First Photograph Of Lightning
As we know well from learning about early photography, exposure times were extremely long. If somebody blinked or moved, it could greatly change the quality of the image. However, this scientific and photographic feat changed everything. William Jennings was a Philadelphia photographer who experimented with color photography and artificial lightning. But he accomplished what many could not: catching lightning on camera. It’s amazing to see the oldest image of lightning.
Lightning happens when the negative charges (electrons) in the bottom of the cloud are attracted to the positive charges (protons) in the ground. Before 1882, lightning had never successfully been captured. Jennings made some significant modifications to its structure which enabled him to photograph lightning. Jennings’ addition of a yellow color filter to his camera, along with the development of the hot air balloon, made it possible for the adventurous photographer to snap sharp images of lightning. He was recognized for this achievement by receiving the Wetherill Medal in the 1930s.
