October 3, 2006: Photographer catches lightning bolt hitting neighbor's house

[Undertoad]

Kane Quinnell buys a new digital camera and decides it would be interesting to capture a storm shot. Let the Daily Mail tell it:

"The storm looked like it was five to 10 kilometres to the south. I thought it was perfectly safe to be outdoors, taking photos."

After setting the camera for a four-second exposure he began shooting pictures, suspecting there was little chance of lightning flashing while the shutter was open.

"I hit the button … and there was nothing. I hit the button again … and nothing. On about the fourth attempt I hit the button again and I saw this lightning and heard the thunder.

"It was like a crack. The next thing I was about two metres in the air - it scared the hell out of me."

Mr Quinnell estimated the lightning struck about 20 metres away. "I think it hit the house behind me."

Unhurt, but buzzing with adrenaline, he rushed inside to check the photo on his computer.

"I was amazed. It was the first storm picture I had really taken."

First one. I wonder if he'll continue?

Maybe, because Britain's Bureau of Meteorology has used the shot in its 2006 weather calendar. Sure, go ahead, encourage the guy. Dude you could do so much better!