Fireworks with Lightning at Arthur Illinois

Saturday June 30 was the annual fireworks display at Arthur. A stalled frontal boundary draped across Central Illinois in time for the display would be a focal mechanism for showers and storms just N of the site as well as us. At a few times, the lightning discharges were uncomfortably close however, with the exception of a brief shower, the rain held off for the most part. Prior to the event, I pointed a camera back towards the NW at an area of higher frequency and was rewarded with a number of interesting stills.

Lightning with an airborne glow stick, ISO 800, F8.0, 10s (first four).


Flight path of large bird being flanked by likely smaller Red Winged Blackbird illuminated via flickering light like a strobe flash.




My friend Dan harnessing the power! (but actually just checking his phone).


Once the show began (and interestingly just like last year) the lightning rate increased as well. Below, a massive smoke ring that would otherwise be blurred appears as result of lightning freezing the scene like a single brilliant camera flash. ISO 800, F8.0, 8s (last four).


Powerful close strike and obvious blow out.


Cropped but still a keeper.


Be sure to check the time lapse video at the end!