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Photos: Electrifying snapshots of lightning

Posted at 5:38 PM, Aug 29, 2014
and last updated 2014-08-29 17:44:04-04

(CNN) – When a photographer is at the right place at the right time, a lightning show can be absolutely magical.

Seattle photographer Tim Durkan remembers the time he stood in a rainstorm for 90 minutes waiting for the perfect lightning shot. His clothes and his camera were soaked, but he said he loved the experience.

“The crowd of about 50 people were literally cheering each and every lightning strike!” Durkan said, describing the group of amazed photographers.

While the lightning that comes with summer storms can be some of the most beautiful natural phenomena to photograph, these storms can be dangerous.

Remember: If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. You can reduce your risk by setting up your camera on a tripod and operating it with a wireless remote trigger while you remain inside your home or vehicle, said National Weather Service lightning safety expert John Jensenius.

The National Weather Service has compiled a list of lightning safety tips here

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