And I wonder where did they source the 400 pictures of real lightnings from. There might be a selection effect so that only the most spectacular are published.

And I wonder where did they source the 400 pictures of real lightnings from. There might be a selection effect so that only the most spectacular are published. In addition to what others already mentioned, that photographers constantly use several means (lenses, exposure, films) to enhance the pictures beyond what the human eye can perceive.