, suffered from some slight distortion, leaning inward, which I could only partially correct.) Fingers crossed on this one; I think it is a good improvement. #5090038

Donna La Mattino Pagakis November 19, 2007

Full of energy, nice lighting and design. Best of luck, this is a powerful image! #5096548

Susan M. Smith November 20, 2007

Chris, this is an amazing capture! The whole combination really works and I can't decide if it gives me a chilling feeling or a powerful one. Either way, it's got all the elements and more for a winner! Good luck :) #5101500

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 21, 2007

Susan & Donna, thank you so much. I've got my fingers crossed, as I really like this cropped version better, now, than my original! #5106093

Dr Silly level-classic November 26, 2007

Chris cogratulations on your wonderful finalist. :O)
#5127483

Colleen Farrell November 26, 2007

Hey Chris, so glad to see this made finalist--I expect to see it with a gold soon! Big Congratulations! #5127541

Susan M. Hembree November 26, 2007

Finally Chris! Hooray! Congratulations! #5127702

Kay E. Mahoney level-classic November 26, 2007

Congratulations on your finalist. #5127809

Nancy (Peaches) Harker November 26, 2007

WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO
BIG Congrats on your finalist and best of luck in the next round! #5128030

Tammy Scott November 26, 2007

Congratulations on a terrific finalist! #5128537

Susan Fox November 26, 2007

Congratulations Chris! I'm glad this one got the recognition it deserves. #5129256

Tamera S. Phillips November 26, 2007

Wonderful finalist and well deserved! Congratulations. #5129940

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 26, 2007

What a magnificent finalist, Christopher!!!
--Lisa #5130140

Cesar J. La Rosa November 26, 2007

WONDERFUL Finalist, Chris!!!
Congratulations!!!
Cesar #5132552

Philippe Vieux-Jeanton November 26, 2007

Incredible shot Christopher!! Congrats and good luck for the next! #5132786

Susie Peek-Swint November 27, 2007

Happy to see a button on this fantastic shot Chris ~ hope it goes gold for you!! #5133198

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 27, 2007

Thank you all so much; I'm thrilled this one made Finalist, after a few resubmits, and a little reworking, this time around! #5134399

Gail Vitikacs level-classic November 27, 2007

Incredible...and well deserved! Congratulations Chris! #5134604

Robert Baer November 27, 2007

chris
this is one eye catching image. congrats on your finalist!! #5135238

Mitchell S. Speert November 27, 2007

Congrats! #5135638

Mick Burkey November 27, 2007

Outstanding capture, Chris, and a well-deserved finalist! Good luck in the next round, my friend. #5135834

Melissa Malisia November 27, 2007

Congratulations on your Finalist, Christopher!! :) #5136052

Corinne M. Thompson November 27, 2007

Excellent capture Chris, Congrats on your Finalist! #5136965

Jennifer Rennison November 27, 2007

Excellent timing and lighting, Chris!! Congratulations on your finalist and best of luck in the next round!! #5136989

Nikki McDonald level-classic November 27, 2007

Who would have guessed that a crop that centered the image would result in its being noticed? So glad you kept the faith and kept working with this wonderful shot--I know how excited you were just after you got it and I know it has been a favorite ever since so I love seeing your valuation of the shot validated. Congratulations on your finalist and good luck in the next round. #5137411

Steven E. Ray November 27, 2007

The mere fact that you caught this natural millisecond event is an achievement worthy of this finalist :) Great capture Christopher! #5137511

Ken Smith level-classic November 27, 2007

2nd time's a charm. Exellent work, Chris! #5138781

Susan Fox November 27, 2007

Congratulations on your win Chris!!!!!! #5139003

Tammy Scott November 27, 2007

Congratulations on this awesome winning shot! #5139111

Nikki McDonald level-classic November 27, 2007

How sweet is this? Very big congratulations on this win, Chris. #5139161

Donna La Mattino Pagakis November 27, 2007

Way to go Chris, a beautiful winning image. Huge congratulations to you!! #5139208

Judy V. Kennamer level-classic November 27, 2007

Gorgeous Chris! Congratulations on your well-deserved WINNER! #5139209

Michael S. Swaffar November 27, 2007

Wow! Dude, you did it again! Huge Congrats! #5139222

Michelle R. Kovach November 27, 2007

Congrats Chis! #5139247

Sherry Karr Adkins level-deluxe November 27, 2007

CONGRATS, Chris! I knew this was a winner from the first time I saw it. #5139295

Susan M. Hembree November 27, 2007

Way to go, Chris! Congratulations! #5139332

Stephanie Frey level-classic November 27, 2007

Congratulations on your beautiful win! #5139438

Cesar J. La Rosa November 27, 2007

Congratulations on this very well-deserved Winner, Chris!!!
Cesar #5139452

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 27, 2007

Thank you all so very much! The night I shot this in August, I let out a big yell when I realized I'd captured such a great bolt, during my exposure. I just let out a similar yelp tonite, upon discovering the win! :) #5139465

Steven E. Ray November 27, 2007

Just a few hours later same day and now BIG congrats on your winner Chris! #5139506

Nancy (Peaches) Harker November 27, 2007

BIG Congrat's Chris! #5139599

Carol Teal November 27, 2007

I didn't get to say congrats on your finalist, but now I can say congrats on your 2nd place win!! I know how this has been a favorite of yours, so I am glad to see it recognized this time around! Goes to show you not to give up when you have a great image! #5139739

Philippe Vieux-Jeanton November 27, 2007

CONGRATS CHRIS!! #5140024

Katarina Mansson November 27, 2007

I am not surprised :-)

Congratulations on your GOLD Chris!!! #5140302

Les Rhoades level-classic November 27, 2007

Congratulations on your GOLD Button win!It's about time BP did the right thing.
I held off on my comment because I had a feeling this was going to move into the winners circle.
Les
#5140362

Adilson F. Ferreira level-classic November 28, 2007

Congratulations on your win, Christopher!!! #5140518

Kara L. Hendricks November 28, 2007

Well, it's about time!!! I know this one thrills you Chris!! As it does all of us!!!

So very well deserved!!!!! #5140983

Revonda L. Gentry November 28, 2007

Congrats on your fantastic winner, Christopher!! #5141154

Autum Rhoades November 28, 2007

YEAH! Congrats Chris on this wonderful win! #5141449

Corinne M. Thompson November 28, 2007

So glad this was finally recognized with Gold...congrats Chris! #5141496

Wally Orlowsky November 28, 2007

Congratulations on this amazing winner, Chris! #5141659

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 28, 2007

Thank you all very much! And thanks to my mom, who suggested the new crop. It really did improve the image, to not have the larger fountain spray in the foreground. I'm just thrilled this made it! #5141953

Mick Burkey November 28, 2007

WTG, Chris! Amazing image and a well-deserved win. So glad to see it get a gold. #5142832

Mitch Spence level-classic November 28, 2007

So pleased to see this here with the winner medal, Chris. Nice job. #5143241

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic November 28, 2007

Congrats, Chris, on this FABULOUS WINNER!!!
~Lisa #5143250

Lynn Haack November 28, 2007

Hi Chris....a BIG, electrifying CONGRATS on this amazing image!! WTG!! Lynn #5143828

Lynn Haack November 28, 2007

Oops...forgot to say....WINNER!!!! Lynn #5143831

Sharon Day November 28, 2007

Awesome image, Chris!!! Big congratulations on this win! #5144937

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 28, 2007

Thank you very much, folks! I just uploaded a copy to Mpix, which will be my first print of this, so I can display it at home! #5145083

Datha Y. Thompson November 28, 2007

Big Congratulations Chris!!! Outstanding Winner and so well deserved!! WTG :0) #5145352

Sherry Sturgis November 28, 2007

BIG Congratulations to you, Chris, for this magnificant image!!!! Display it proudly! Truly a stunning shot! #5145358

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 29, 2007

Thank you, Christine & Sherry, very much! #5146428

Karen Bacon November 30, 2007

Congratulations Chris on a truely fantastic image!!!!! #5151454

Sylvia Rossler November 30, 2007

Awesome image !!! Big congrats on your wonderful winner Chris :o) #5152658

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 30, 2007

Thank you very much, Sylvia & Karen! #5153909

Ronda Chatelle level-classic December 06, 2007

ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR Christopher! I love this! Congratulations!!!! I'm just surprised this didn't win the Grand.... #5177624

Chris Budny level-deluxe December 10, 2007

Thanks Ronda! I don't think it is colorful enough for a Grand, but I'm happy nonetheless! #5190460

Don Johnson level-classic December 21, 2007

I love this photo. I KNEW it would be a big winner! Congratulations. #5239851

Chris Budny level-deluxe December 21, 2007

Thanks, Don! I was thrilled to see it advance last month! #5240365

Ed Taguba March 10, 2008

Very beautiful photo. Colors #5618954

Chris Budny level-deluxe March 10, 2008

Thank you, Edward! #5619963

Milan Banik December 31, 2008

excellent catch
happy new year #6961891

Chris Budny level-deluxe January 06, 2009

Many thanks, Milan, and a belated Happy New Year to you too! #6992246

Merna L. Nobile January 17, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS, MERNA #9168274

Rosemary Sampson level-classic May 11, 2011

Fabulous shot. Your gallery is an inspiration. I will be back often to see your extraordinary work. #9399483

Chris Budny level-deluxe May 11, 2011

Thank you Merna, and Rosemary! This is an old favorite of mine; a very lucky shot! #9399519

Katarina Mansson July 06, 2011

Such a beautiful and phenomenal capture! #9510380

Chris Budny level-deluxe July 06, 2011

Thank you, Katarina! #9510606

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