Photo Discussion
Category: Friendly Praise Archive

To discuss a photo, sign up as a BetterPhoto member or log in.

 

The Strike


 
BetterPhoto.com All Time Best Photo Contest Editor's Pick BetterPhoto.com Photo Contest SECOND PLACE Winner   The Strike
The Strike
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

Chris Budny

 
 
 

JANICE ZONNEVELD
 

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


To love this question, log in above
October 29, 2007

 
dmd-photo-art.com - Dominick M. Dimacale

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Dominick M. Dimacale
Dominick M. Dimacale's Gallery
  AWESOME IMAGE!!!


Dominick


To love this comment, log in above
October 29, 2007

 
- Lola M.

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Lola M.
Lola M.'s Gallery
  Amazing Photo ~ Nothing beats being at the right place at the right time ~ with camera in hand.


To love this comment, log in above
October 29, 2007

 

Susan Fox
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
October 29, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks so much, Janice, Dominick & Lola!
Susan, thanks also---and I agree... I've grown to like this version better, already!


To love this comment, log in above
October 30, 2007

 

Susan M. Hembree
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
October 30, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  hehehe... Thanks, Sue! I like it without that 2nd fountain... And I hope it moves up, too!


To love this comment, log in above
October 31, 2007

 

Melissa Papaj
  Very Very nice shot!!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 15, 2007

 

Mitchell S. Speert
  Wow! I think we have a winner here. Very nice.


To love this comment, log in above
November 15, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you both, Melissa & Mitchell--Mitchell, I hope you're right ;)


To love this comment, log in above
November 15, 2007

 

Ronald F. Fischer
  This is a stunningly capture, and a winner in my book!


To love this comment, log in above
November 16, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  I appreciate it, Ronald! Hopefully, the third try is the charm ;)


To love this comment, log in above
November 17, 2007

 
- Nikki McDonald

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Nikki McDonald
Nikki McDonald's Gallery
  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.


To love this comment, log in above
November 17, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  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.


To love this comment, log in above
November 18, 2007

 

Donna La Mattino Pagakis
  Full of energy, nice lighting and design. Best of luck, this is a powerful image!


To love this comment, log in above
November 19, 2007

 

Susan M. Smith
  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 :)


To love this comment, log in above
November 20, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Susan & Donna, thank you so much. I've got my fingers crossed, as I really like this cropped version better, now, than my original!


To love this comment, log in above
November 21, 2007

 
- Dr Silly

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Dr Silly
Dr Silly's Gallery
  Chris cogratulations on your wonderful finalist. :O)


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Susan M. Hembree
  Finally Chris! Hooray! Congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 
- Kay E. Mahoney

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Kay E. Mahoney
Kay E. Mahoney's Gallery
  Congratulations on your finalist.


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Nancy (Peaches) Harker
  WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO
BIG Congrats on your finalist and best of luck in the next round!


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Tammy Scott
  Congratulations on a terrific finalist!


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Susan Fox
  Congratulations Chris! I'm glad this one got the recognition it deserves.


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Tamera S. Phillips
  Wonderful finalist and well deserved! Congratulations.


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 
- Lisa J. Boulden

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Lisa J. Boulden
Lisa J. Boulden's Gallery
  What a magnificent finalist, Christopher!!!
--Lisa


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Cesar J. La Rosa
  WONDERFUL Finalist, Chris!!!
Congratulations!!!
Cesar


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Philippe Vieux-Jeanton
  Incredible shot Christopher!! Congrats and good luck for the next!


To love this comment, log in above
November 26, 2007

 

Susie Peek-Swint
  Happy to see a button on this fantastic shot Chris ~ hope it goes gold for you!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you all so much; I'm thrilled this one made Finalist, after a few resubmits, and a little reworking, this time around!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
- Gail Vitikacs

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Gail Vitikacs
Gail Vitikacs's Gallery
  Incredible...and well deserved! Congratulations Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Robert Baer
  chris
this is one eye catching image. congrats on your finalist!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Mitchell S. Speert
  Congrats!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Melissa Malisia
  Congratulations on your Finalist, Christopher!! :)


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Corinne M. Thompson
  Excellent capture Chris, Congrats on your Finalist!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
- Nikki McDonald

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Nikki McDonald
Nikki McDonald's Gallery
  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.


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Steven E. Ray
  The mere fact that you caught this natural millisecond event is an achievement worthy of this finalist :) Great capture Christopher!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
- Ken Smith

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Ken Smith
Ken Smith's Gallery
  2nd time's a charm. Exellent work, Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Susan Fox
  Congratulations on your win Chris!!!!!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Tammy Scott
  Congratulations on this awesome winning shot!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
- Nikki McDonald

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Nikki McDonald
Nikki McDonald's Gallery
  How sweet is this? Very big congratulations on this win, Chris.


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Donna La Mattino Pagakis
  Way to go Chris, a beautiful winning image. Huge congratulations to you!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
- Judy V. Kennamer

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Judy V. Kennamer
Judy V. Kennamer's Gallery
  Gorgeous Chris! Congratulations on your well-deserved WINNER!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Michael S. Swaffar
  Wow! Dude, you did it again! Huge Congrats!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Michelle R. Kovach
  Congrats Chis!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
sherry-adkins-photography.com - Sherry Karr Adkins

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Sherry Karr Adkins
Sherry Karr Adkins's Gallery
  CONGRATS, Chris! I knew this was a winner from the first time I saw it.


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Susan M. Hembree
  Way to go, Chris! Congratulations!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Stephanie Frey
  Congratulations on your beautiful win!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Cesar J. La Rosa
  Congratulations on this very well-deserved Winner, Chris!!!
Cesar


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  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! :)


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Steven E. Ray
  Just a few hours later same day and now BIG congrats on your winner Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Nancy (Peaches) Harker
  BIG Congrat's Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Carol Teal
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Philippe Vieux-Jeanton
  CONGRATS CHRIS!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 

Katarina Mansson
  I am not surprised :-)

Congratulations on your GOLD Chris!!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
- Les Rhoades

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Les Rhoades
Les Rhoades's Gallery
  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


To love this comment, log in above
November 27, 2007

 
- Adilson F. Ferreira

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Adilson F. Ferreira
Adilson F. Ferreira's Gallery
  Congratulations on your win, Christopher!!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

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

So very well deserved!!!!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

Revonda L. Gentry
  Congrats on your fantastic winner, Christopher!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

Autum Rhoades
  YEAH! Congrats Chris on this wonderful win!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

Corinne M. Thompson
  So glad this was finally recognized with Gold...congrats Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

Wally Orlowsky
  Congratulations on this amazing winner, Chris!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 
- Mitch Spence

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Mitch Spence
Mitch Spence's Gallery
  So pleased to see this here with the winner medal, Chris. Nice job.


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 
- Lisa J. Boulden

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Lisa J. Boulden
Lisa J. Boulden's Gallery
  Congrats, Chris, on this FABULOUS WINNER!!!
~Lisa


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

Lynn Haack
  Oops...forgot to say....WINNER!!!! Lynn


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

Sharon Day
  Awesome image, Chris!!! Big congratulations on this win!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  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!


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

Datha Y. Thompson
  Big Congratulations Chris!!! Outstanding Winner and so well deserved!! WTG :0)


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 

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


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 
- Christine Czernin

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Christine Czernin
Christine Czernin's Gallery
  Chris,this is such a stunning picture, and it got the prize it deserved .
Big congrats.


To love this comment, log in above
November 28, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you, Christine & Sherry, very much!


To love this comment, log in above
November 29, 2007

 

Karen Bacon
  Congratulations Chris on a truely fantastic image!!!!!


To love this comment, log in above
November 30, 2007

 

Sylvia Rossler
  Awesome image !!! Big congrats on your wonderful winner Chris :o)


To love this comment, log in above
November 30, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you very much, Sylvia & Karen!


To love this comment, log in above
November 30, 2007

 
- ronda chatelle

BetterPhoto Member
Contact ronda chatelle
ronda chatelle's Gallery
  ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR Christopher! I love this! Congratulations!!!! I'm just surprised this didn't win the Grand....


To love this comment, log in above
December 06, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks Ronda! I don't think it is colorful enough for a Grand, but I'm happy nonetheless!


To love this comment, log in above
December 10, 2007

 
- Don Johnson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Don Johnson
Don Johnson's Gallery
  I love this photo. I KNEW it would be a big winner! Congratulations.


To love this comment, log in above
December 21, 2007

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thanks, Don! I was thrilled to see it advance last month!


To love this comment, log in above
December 21, 2007

 

Ed Taguba
  Very beautiful photo. Colors


To love this comment, log in above
March 10, 2008

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you, Edward!


To love this comment, log in above
March 10, 2008

 

Milan Banik
  excellent catch
happy new year


To love this comment, log in above
December 31, 2008

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Many thanks, Milan, and a belated Happy New Year to you too!


To love this comment, log in above
January 06, 2009

 

Merna L. Nobile
  CONGRATULATIONS, MERNA


To love this comment, log in above
January 17, 2011

 
- Rosemary Sampson

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Rosemary Sampson
Rosemary Sampson's Gallery
  Fabulous shot. Your gallery is an inspiration. I will be back often to see your extraordinary work.


To love this comment, log in above
May 11, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you Merna, and Rosemary! This is an old favorite of mine; a very lucky shot!


To love this comment, log in above
May 11, 2011

 

Katarina Mansson
  Such a beautiful and phenomenal capture!


To love this comment, log in above
July 06, 2011

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Chris Budny
Chris Budny's Gallery
  Thank you, Katarina!


To love this comment, log in above
July 06, 2011

 
Log in or sign up to respond or interact.