Ridge Lightning Gallery is the creation of locals Russell Gawthorpe and Shaun Galman, and showcases breath-taking photography of lightning as it has occurred around the town over the past years.

Mr Gawthorpe, who has lived in Lightning Ridge since the age of five, has been taking photographs for five years.

Although not quite sure

what got him interested in photography, Mr Gawthorpe first became interested in lightning after experimenting, taking a photo out of the bathroom window.

“I hope to bring something new and unique to Lightning Ridge, as businesses in the town start to move away from opals,” Mr Gawthorpe said.

Photos exhibited in the gallery date back to summer of 2005, but more recently a range of photos were taken by the two men over the summer of 2008/2009.

Visitors are invited to come and see how the atmosphere of local icons, such as the bowling club and courthouse, are changed by the presence of lightning.

The gallery is located on 45 Gem Street, and is open every day from 10am-5.30pm.