A once in a lifetime chance of shooting lightning in front of a sunset.  This was an amazing storm.  It approached the area from out of the North-Northwest and was perfectly timed with the setting sun.  This storm was highly electrified producing hundreds of cloud-to-ground strikes.  These lightning strikes and many others were recorded on videotape as well.  In watching the tape it is apparent that the strikes occurred about 25 seconds apart.  This photo was taken at the Old Brick Church high on a ridge northwest of Albany, Missouri.

Full frame of the image above showing the extra cloud-to-cloud lightning strike that fanned off towards the North.   This extra lightning bolt occurred at the same time as the cloud-to-ground strike on the right.

Same night as the two photos above but later in the evening.  This photo was taken from the car as it was incredibly dangerous to be out in the open.  This photo was taken from south of town from the side of the road.  The view is looking southwest toward Darlington, Missouri.

A classic gust or arcus front approaches Albany from the west and north.  Notice the cloud striations above and the ragged base behind the tree line. 

The ragged base of the front can be better seen in this shot taken as the front drew closer.   Notice the finger-like protrusions  hanging down from the shelf.
 

As I retreated inside I snapped this final shot of the ragged base.  Gust fronts bring with them a drop in temperature, wind, and rain but no real severe weather.  Severe weather could, however, result later from the parent storm that triggered the gust front..

Photo taken south of Albany, Missouri near Crawford Ford on the Grand River.  A larger thunderstorm with rain can be seen at the left with the cumulus congestus cloud at the right.