Ride the Lightning

"Ride the Lightning" by Andrew McCarthy
printed on C-Type Matt

The size indicated is the printed area, the print will also include a 1/2" white border for handling and framing.

I was driving through the Arizona desert on my way home from running an errand, and I saw to the Southeast  a massive thunderhead drifting by in the distance over Tucson. The sun was set, and the first stars were making their appearance. I happened to have a camera and one of my astronomical lenses in the car, so I pulled over and pointed my telescope at the most active part of the thunderhead. By leaving the shutter open and using the storm's lightning as a "flash", I was able to freeze the moments lightning illuminated the thunderhead, while stars left streaks through the sky as the Earth turned. 

This final composition represents the first of  it's kind for me, incorporating Earth's wild weather with the beauty of space.