The principle guiding David O. Stillings' life is "Wouldn't it be neat if...." We Pen Women know a little about this concept, this ongoing wish. In Stillings' case, this desire drove him to begin writing poetry that he could sell. He sold his first piece, carved on wood, on July 12, 1974, for $7.50. Then he wanted a way to manufacture fine images to put with his poems. The usual, he thought, kittens, dogs, the ocean, the sunrise, the moon.

So he bought his first camera at the end of 1974 and taught himself photography by trial and error (he would say mostly error) over the next several years. And, in 1976, he captured his first streak of lightning on film. It was one of those happy accidents, comparable to Ben Franklin playing with lightning and keys on kite strings - and surviving. It's quite a dramatic story. He should be the one to tell you.

David had been told by everyone he consulted or mentioned his idea to that capturing lightning on film couldn't be done. Or he was offered advice. He needed light sensors and special motors and lots of other stuff. His very first successful photograph of lightning demonstrates his skill and bravery. Few of us would stand voluntarily stand in the way of a prospective lightning strike.

He proudly says that "he is still married to Judy and still uses the same camera that 'he couldn't do this with.'" He also photographs many beautiful images other than lightning for his poetry. Visit David's website. It'll knock your shoes off!