Aurora+Flashlight lit John Deere

Spinney

had another go at the tractor this time with a flashlight and the Northern lights for background with the dipper!

Spinney

number 2
couple more.............

Spinney

number 3
and the last one not sure which one I like best? I am leaning towards the wider angle of number 2:)

GSPeP

Nr. 2 is also my favourite

senorjax

I would love to see the aurora some day, you're lucky to live where you do (but we all are, eh). I like what you've done with this shot, and I think it has promise, but to me the bright light on the tractor gives it more of a 'sitting in a parking lot' look than being in a field. I wonder if less light, so most of the tractor is in shadow, with some highlights on the edges, so you can tell it's a Deere, would fit the location better. Here's what I'd like to try if I was there. First, turn the tractor so it's pointed more towards the aurora, but not straight on. About 30-45 degrees off for starters. Then, with a wide angle lens, I'd like to get my camera a couple feet behind and a couple feet above where the drivers head would be if someone was in it. A ladder leaned up against the back, or a tailgate of a truck backed up to it, or even squatting on the back of the tractor should do it. Then I'd see if I could put the tractor seat and everything forward of it in the frame, so it looks like you're a really tall guy standing behind the tractor looking at the aurora. With a longer exposure you'll probably get enough ambient light to define the tractor, and maybe even get some reflection from the aurora. If not, a little bit of flashlight could come in handy.

Spinney

Thanks for your thoughts, they worth more than a penny.
Lots of great ideas. Makes me feel guilty for not spending better time with making the image.
Unfortunately I was at my paid job and time is something I don't have alot of and the lights only lasted three minutes and I would never physically touch someone else's tractor.
But with your advice I am armed to make the best of the next time I have three minutes and this situation to shoot:)

Cheers, Randy

senorjax

Well, you did great then considering the short amount of time you had. I didn't know that it wasn't your property, I was just looking at it in terms of 'what kind of fun can I have with this shot' and it's not always possible to muck with a scene any way you like.

DonRicklin

Number 2 for me.

Wish I had more opportunities to shot auroras around where I am. Even when we have them, good shooting vantage points are hard to come by, here.



Don

Dogdots

I like #2 too

Send those northern lights down my way ... I would love to see them

Spinney

Thanks, Jay, Don and Mary, and if I knew a way to send them your way I most certainly would:)