Northern Lights over Voyageurs National Park
April 23,2023 a G-2 solar storm made for some gorgeous Northern Lights that night.
April 23,2023 a G-2 solar storm made for some gorgeous Northern Lights that night.
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Voyageurs National Park Visitors Center in International Falls, MN. on Rainy Lake while it was still frozen over on April 23, 2023Time
The Northern Lights were out early that night and I had tried a couple other spots first. About 1:20 they had already reach a pinnacle above my head as I scrambled to take photos with two cameras because there were so many awesome angles to shoot!Lighting
The Northern lights were fairly bright at the time, so I was shooting 5 second exposures at ISO of 1250Equipment
I was using a Nikon Z7 on a tripod with a Samyang 14mm f2.8 lens. The other camera I was using was a Z7ii with a Nikon 24-70 f4 lens. I do like the fact that my Nikon Zs work well in cold temperatures. As I have used them for Northern Lights at -40 F in the Icebox of the Nation where I live.Inspiration
I have an obsession for Northern Lights and most nights that they are out so am I! They lift the spiritual side of me and I can't stop watching them!Editing
I shoot everything in RAW so yes, I usually make a few minor adjustments in Lightroom without losing the natural effects of the northern lights. These are often highlights, shadows and if needed noise reduction.In my camera bag
I don't have an expensive array of prime lens like most people here. My Nikon Z7 usually has a Tamron 18-400 lens on it for a wider range of shooting opportunities. My Z7ii wears a Nikon 200-500 f5.6 lens most of the time. I do love the zoom lens even though they're not as nice as a prime lens. They have helped me capture a lot of bird and wildlife photos that might have otherwise got away.Feedback
I use the Aurora App for notifications in my area when chances are best to see the Northern Lights. I keep track of the more severe sun storms on Spaceweather.com and try to have everything ready to go. Colder weather is hard on battery life so keep spares in an inside pocket and a large ziplock bag to put your camera into before bringing it into a warm place to keep condensation off your equipment. Don't give up early as often the predictions are wrong and the Northern Lights tend to come in waves then die down only to come out even better. They can be short and sweet, last all night long or just be a disappointing green haze on the horizon. Not every night will be amazing but when you get it all right you will be hooked too! Shoot lots of photos and put them together as a time lapse to relive the night!
