A summer thunderstorm brings the distinctive smell of rain on hot pavement, the whipping cooler wind, rolling thunder, and ultimately a beautiful lightning show.  Until recently I had never attempted to photograph lightning.  Like many folks, I have seen photographs showing the awesome power of lightning, and after years of seeing these photos I decided to finally try my hand at photographing lightning.

Post production of photos is, and has been, a key part of a photographers work.  In the past photographers often spent hours in the dark room developing film, and they often employed techniques that would effect the final image.  Today the same holds true, except most photographers use digital post processing software.

Photoshop is a powerful tool and can be used to help create amazing images; however, it can also be overused and caused photos to look unrealistic.  Some photographers will take post production of photos to the extreme removing every blemish, recoloring hair, smoothing facial wrinkles, replacing missing, and so much more; it's actually a very unfortunate.  These things make us who we are, and while we may not like the wrinkles or graying hair they are part of us.