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Mar, 2014Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
The image was captured in the Canadian North just outside of Yellowknife, Northwest Territory. I am a travel photographer and textile artist. Travel is a big part of my teaching and lecturing about art. Photography is a natural progression for my passion to explore cultures and landscapes.Time
This image is one of my favourite Aurora images. I ventured out of Yellowknife around 10:30 pm and was at first discouraged by the cloudy skies. A few test images revealed that the cloud cover was hiding some significant Aurora Borealis activity. Patience and perseverance in -29 C weather soon paid off. By midnight the cloud cover had almost completely lifted and the dance began...Lighting
Night photography is often a little unpredictable. I used the natural Aurora lighting reflecting off the snow covered landscape.Equipment
This image was captured with a Nikon D600, Sigma 24 - 70mm @ 24mm, f3.2, ISO 400, 29 seconds. I used my travel tripod to stabilize camera and lens. The camera was set to a 2 sec. self-timer release.Inspiration
I was traveling to the Canadian North in November 2013. I knew that the Aurora activity was strong all year and was determined to capture some great images. This was my first night in Yellowknife and despite being tired I set out to check out the sky. The next three nights yielded thick cloud cover and dark skies...Editing
I did not do any post processing on this image.In my camera bag
I will answer this with plane travel in mind as this is what I often have to plan for. I pack my Nikon D610 (replaced the D600 about 11 months ago). My favorite lens is a Nikkor 28 - 300 mm, however, if I have limited weight allowance I select the 24 - 70 mm lens only. If the 28 - 300mm lens is packed I bring along the Sigma 50mm - f1.4 lens for indoor/museum images. My travel tripod is a MePhoto lightweight tripod which has served me well over the years. If night photography is on the agenda I also pack an insulated wrap that accommodates "hot pads" (usually place in mittens) to avoid lens fog. I also bring along at least one extra fully charged battery and lens cloth. A small flashlight (or headlamp) will also proof a good investment.Feedback
My advice is to take many test images when trying to capture the Aurora Borealis. Set your lens to infinity before you leave the house (tape it down with a bit of gaffer's tape). Try a variety of f stops. I start with f8 and then often adjust to a wider setting. - The most important point when shooting in extremely low temperatures is to dress appropriately. Down coats and pants, well insulated boots and warm mittens with silk liners work very well. The Aurora curtains move constantly and two or three hours pass very quickly. The warmer the photographer is dressed the more he/she enjoys the "light show"!
