I'm an amateur at portrait photography or for any photography that is. A friend asked me to do a white sheet photoshoot of her and I had a good time taking pictures of her. Anyways, here's the picture.
Draw an imaginary line (cone) at 30 degrees from the rod to earth. Items enclosedin that triangle should be protected
It shouldnt be an issue unless you are standing next to it and touching it in a lightning storm. The lightning will strike the metal closest to it in most cases. Even it it were to strike it, the deck (if it is made of wood) will help to ground it since it is not a electrical conductor.
Anything tall and metal outside is a lightening hazard. Yes, lightening would most likely strike the rod, but why risk it? Unless it is a short sculpture, I would move it away from the house.
great deck all though i do not prefer to have insects i would go with zombies however insects can be very effective but weather or not your deck stands a chance at a tournament is all depending on how lucky you are with the draw and how skilled your opponent is.
Just make sure it is grounded. Fasten a thick wire to its underside, then attach this to a metal rod driven deeply into the ground.
