DSLR Photography Forum

At the moment we have a real electrical storm going on.
How do I go about taking photos of lightning ?
I am new to this, so camera terminology is not my strong point.
How do I know how much light to let in as it will be dark before the flash but light while it is striking. Some lightning is vivid while others are far away and not so bright?

Looking forward to some experienced answers here. My attempts have been less than satisfactory.

Camera on Manual , and Focus Manual, then Focus as wanted. F5.6/8. ISO 200/400. Shutter om Bulb, Open it, and close when Lightning pleases you. Evaluate results, and go from there. Ed.

Sadly the lightning passed without even getting a decent shot at it.
Ed ? I don't understand "Focus as wanted"
Being as its pitch black there's nothing to focus on!
And the lightning only lasts a split second.
Thanks anyway

You may have wanted a Church Spire, or particular object prominent, if not, focus on infinity. Ed.