My art...

[BoblyBill]

For this first shot, I added the lightning...

1. Click on image for high-res


2. click on image for high-res...
This one looked like it had a funnel cloud but I can assure you it wasn't.

 

[tirediron]

Very interesting technique, but I'm not sure the added lightning works. It looks just a bit synthetic IMHO, I do however very much like the overall effect.

 

[K8-90]

Nice! I though the lightning looked real until you mentioned it... Now of course I can pick out "flaws". So just don't tell anyone
I think that lightning lights up more of the cloud (like o the inside and stuff).

 

[abraxas]

Very nice. I like the first one the best. Any chance you could show some cats and dogs falling out of the clouds?

 

[AverageJoe]

These look great. Are these multiple shots stiched or...?

 

[BoblyBill]

Yes both of these were stitched shots. I don't have a fishy or a 10-22mm. I was within 1/4 of a mile from the rain but the 17mm makes it look quite a bit farther.

 

[AverageJoe]

Not sure what you were shooting with but did you use anything to protect your camera from the rain? Also for shots like this, you should pick up the 10-22mm.

 

[BoblyBill]

I shot these with my 40D and a 17-40mm L. And though they are not water proof... they have held up well in the rain on a number of occasions so far, but I wasn't in the rain just quite yet. If you know what you are doing you can usually stay out of the rain. I want a 10-22 but I have seen pictures and I'm not so sure it is as sharp as I want it. I see you have one. I'm very particular about sharpness and I'm not about to put down 700+ for a somewhat soft lens. Do you like yours?