About the Image(s)

Nikon D850, 24-70mm lens @ 44mm. ISO 200, f16, 30 seconds, ND6 filter, polarizer, tripod with remote shutter and RRS ballhead. Camera encased in Lenscoat Raincoat.

One of the more difficult (at least in my opinion) tasks in PSA Nature photography is finding landscapes that will meet the requirement of storytelling that PSA has set forth. I think this shot carries a rather impactful nature story, but the final say will be left to you folks.

When I arrived at the shore the rains were coming down in torrents, I could not even see across the road. Since driving was out of the question I huddled in my car until the rain stopped and then ventured out walking toward the shore that was about a half mile climb over sand dunes. There I found the storm I had just sheltered from still visible and moving to the south or camera right. The waves crashing offshore at low tide were creating the type of water action that I could turn into a misty feeling with a long, slow shutter speed while the sky over head was nearly black with a second rainstorm coming ashore from the far left. I set to work trying to play with the waves when the sky began rumbling with thunder. The 30 second exposure I was using worked well with the waves, but to my surprise I captured a single bolt of lightning. My next shot (the one submitted here) ran for thirty seconds and I collect three lightning bolts. The final one (the biggest) when it cracked took at least three years off my life expectancy. I grabbed my gear and rushed toward my car. By the time I arrived it was again raining in torrents and I could hear repeated cracks of additional lightning. My camera’s raincoat kept it dry, I on the other hand was not as fortunate however my dumb luck did keep me from getting struck by lightning.
I do feel this image has enough stormy elements to show the fury of the approaching storm and thus provides an adequate nature story. Any thoughts?