I had pre-planned a visit the National Mall on Saturday evening, September 1, to see the refurbished reflecting pool. There was some hope of catching a nice sunset thanks to high clouds from the remnants of Isaac moving overhead. I also knew there was a chance of a storm, but seeing one was not really my initial goal.

Once the opportunity presented itself...

When sunset neared, it was pretty apparent that there would be no color as clouds blocked the entire sky. I also noticed a small shower to the northwest growing into a thunderstorm. That first little cell didn’t produce all that much lightning, and I was prepared to head home as it moved away to the southeast. Fortunately, I checked radar on my iPhone before doing that, and I noticed a new line developing just north and west.

After hitting the Lincoln Memorial for shelter, I headed back out into the light rain and took some more shots. Somehow, these were my first lightning photos on the Mall, though I’ve captured it in a number of other places like the Plains where it’s arguably easier since you are only exposing for lightning in most cases. Of course, a recent nighttime treck in D.C. ended in personal disaster!

Some redemption I suppose. Should I call it #Ambroseing?