MK Controls has come up with an incredible device to capture stunning images of lightning.  It’s called, aptly, the Lightning Bug. If this device sounds familiar, you may have heard me talking about it during one of our past Show and Shares or perhaps during our club seminar with Bill Lee several years ago. I have owned mine for several years and it has been a great asset to my shooting arsenal. This small device is about the size of a box of cards and mounts to your camera’s hot shoe. A short included cable attaches the unit to your remote shutter release port. The Lightning Bug utilizes a little-known fact to produce vivid images time after time. Prior to a lightning strike, air in the area of the strike is vaporized giving off a burst of infrared light..  We can’t see it, but the Lightning Bug can.  A sharp rise in the background infrared spectrum of light informs the device that a strike is imminent, activating your camera’s shutter. The Lighting Bug has an adjustable setting which allows you to decrease sensitivity for capturing the most intense bolts hammering the ground or increase sensitivity to capture less intense bolts for awe inspiring cloud shots.  The Lightning Bug also allows you to shoot multiple images capturing consecutive strikes increasing your chances of catching that once in a lifetime image.  Oh, and did I mention that it also works great for fireworks? The Lightning Bug sells for $179 including shipping and is available at the vendors listed on www.mkcontrols.com. Make sure you order the proper one for your camera and have some fun trying something new!