lights from the heavens revisited

dls

Have returned to the arctic for a month, and had the absolute fortune of being here during a rather spectacular aurora flare. While reported just a level 2 (out of 9), the lights were quite bright and had some pretty spectacular formations. I also had the great fortune of being here when it is actually quite balmy, making it much more enjoyable to spend some time to composing and getting the shot right (still working on the best settings, but getting closer).

1. From Devil's Lake


2. The Vortac


3. The slough


4. The Source of drinking water for OTZ


Reportedly, there will be a level 3 on sun and monday, but the near full moon may dampen the lights. Regardless, will be out trying witness, capture and admire this amazing show. Any C&C welcome.

WillCAD

Beautiful images.

How faithful are these images to what you actually saw with your naked eyes? I've never seen the Northern Lights myself, so I'm wondering how well cameras can reproduce them.

cmkultradome

Very, very, cool!! I just love that last one. If these are a "2", I'm really curious what a level "9" looks like.

Stephanie

coscorrosa

These are all really really good, my favorite is the last, great comp, and love the reflection. Truly stunning scenery that i hope to witness sometime.

How's that 24 f/1.4 working? It looks like you used it for that last shot.

Roaddog 52

A great set of images. Too hard to pick a favorite.

Phil

dls

WillCAD wrote: »

Beautiful images.

How faithful are these images to what you actually saw with your naked eyes? I've never seen the Northern Lights myself, so I'm wondering how well cameras can reproduce them.

The camera picks up a bit more light than the naked eye (with the right exposure), so it tends to be a bit more brilliant and pick up some of the fainter colors. In this particular case, the lights were quite brilliant, and I was able to see the lights and the colors. PP included some changes in levels, but not colors.

cmkultradome wrote: »

Very, very, cool!! I just love that last one. If these are a "2", I'm really curious what a level "9" looks like.

Stephanie

I don't know what a 9 looks like either... have seen only a 2. Have gotten reports from friends that even with a level 3 up here they could be multicolored, covering the sky, and feel like they are reaching down. The levels may also represent the geographic distribution of the aurora. Levels 2-4 hit the area of the arctic that I am in (Kotzebue), but the larger it is, the more south it would go, and could be seen as far south as northern US. Of course, I worry that with a level 9, we will all be microwaved by the sun all the while staring in bewonderment

coscorrosa wrote: »

These are all really really good, my favorite is the last, great comp, and love the reflection. Truly stunning scenery that i hope to witness sometime.

How's that 24 f/1.4 working? It looks like you used it for that last shot.

the last one is a fave of mine too. just pretty dang lucky to be up here. and the new acquisition is working out great... especially for these types of shots where i want to have a short exposure time to minimize the blur. given my proclivity to night shooting, i've been pretty happy with it.

Roaddog 52 wrote: »

A great set of images. Too hard to pick a favorite.

Phil

Thanks. Had a great time shooting it, especially given that it was not -20 out.

Awais Yaqub

Beautiful work!

hawkeye978

Beautiful, the colors are spectacular.

kdog

Just amazing. I love 'em all. Awesome light and colors, and really great comps.

pickerbw

Very cool. I used to live in northern Wisconsin, and would occasionally see the northern lights. Nothing quite that brilliant, but beautiful nonetheless.

dseidman

Awesome shots, Dan! Hopefully I'll get to see something like this one day.

grinningsam

Am in awe! Wishing I'd have the opportunity of shooting an aurora myself someday! Very envious.

Toonartist

They are all stunning shots, very impressive!

starcluster

wow!
love Your Third Shot Best.
well done and good luck on the best settings

DRT-Maverick

I'd love to see another aurora. Keep up the beautiful photos!

bryanj87

Awesome series of shots. I really like #4. Well done.

PrevailingConditions

I'll add my voice to the chorus here, these are wonderful shots! As the others have said, it's really hard to pick a favorite, but I'm probably leaning toward #3 because of the colors of the boat contrasted against the green aurora.

Mike

bgarland

Yes I agree those are spectacular and nicely done. I too am envious of the opportunity to witness the beauty.

schmoo

dls wrote: »

That's it. I'm booking a flight to.... uh, wherever that is.

Seriously though I am already starting to plan the next ultimate vacation so I can cross "Northern Lights" off my life's To Do list. I hear 2011-12 will be excellent. Your shots are turning my anticipation up to 11.

Tharhawk

The last pic is great and my fav. Nice work.