#vrs: when twilight strikes

[gamezonecr7]

The Best Games To Play On The Play station 5 In Tunisia

PS VR is all the rage in Europe and northern Africa now. The gaming world has grown extremely comfortable with virtual reality headsets and devices, but there are still some places that don’t seem to think about it too much. For example, in Tunisia, PS VR is banned completely. In fact, it isn’t even available for purchase on any store shelves. There are very few stores that sell PS VR content and those that do only sell an extremely limited stock of it at this moment. Luckily, you can order your favorite games via the internet or through a smartphone app. Even if you live somewhere like Paris where Playstation has been forbidden for years, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy gaming on the go! Here is a selection of the best PS 5 games to play in Tunisia.

What to Play on PS 5

While there are many different types of games on the playstation 5 prix Tunisie, there is one that is truly special. It’s the tactical shooter SWAT: Active Defense. The PS VR version of the game is the ultimate controller for all kinds of shooters. You can drop into battle in a variety of roles, from solo attackers to headshots, and the control scheme is similar to that of shooters like Doom and CS: GO. You can even play as the cop who is chasing down criminals in the city. SWAT is one of those games that you play when you’re in a rush and you don’t have the time to read the instructions. The game’s visuals are nothing short of awe-inspiring and the storyline is nothing but fascinating. It’s a classic that you’ll want to play again and again.

Star Fox 2

Star Fox 2, the first game in the Star Fox series, is perhaps the most popular Star Fox game. It’s a classic that anyone who played the original will instantly recognize as their favorite. The graphics are fantastic, the controls are easy to pick up, and if you’re hungry for more Star Fox, you should try star fox 2. Star Fox 2 returns to the adventures of Star Fox and his co-stars, Star Wolf and Fox McCloud, in a world where humans and Foxes have intermingled. While the original was a basic 2D platformer, star fox 2 is an 8-bit style action-adventure game with beautiful cutscenes and a great soundtrack. It’s a perfect party game that any Star Fox fan can enjoy with friends.

Final Fantasy XV

Final Fantasy XV is a franchise that has been in the works for almost a decade. The original game was released in 2011 and it’s still quite successful today. The story is quite similar to that of Final Fantasy Type-0, but the world has completely changed and is more accessible to the eye. The graphics are phenomenal, the controls are simple, and the combat is very combat-like. This game also features one of the most timeless themes of all time, World Shanty, which is very familiar to FF fans. World Shanty is the theme that gets us all involved in Final Fantasy, whether it be level design, conflict, or the overall feeling of the world. It’s one of those games that you play again and again and again, simply because it’s so fun.

Super Stardust Delta

Super Stardust Delta is a spinoff from the Hollywood Studio series of games. The plot is almost identical to that of the original Stardust, save for the addition of a female protagonist who shares many similarities to Twilight Sparkle from the Harry Potter books. The graphics are simply incredible and the controls feel simply like a hardware device. If you’re looking for a fun platformer, Super Stardust Delta is for you. There are several versions of the game available, so if you have any questions about which one you should play, just ask.

Ghost Recon Wildlands

Ghost Recon Wildlands is a spin-off from the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive series and it’s a welcome addition to the franchise. The graphics are almost exactly like the original PS2 game, but with a twist. You play as a member of the U.S. armed forces and you are sent on a mission to take down an Iron Islands terrorist threat. The mission is simple, but the execution is what sets the game apart. The team tactics, combined with the incredible visual novel-like storytelling, make Ghost Recon Wildlands one of the best games of all time. There are several versions of the game available and each is different in terms of the combat system and story, but the general idea is the same.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm to be Freaked Out

Finally, we have Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm to be Freaked Out. Once again, the graphics are very similar to that of Final Fantasy X, but in an alternate universe with magical creatures, super gear, and an ancient, powerful enemy. The plot is quite similar to that of Final Fantasy Type-0, but the faction and leader changes are even more interesting. You play as a summoner who is trying to complete quests and complete them in a team. There are multiple versions of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm to be Freaked Out available and each is different. The best part about this game is that you can play it on the go! While you can only play the demo, you can watch the latest trailers, or play the standard play, on the go.

Destiny 2

In addition to everything we’ve mentioned above, we have one more classic that is very popular among Destiny fans. This is the classic arcade mode called Mythology. The demo is pretty decent, but the real reason anyone would want to play this game is to switch classes and take up a new weapon type. You can play it on the go as well, so you can take your party along with you and stand-in for any other teacher that needs a special student.

Portal Knight Collection for the PS VR

Finally, there’s a classic that we’ve been seeing a lot in the northern part of the world for the last few years. It’s called the PlayStation VR Portal, and you can watch the adverts for it, but the point is that it’s a great VR game. It’s a simple but very easy game to pick up and play, even if you don’t play the original games. It features the classic controls, and among other things, you can use the PS VR’s included stylus to make some customizations to your play experience. It’s a great game that you can pick up and play again and again.

Final Words

There are many different types of games that can be played on the Play station 5, but there is only one that can take you on an adventure through time & space in the form of the Castle vania series. From the tactical shooter to the action-adventure with hit or miss, there are many different types of games that can be played on the PS VR, and we highly recommend picking one up if you’re interested in some old-school action, or even little puzzles and logic. You’re also bound to love the new and improved controls, visuals, and advanced controls that come with the new device. Be sure to check out the official website for more information about the new PSVR and its features.

[aftgficrec]

do you have some ff where the team’s bonding? i would préfet angst, but cute can also fill my desire, thank you so much for your hard work

absolutely, team bonding is the best! tried to find some angst for you, but most of these are preeeeetty cutesy. thank you for asking! - J

cheap shots (and terrible thoughts) by hiraethia[Rated: T; 2159 words; complete; 2018]

it’s nickel shot night at eden’s twilight. the foxes are competitive. that’s all you really need to know.

(inspired by john mulaney’s ‘blacking out and making money’)

Those That Broke Us by writethroughthenight (rated: T; 6652 words; complete; 2016)

“Neil doesn’t talk about his mom and doesn’t think about what she’d do to him if she saw him now. He has a family, he has Exy, and he has Andrew. He has more than enough, more than he ever could have dreamed of.

Neil doesn’t talk about his mom until a warm fall day outside the locker room, waiting for the start of their game with his team and family. It’s a place that she doesn’t belong, where not even a memory of her belongs, but she wriggles her way in and takes root in his chest.”

Or

Neil reveals, piece by piece, what life with his mom was like.

neil has died before ficlet by @ravenvsfox [not rated: Tumblr fic]

remember everyone���s favourite headcanon about neil coming back to life once upon a time and telling his unsuspecting friends about it on movie night?? I wrote that bitch!!!

Keep Talking and Everybody Breaks-Up by ApprenticedMagician [Rated T; 965 words; Complete 2017)

“Challenging puzzles that will test the limits of your communication skills… and friendships?

A different bomb every time! Procedurally generated puzzles keep the action fresh.

Local multiplayer party game – A great way to experience VR with all of your friends at the same time!”

The Foxes should have known from the start that cooperative board games were the wrong type of bonding experience.

Lucky Strike by moonix [Rated T, 2249 words, Complete 2018]

The Foxes have a bonfire night and Neil struggles with some demons, but ends up having a good time anyway.

Like a fellowship by justdk [Rated T, 2263 words, complete]

The Foxes get tatted up and Neil gets a special surprise

The Foxes do Karaoke (Chapter 11 of The Morning AUs - A Compliation) by scribbleb_red (Rated: E; 91573 words; complete chapter)

“When the Foxes realise Neil has never done karaoke, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.” Enough said really.

Oh, and please ask if you would like more!! We’re more than happy to oblige - J

[svetlanawagner-blog]

The Las Vegas desert brings in scorching hot summers, which is why we don’t like leaving the apartment until sundown. Even when going you’re out at night, it feels like there’s a hair dryer blowing hot air on you.

Now that we’re more experienced adventurers and we slow , we can be more strategic on where we explore. We reserve late to early for outdoor activities, and when the heat sets in, you’ll find us indoors. If you’re visiting in the summer or live here and can’t seem to escape like the other sunbirds, here’s a list of the best indoor activities in Las Vegas.

A big thank you to CORT for sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: July 1, 2019

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25 Fun Indoor Activities in Las Vegas for Scorching Hot Summers and Rainy Days

It is our second year working with CORT, and it has been such an amazing experience being able to move from city to city without having to worry about our furniture.

For the first 4 years, we would either move our own furniture or deal with the stress of buying and selling every year. Once we discovered that we could rent furniture from CORT, it was a game changer.

We order the pieces that we want, they deliver it right to our apartment and help us get it set up. When we’re ready to move, they’ll come pick it up! Check out our home tour here.

Having a comfortable home was extremely important for us moving back to Vegas. Not only will we be spending a lot of time indoors during the summer, we’ve been hosting guests every other week. It’s been nice having a home furnished and decorated to help us relax and host. Read more on the CORT blog

1. The Wreck Room

4090 Schiff Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89103, map

Step into a room full of bottles, electronics, VHS tapes, and more armed with bats, bowling pins, and crowbars. Then go to town and DESTROY EVERYTHING. It’s so much fun whether you need to get your aggression out or just try something new.

PHOTO

photo: 

2. Las Vegas Escape Rooms

We did our first escape room in NYC when we lived there, and then proceeded to do 8 more that winter when it was miserable outside. Now it’s the summer heat we have to worry about.

We’re making our way through all the top rated Las Vegas escape rooms so we can report back on which are the best. So far our favorites are Lost Games Chapter 2 and the BASEMENT.

More: Your Guide to the Best NYC Escape Rooms

3. Dig This

800 W Roban Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89044, map

Dig This is a giant sandbox for grown-ups. You can get behind the wheel of bulldozers and excavators as the instructors show you how to use them and perform multiple tasks. The machines are air-conditioned so it’s a great way to stay cool in the heat.

4. Indoor Sports

If you love doing active things, there are plenty of indoor sporting options in Las Vegas.

Topgolf Las Vegas – although it’s technically outdoors, its temperature controlled and a lot of fun! Plus, there’s a pool you can hop in if you want to cool off even more.

Ice Skating Indoors – Las Vegas Ice Center, Sobe Ice Arena, or Roller Skating at Crystal Palace Skating Center

Indoor Rock Climbing – When it’s too hot to go to Red Rock, visit the indoor rock climbing gyms. There are a few around the city: Origin, Refuge, Nevada Climbing Center, Red Rock Climbing Center.

Bowling – Brooklyn Bowl, Gold Coast Bowling Center, Orleans Bowling Center, Red Rock Lanes Bowling Center, Sam’s Town Hotel Gambling Hall and Bowling Center, Santa Fe Bowling Center, South Point Bowling Center, Strike Zone at Sunset Station, Suncoast Bowling Center, Texas Station’s Texas Star Lanes

5. Watch a Show

We’ve seen a lot of shows in Vegas and still haven’t scratched the surface. Some of the most popular shows are: Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil (Ka, O, Criss Angel, Beatles, Mystere, ONE), Le Reve the Dream, Jabbawockeez, Terry Fator, Tournament of Kings at Excalibur, and Lake of Dreams.

You can also see comedy shows at Comedy Cellar, More Comedy Clubs and Shows, Mac King Comedy Magic Show,  and Popovich Comedy Pet Theater. Plus there are lots of big artists that take up residency in Vegas, including Gwen at Zappos Theater, Janet Jackson at Park Theater, Christina at Zappos Theater, Lady Gaga Park Theater, Celine Dion at the Colosseum, and more.

We’re working on a separate post just about the best shows in Vegas.

6. Fly a Jet with All in Aviation

1410 Jet Stream Dr Ste 150, Henderson, NV 89052, map

Have you ever wanted to fly a plane or get your pilot’s license? At All in Aviation, you can get behind the wheel of beautiful Cirrus jets and log your hours toward a pilot’s license. Jacob logged his first hour flying. Should he keep going?

7. Ride a Helicopter

Whether you want to see Grand Canyon or get a better vantage point of the strip, you can hop in a helicopter and enjoy the views.

More: Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Helicopter Tours

8. Learn a New Skill or Take Up a New Hobby

What better time to pick up a new skill or hobby? Especially one that keeps you in an air conditioned space. Here are some fun skills you can look into if you’re looking for a new hobby:

Cake Decorating

DIY Wood Sign Shop

Sewing Classes

Scrapbooking Class

More: 101 Hobbies to Start in 2019

9. Indoor activities for kids in las

This was hard to narrow down into a specific activity, but we found so many great family friendly activities.

Interactive Museums – Marvel Avengers STATION

Trampoline Parks – Sky Zone Sports Trampoline Park or Flip N Out Xtreme

Games – Pinball Hall of Fame, GameWorks, Dave & Busters

Rides – Adventuredome Theme Park, Big Apple Coaster and Arcade

Mini Golf – GlowZone, KISS by Monster Mini Golf, Twilight Zone Mini Golf and Arcade, Rex Center

Indoor Playgrounds – Adventure Indoor Playground, Kangamoo Indoor Playground, Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center

Zoos & Aquariums – Shark Reef Aquarium, Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat

More: Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

10. Try a New Fitness Class

It may be too hot outside to get your blood pumping, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of some of the unique fitness classes offered in Las Vegas.

Aerial silks with Cirque performers

Pole Dancing at Pole Fitness Studio

Trampoline Studio at Eleve Training

More: Sampling Las Vegas Fitness with Class Pass

11. Afternoon tea

I love going to Afternoon Tea, especially with my girlfriends. I’ve only done one in Vegas but plan on checking out the others this year.

Afternoon Tea at the Tea Lounge Waldorf Astoria

Petrossian Bar at Bellagio

LaPostte

Cafe Lola in Summerlin

Lobby Bar at Aria, Ri Ra Irish Pub

Veranda Mandalay Bay

The Stove in Henderson

12. Have a Spa Day

Spoil yourself with and feel refreshed and relaxed after a day at the spa. Like everything in Vegas, they don’t hold back.  Here are some of the best spas in Las Vegas:

Wynn Las Vegas Spa

The Spa at the Waldorf Astoria

Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace

ESPA at Vdara

13. Hang Out at a Unique Bar

You can drink in a lot of places in Las Vegas, but why not go to a bar that really stands out? Here are some unique bars to check out:

Laundry Room (Speakeasy)

Hi Scores Bar-arcade

Golden Tiki

Millennium Fandom Bar

Senor Frogs: One Hour Open Bar

14. Tour the Coffee Shops

If you’re looking for a chill afternoon or just need a break from all the madness on the strip, head to one of the local coffee shops. Some of the most popular ones are PublicUs and Makers & Finders.

15. High Roller

3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, map

This isn’t your typical ferris wheel. It stands 550 feet tall with observation cabins that hold up to 40 people each. The entire ride takes roughly 30-40 minutes.

More: High Roller Las Vegas

16. Vegas Indoor Skydiving

200 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, map

We haven’t been skydiving yet, but we did get a taste of it at this indoor skydiving spot.

More: Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving

17. The Void VR

3377 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109, map

Experience the next generation of VR where you not only get transported to another world on a screen, but you also interact with the environment around you. The VR headset is attached to a backpack which allows you to be mobile and follow along the story. We did the Star Wars one with a group of four and got the chance to fight off the Empire.

18. Throw an Axe

Release your inner woodsman at Axehole Vegas or Axe Monkeys, where you can learn to throw and axe and practice your aim.

19. Eat, then Eat Some More

Las Vegas has a great food scene on and off strip. Most people just think about buffets, but there are fine dining options, some of the best Hawaiian food we’ve had, and more. Click here to see our Vegas food bucket list.

Prix Fixe Meals – Joel Robuchon, é by Jose Andres, Yui Edomae Sushi

Buffets – Bacchanal, Wicked Spoon

Off Strip – Shang’s Artisan Noodles, Poke Express

More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas

20. Gamble

This is kind of an obvious one, but gambling keeps you indoors. These are some of our favorite casinos: Palazzo, Wynn, Encore, Aria, Venetian, Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Red Rock Casino.

21. Drive Experiences

If you’re hoping to show off your trip to Vegas, then you need a photo driving a fancy car too. There are a few driving experiences in Vegas like the Richard Petty Driving Experience and World Class Driving.

More: World Class Driving Las Vegas

22. Hop Around Art Galleries

Casinos put a lot of money into their seasonal displays, and some of them have world class art galleries as well.

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

The Gallery at Aria

Art of Richard MacDonald / Cirque Art

More: Christmas at Bellagio Botanical Gardens

23. Check Out the Museums

Las Vegas has a wide range of museums to check out. Here are a few you can check out:

Real Bodies at Bally’s

Mob Museum

Titanic the Artifact Exhibition

DISCOVERY Children’s Museum,

National Atomic Testing Museum

Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum

Burlesque Hall of Fame

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

Liberace Museum Collection Tour

Hollywood Cars Museum

The Auto Collections

Shelby American Inc,

Nostalgia Street Rods

Counts Kustoms

Springs Preserve – has indoor areas

24. Go on a Tour

There are multiple tour options in Las Vegas, whether you’re into mob history, chocolate, beer, or shoes. Here are the ones we went on that we recommend.

Hoover Dam Tour

Zappos Tour

Ethel M Factory Tour

More Tours to Check Out:

Sin City Club Crawl

Vegas Mob Tour

Pink Jeep Tours

Jubilee Backstage Tour

Frank Cullotta’s Casino Tour

Nosh Las Vegas

More: Zappos Tour Las Vegas

25. Check Out the Indoor Tourist Spots

Gold & Silver Pawn Shop

Coca Cola Store – tastes of the World

M&M’s World

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Map of Indoor Activities in Las

  More Indoor Activities Las Vegas

Shopping – Shops at Crystals, the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Fashion Show Mall, Shoppes at Palazzo, Miracle Mile Shops, Grand Bazaar Shops

Breweries – Ellis Island Casino & Brewery, Banger Brewing, Hop Nuts Brewing Tenaya Creek Brewery, Lovelady Brewing Company, CraftHaus Brewery

Watch Sports – T-Mobile Arena & City National Arena

Essential Tips

  Las Vegas Packing List for Summer

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Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Mandalay Bay – perfect for summer with their 11 acre manmade beach

Cosmopolitan – They have the best view of the Strip.

The Venetian

Find the best prices and reviews here

More Las Vegas Guides and Resources

Las Vegas Pocket Guide

Fodor’s Las Vegas

Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas

What do you plan on doing to beat the heat this summer?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

SEE MORE THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

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LAS VEGAS BUCKET LIST

49 BEST PLACES TO EAT IN LAS VEGAS

25 FREE THINGS TO DO IN LAS VEGAS

HOW TO SPEND CHRISTMAS IN VEGAS

UNIQUE DATE IDEAS IN LAS VEGAS

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM LAS VEGAS

WEEKEND TRIPS FROM VEGAS

BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN VEGAS

“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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[photomaniacs]

8 Tips for Shooting an Award-Winning Tornado Photo http://ift.tt/2tmNfTm

I’ve been photographing extreme weather for 25 years. After publishing tips on how to photograph lightning here back in March, I was asked to share any tips I have in capturing an award-winning tornado image. So, here I go…

Note to reader: Storm chasing and extreme weather photography, as discussed in this article, can be very dangerous. Any person should approach these activities with caution and appropriate supervision and training.

Tip 1: Study Your Subject and Risks

Adopting a ‘safety first’ policy is critical when storm chasing. To start, I recommend reading The Basics of Tornadoes on the Storm Prediction Center website.

In my experience, storm chasing risks fall somewhere between climbing Mount Everest and shopping at Wal-Mart on Black Friday. Veteran storm chaser Chuck Doswell has an excellent article titled “Storm Chasing with Safety, Courtesy and Responsibility.”

Members of Tempest Tours Storm Chasing Expeditions photograph a tornado in eastern Colorado on May 7, 2014. Nikon D800, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4.0 ED VR, 1/200 sec, f/22, ISO 1600, handheld.

I also recommend you hook up with a storm chaser with at least three years’ experience to head out into the field. If you don’t know any storm chasers to ride along with, consider taking a trip with a professional storm-chasing tour company. You’ll improve your chances of seeing a tornado and viewing it safely.

Tip 2: Know Your Gear Inside and Out

According to the Storm Prediction Center, the average tornado lasts less than 10 minutes. Therefore, extreme weather photographers typically have to shoot fast. To be fast and accurate you must have thorough knowledge of your gear.

A turbulent sky erupts over southern Minnesota during three days of severe weather, including 10 tornadoes, May 15-17, 2017. Nikon D5, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 200, handheld.

Buy the best-sealed, weatherproof, dependable camera you can afford. I’ve been shooting with Nikon equipment my entire career. Over the years, I’ve snapped frames of weather with everything from a Nikon N50 to the Nikon D5. You may get one chance at one shot of a tornado, so it’s imperative you trust your camera.

I practice with my camera before heading out to intercept a storm. If you practice, you can get to the point where you can honestly shoot with your eyes closed or in complete darkness. That’s knowing your camera.

Tip 3: Previsualize

Ansel Adams strongly believed in previsualization, a concept where the photographer can see the final print in his or her mind before actually capturing the image. Once I learned the science behind tornadoes, I began previsualizing what I wanted to see out in the field.

A large, high contrast tornado churns across rural farmland near Mt. Hope, Kansas on May 6, 2015. The tornado was rated an EF3 by the National Weather Service. Nikon D800, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, 1/320 sec, f/8, ISO 400, handheld.

I typically only target tornadoes that remain in rural and wide-open fields and pose, little, if any, threat to local residents.

My goal is to try to capture the most breathtaking and optically stunning moments of the storm’s evolution. I search for a tornado that yields rich, striking colors, strong contrast, graphically interesting shapes, and well-balanced light. I can’t change the direction of a storm, but I can change how I approach it.

Tornadoes come in a variety of colors and tones. Left: A large tornado swirls across western Kansas on May 23, 2008. Nikon D3, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 1/50 sec, f/8, ISO 1000, handheld. Right: A tornado moves over rural land near Kingfisher, Oklahoma on May 19, 2010. Nikon D300S, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, 1/250 sec, f/10, ISO 200, handheld.

Tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes. Left: A thin, rope-shaped twister in eastern Colorado on May 7, 2014. Nikon D800, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G VR, 1/160 sec, f/20, ISO 450, handheld. Right: A large, wedge-shaped tornado in western Kansas on May 23, 2008. Nikon D3, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 1/20 sec, f/8, ISO 1000, handheld.

Just how photogenic a tornado becomes depends a lot on strength and direction of sunlight and whether or not rain is present. Left: A low contrast tornado at sunset with rain. Right: A high contrast tornado at sunset without rain.

Do I want to shoot the tornado moving over a field or over a dirt road? Do I want to shoot the image with the sun in front, beside or behind the tornado? Is the tornado high-contrast and easy to see or is it low-contrast or wrapped in rain and difficult to see? What shape will it take? How big will it get? Is there any sense of motion? Will there be color in the frame or will it be monochromatic? These are questions I ask myself as I approach a developing tornado.

I photographed this low top supercell thunderstorm and tornado near Bird City, Kansas on June 29, 2000. I was about two miles away. The left image was shot with a Nikon AF Zoom-NIKKOR 35-70mm f/2.8D which allowed me to capture the tornado and the entire structure of the storm. The right image was shot with a Nikon AF Zoom-NIKKOR 80-200mm f/2.8D zoomed all the way in giving me a much closer look at the tornado. Using a telephoto lens while keeping your distance is one of the safest methods for shooting a tornado.

Tip 4: Use Different Lenses to Produce Different Perspectives

If you’re approaching your target storm and it produces a tornado while you’re still a couple of miles away, it’s time to pull over and shoot with a tele-zoom lens. My favorite tele-zoom lenses to have in the camera bag are the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR II and the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. When I’m less than a mile from the storm, I will typically shoot with the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens or the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR. One of my favorite prime lenses to use is the Nikon 14mm f/2.8D ED.

Tip 5: Take Advantage of Vibration Reduction

Remember, the average tornado lasts less than 10 minutes. As soon as it forms, you need to spring into action. No looking for a media card, or lens cleaning cloth or tripod! I’ve witnessed storm chasers take so long in setting up a tripod that they miss the tornado. Use a lens with Vibration Reduction. When your feet hit the ground, you need to be shooting within 30 seconds. My favorite VR lenses for shooting tornadoes are the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR II. Equally if I’m shooting motion, I’ll take the time to attach the camera to a tripod beforehand.

Left: Storm chaser Reed Timmer photographs a tornado in western South Dakota on June 6, 2007. Nikon D2X, Nikon AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED, 1/125 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200, handheld. Right: After documenting Reed photographing the twister, I turned to my left, aimed out the window, and captured this image that I titled, “Blue Tornado.” Nikon D2X, Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED, 1/160 sec, f/10, ISO 200, handheld.

Professional storm chasers monitor a tornado in western Kansas on May 8, 2008. I included the vehicle in the frame to give us a sense of the size and close proximity of the tornado. Nikon D700, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, 1/320 sec, f/22, ISO 200, handheld.

Tip 6: Include a Smaller Object to Give the Tornado a Sense of Scale

On May 8, 2008, I photographed one of the most photogenic tornadoes of my career in western Kansas. Photo assistant Robin Lorenson and I had been documenting the tornado for almost 30 minutes. Meteorologists call this type of twister a ‘landspout tornado’, a non-storm scale tornado that is typically weaker than supercell tornadoes.

At first, I only photographed the tornado and landscape. Then, to provide a sense of scale, I walked 10 feet behind our storm chase vehicle and fired off a few more frames. Having my vehicle in the image gives us the sense of the sheer size and close proximity of the tornado.

A tornado develops during astronomical twilight near Trinidad, Colorado on May 28, 2001. Nikon N90s, Nikon AF Zoom-NIKKOR 35-70mm f/2.8D, negative color film, handheld, data unrecorded.

Tip 7: Keep Shooting During Twilight and After Dark

Astronomical twilight is one of my favorite times of the day to work. It occurs when the sun is six degrees below the horizon. All the red and yellow light waves are gone. The higher color temperature of the light produces a rich blue. Even though the faint ambient light of evening does not look blue to our eyes, an exposure of a few seconds or longer reveals the high Kelvin temperature.

A bright burst of lightning illuminates two after-dark tornadoes near La Crosse, Kansas on May 25, 2012. Without the lightning, the after dark twisters could not be seen. Nikon D3S, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR, 0.8 secs, f/2.8, ISO 4000, on tripod.

I also like the challenge of shooting tornadoes after it’s completely dark, but only if the storm is over a rural, wide-open landscape. When a twister occurs after dark, it’s nearly impossible to see. I have to hope that there are enough lightning flashes to illuminate the shape and size of the tornado.

On May 25, 2012, storm chasing partner Jenna Blum and I witnessed multiple tornadoes near La Crosse, Kansas. It was a spectacular phenomenon to see. But we could only see and photograph the tornadoes because of the light created by frequent cloud-to-cloud lightning bolts.

A landspout tornado spins across a western Kansas farm field on May 8, 2008. Nikon D3, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, 1/400 sec, f/22, ISO 400, handheld.

A stormy sky at sunset in southern Minnesota on May 17, 2017, wrapped up a three-day period of severe weather, including 10 tornadoes. Nikon D5, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, 1/125 sec, f/11, ISO 250, handheld.

Tip 8: No Tornado? Keep Shooting.

Tornadoes are actually quite rare. I’ve heard some folks say that to see a tornado you need to go on at least seven chases. I’ve been much luckier, seeing a tornado about every four chases.

So what do you do when a tornado doesn’t develop? Keep shooting! Stormy weather frequently produces dramatic lighting, moody colors and plenty of landscape photo-ops. You will also be practicing for when you do finally see a tornado.

I hope one or more of these tips are helpful. Good luck and be safe!

About the author: Jim Reed is a National Geographic photographer based in the United States who specializes in extreme weather. His tornado images have received many awards including Communication Arts, PDN Photo Annual, American Photography, and Pictures of the Year International. You can find more of his work on his website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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June 14, 2017 at 09:01PM

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How to Photograph Lightning: Helpful Tips for Nailing the Shot

Lightning is an amazing subject to try and photograph. Dazzling. Unpredictable. Fulfilling. I’ve been documenting the long arm of Zeus for more than two decades and still love it. First using transparencies and negatives, then digital. There are many ways to be creative when it comes to photographing lightning.

Lightning can occur during any season, even winter. In fact, winter storms can produce lightning and thundersnow, so don’t stop shooting just because it’s cold outside – embrace it!

To help with this, I’ve compiled my top tips for capturing lightning on camera, from understanding how to shoot different types, to the gear you need in the field.

Cloud-to-cloud lightning over eastern Wyoming. Different Kinds of Lightning

In my experience, there are four distinct ways of classifying lightning relevant to photography: type, intensity, pattern, and color.

TYPE: Cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud, and intra-cloud lightning are the three types of lightning I witness and shoot most frequently. A cloud-to-ground bolt descends from the thunderstorm usually striking something beneath it. A cloud-to-cloud bolt wriggles across the sky and typically doesn’t strike anything. An intra-cloud bolt occurs inside a cloud and is usually hard to see except for the burst-like flash it creates. Some storms produce multiple flashes per second.

The type of lightning occurring will help me decide what lens to use. If it’s a cloud-to-ground bolt, I will likely use a NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G to capture a landscape shot. If it’s several cloud-to-cloud bolts overhead, I might use an NIKKOR 14mm f/2.8D ED and aim straight up. If the storm is producing intra-cloud lightning with nothing else of interest around it, I might use an NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II or an NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens to zero in on the cloud.

Cloud-to-cloud lightning wriggles across the sky at night.

INTENSITY: The intensity of a lightning bolt is especially important to photography. Just how bright I anticipate a bolt to be helps me to set a proper exposure, from ISO to shutter speed. As a storm approaches, I actually study it for a few minutes before ever snapping a frame. How often is the lightning striking? Is the forth or fifth bolt usually the brightest? Shooting with a DSLR allows you to immediately review each image on the camera’s LCD and fine-tune your settings until you get the shot that you want.

Intra-cloud lightning.

PATTERN: One of my favorite lightning objectives is to capture a lone, very clean, cloud-to-ground bolt. I like the stark simplicity. When trying to create a fine-art image, this type of bolt works best in my opinion.

A cloud-to-ground lightning bolt strikes a rural community at sunset.

COLOR: Lightning can strike in a variety of colors. The most common color of lightning is white, but lightning can actually appear red, yellow, green, even blue or purple. The hue usually depends on gases, chemicals, and impurities in the atmosphere, as well as the actual temperature of the lightning bolt. Vivid white lightning is most common. Orange or reddish-colored lightning can occur if there’s a large concentration of dust or pollution in the air. Hailstones in a storm can make lightning appear a purplish color, sometimes even blue. Sodium vapor lamps in a city can also influence the color of lightning, giving it a bluish-green appearance.

Lightning slices through a fiery red sky during a severe thunderstorm at sunset. The unusual color was caused by dust particles in the air. Drought conditions and high winds contributed to the phenomena. The Best Time to Shoot

Obviously we need a thunderstorm, but not all thunderstorms occur at night. I like shooting at different times of the day. It’s fairly common to capture lightning after dark, but how about a bolt during the day, at sunset or even twilight? Shooting at times other than just pitch black will help bring color and style to your image.

Lightning wriggles across the sky and strikes the ground. Choosing Gear

I recommend you start by using a DSLR. Buy the lowest noise-producing camera you can afford. The Nikon D810 and D3S are two of my favorites. On a tight budget or just getting started? I like the D3400.

Buy the fastest lens you can afford. The NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, and NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II are my three favorites for shooting lightning. But choosing a lens is subjective. Do you want to zoom in and create a close-up of a single lightning bolt or do you use a wide-angle lens to capture zigzagging bolts overhead? The faster the lens, 1.4, 1.8 or 2.8, the better for shooting in existing light conditions, but I have photographed lightning using much slower lenses at 4.5 and 5.6

Invest in a sturdy tripod, window mount and a remote control-cable like the Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote Cord or the Nikon ML-3 Compact Modulite Remote. Purchase apps that will give you forecasts, storm alerts and how many bolts a storm is producing. Wx Alert USA and Radar Scope are my favorites to use on my iPhone. I use WeatherTAP on my desktop.

What’s invaluable about shooting lightning with a DSLR is that you can immediately review your shot on the LCD and then have several adjustment options to get the image you want. Using a DSLR to photograph lightning vastly improved my success rate.

Lightning strikes at sunset during a thunderstorm near Lemmon, South Dakota on June 27, 2001. Camera Settings to Get Started

When shooting lightning, I usually set my camera to manual exposure: 3D Color Matrix Metering and put the white balance on auto. Whether I’m shooting with a cable release or remote control, I usually start by setting the shutter to BULB, the aperture to f/5.6, and ISO to 400. Focus is manual.

As soon as the lightning occurs, I close the shutter. After reviewing the first few images on the LCD, I begin making changes. If the lightning is brighter than anticipated and results in overexposure, I change the ISO to 320 or 250. If the lightning is dimmer than anticipated and results in an underexposure, I change the ISO to 640 or 800.

My secret to sharp lightning images is to have the shutter open for the shortest possible time—unless, of course, you’re trying to capture multiple lightning bolts. The less time your shutter is open = sharper lightning images. One tool I use that helps me achieve this is the Lightning Trigger, a hot shoe-mounted device that plugs into the camera’s 10-pin connector port. The lightning trigger causes the shutter to open just when lightning strikes. But: you still need to set ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and white balance. I usually start out by setting my camera to Shutter Priority at 1/4 second, the ISO at 250, white balance to auto, and adjust from there.

A supercell thunderstorm produces cloud-to-ground lightning during astronomical twilight. Keeping You and Your Gear Safe

Lightning is one of the most dangerous natural phenomena to photograph. Personally, I’ve had several close calls with my hair standing up and count my blessings. One simple rule you should always keep in mind: if you can hear thunder, you’re vulnerable to being struck by lightning.

If a storm is producing a lot of fairly close cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, I stay inside my hard-topped vehicle and use a window mount, or I quickly set up my camera on a tripod and then operate the camera remotely from inside the vehicle.

Before you try photographing lightning, you should review National Weather Service lightning safety tips.

If you’re ever unsure about what to do, ALWAYS YIELD TO BEING SAFE. The more you learn about the subject, the safer and more successful you’ll be.

A Few More Good Tips

Always turn off the autofocus. When shooting lightning, you’ll want to use manual focus. Automatically setting your lens to infinity won’t always give you the sharpest image. Look for a distant light and focus on it. This will result in sharper-looking bolts. If you don’t have a distant light, have a friend walk at least 100 feet away from the camera with a flashlight. Then focus on the lens of the flashlight.

Try to shoot lightning that’s ahead of the storm or away from the heaviest rainfall. Moisture, especially precipitation, can soften the look of a lightning image, even when the focus is correct.

Always compose your shot with care. Try to frame the image with as few potentially distracting elements as possible, such as power lines, traffic, and airplanes.

A lightning image captured with patience and skill, including proper exposure, is likely to have a stronger impact. People will look at your photo and say, “Wow!”

A lone lightning bolt strikes the ground beneath an isolated supercell thunderstorm at sunset.

About the author: Jim Reed is an award-winning extreme weather photographer based in the United States. You can find more of his work on his website, Twitter, and Facebook.

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