18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Lightning Strikes the Highest Peak in The Canadian Rockies

Storms were dominating the forecast on our 4-day hike to Berg Lake. We reached the Lake on day 2 and managed to make it to the campground just before the storms rolled in. The hut was full, and we squeezed onto the veranda with over a dozen other hikers to settle down and watch as the the lightning began. It was a special moment, with everyone sitting in awe. Sensing the need to document the show, I managed to maneuver myself between some of the other observers and propped up my camera for a long exposure, hoping to get lucky with a strike. On my third attempt, I caught this shot.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Canada
Camera: ILCE-7M2
Copyright: © Matthew Picking