How to photograph thunderstorms in the mountains: techniques and safety

Mountain thunderstorms offer spectacular photographic opportunities, but they require careful preparation and strict adherence to safety rules. Here's how to capture these dramatic moments while staying safe.

1. Anticipate and predict the storm

The key to a good storm photo begins well before you press the shutter. Check detailed weather forecasts and weather warnings. Apps like Météo France or Windy allow you to track the evolution of storm cells in real time.

In the mountains, thunderstorms often develop in the late afternoon as warm air rises. Plan your outing accordingly and identify safe shelters in advance.

2. Essential equipment

To photograph thunderstorms, you will need:

• A camera with manual mode (DSLR or mirrorless)
• A stable tripod for long exposures
• A remote trigger or intervalometer
• ND filters to control exposure in bright daylight
• Waterproof protection for your equipment

As with this photo of the Dent Parrachée during the autumn storm in Vanoise , good equipment will allow you to capture all the power of the moment.

3. Technical settings

For daytime lightning:

• ISO: 100-200 to minimize noise
• Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for good depth of field
• Speed: 1 to 30 seconds depending on the brightness
• Use an ND filter to lengthen the exposure time

For nighttime lightning:

• ISO: 400-800
• Aperture: f/5.6 to f/8
• Speed: 10 to 30 seconds (Bulb mode if necessary)

4. Composition and framing

Incorporate foreground elements to create depth: peaks, trees, mountain huts. Alpine landscapes like the Matterhorn or the Vercors ridges offer majestic backdrops that magnify thunderstorms.

Use the rule of thirds and leave space in the sky to capture the lightning. Frame wide: you can always crop in post-processing.

5. Safety first

WARNING: Safety must always come first in photography. Here are the essential rules:

• Never take photographs from an exposed summit or ridge
• Stay away from isolated trees, pylons and high points
• Seek refuge in a car or a closed building.
• If you are caught in the wilderness, crouch down in a ball with your feet together.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last flash before resuming your activity
• When in doubt, give up: no photo is worth your life.

6. Post-processing

In post-production, adjust the contrast to bring out the lightning, work on the shadows to reveal the details of the landscape, and don't hesitate to stack several photos to capture multiple lightning flashes in the same composition.

Discover other examples of mountain photographs in spectacular weather conditions, such as this autumnal view of the Vanoise National Park or this Fiz Massif at sunset .

Conclusion

Photographing thunderstorms in the mountains is an intense experience that demands skill, patience, and caution. With preparation and adherence to safety guidelines, you can capture spectacular images that bear witness to the raw power of alpine nature.

Never forget: the mountain will still be there tomorrow. Your safety is irreplaceable.