Northern Lights Fill the Sky
The aurora dancing over an Alaskan golf course.....where i spent many early mornings staring in amazement of all the beauty ;)...
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The aurora dancing over an Alaskan golf course.....where i spent many early mornings staring in amazement of all the beauty ;)
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Mar, 2013Views
3687
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Awards
2020 Choice Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
All Star
Superior Skill
Jaw Dropping
Exceptional Contrast
One Of A Kind
Great Find
Genius
Top Ranks
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken at Chena Bend Golf Course, Fort Wainwright, AK. I am a self taught photographer & this was the 1st year I had the chance to see & capture the gorgeous Northern Lights.Time
I don't recall the exact time of day, but most of the shots I had taken of the Aurora were between 9pm and 2am, though I have gone out before then & at least once until 3:30am. It was worth it. I watched the aurora cams online & if there was even a glimpse of a chance that the lights would be out, I was out the door with layers on!Lighting
The golf course was super dark, so all of the lighting I needed was right there above me. Beautiful.Equipment
This was shot on a Canon 60D, with a 11-16mm lens f/2.8 lens & a tripod. No other equipment was needed.Inspiration
I had been in Alaska for a couple years & had never seen the aurora. I had only heard about the 'green streaks' in the sky. I saw them one night in the sky & it was more beautiful than expected. It was very difficult to get the photos, so I searched for a dark place to try to get decent photos. Once there, the lights were even more beautiful, & the more I saw of them, the more I fell in love with them! The Northern Lights danced in the sky like nothing I had ever seen. Too gorgeous to even describe. There were moments I couldn't even pay attention to the camera because I just wanted to lay on the frozen ground & stare up into the starry sky. I love all of the beauty this world has to offer.Editing
At that time, I did not do any post processing. I did not even attempt it until a few years ago & have played with it a little. I believe I just brightened this photo up a little to bring out the dark pine trees. I didn't want to do much to it as it may have taken away from the beauty from above.In my camera bag
Back then, I had my 60D, a Canon powershot, a 55-250mm lens, 11-16mm lens and a 24-70mm L series lens. Also carried my tripod, cleaning kit, filters, gloves, bandana. Sadly, since then these items were stolen in a car break-in while traveling for an Air Force graduation. I have since replaced one of the cameras with a Canon 7D. I have not replaced the other items.Feedback
Always be prepared!! I had to brave temps of -52° when going out to take some of these photos. Plan your wardrobe & dress in layers - you never know when the weather will change. Pack your gear early in case you have to run out the door. Be patient - the perfect shot takes time. Shoot everything! Practice makes perfect. And lastly, for all the landscape lovers, ENJOY THE VIEW!!
