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Arctic Love

Arctic Love



have visited this beautiful arctic beach in Norway many times, but last week, I had a magical moment before the thick cloud blanket rolled in... Lady Aurora da...
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have visited this beautiful arctic beach in Norway many times, but last week, I had a magical moment before the thick cloud blanket rolled in... Lady Aurora danced for me at this amazing heart-shaped stone! It lasted a few minutes only, but what a treat! We need to appreciate every moment during these difficult times and I am thankful I could travel so much this year!
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cameraCanon EOS 5D Mark IV

settings Aperture f/2.8 ISO 3200 Shutter 13/1 Focal Length 18/1 

locationNorway

upload_dateOct, 2020

Views

697

Likes

Awards

Honorable Mention in Creative Compositions Photo Contest Vol9
Peer Award
andrewpowell_0479 karlyamberimages prajyotsakpal wilfridmispolet sarahstewart_2149 memlin ALEXXANDRUS +355
Absolute Masterpiece
idanascaccia Stasy lovinpnwgirl ncruz6@yahoo.com JPtradventure ionuttedy caroljohnson_1561 +11
Superb Composition
ashleycurtisphotography Leslie7 jayholm corievolk11 831John jimmoseley jmallo +11
Magnificent Capture
elabrozzi AnotherDayisNOW sabinalombardo-salmina Lxydias2 catherinesaville petalchic suepenix +5
Outstanding Creativity
Northcorephoto darylchamlee annmor James-Evans gman176 lucynoble colehouse +3
Top Choice
EuroBen Cozmoky tymo49 Katzay redwolf0822 kevinroyal jonasweiss +2
Superior Skill
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All Star
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Genius
katherineplessner RHRatcliffe

Emotions

Impressed
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Happy
Maadhatter

Top ClassTM

photographyawards2020Top 10 class
photographyawards2020Top 10 class week 2
Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 27Top 10 class
Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 27Top 10 class week 1
Inspired By The World Photo ContestTop 10 class
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Inspired By The World Photo ContestTop 10 class week 1
Creative Compositions Photo Contest Vol10Top 10 class
Creative Compositions Photo Contest Vol10Top 10 class week 1
Enchanting Landscapes Photo ContestTop 10 class
A ViewBug Logo Photo ContestTop 10 class
Enchanting Landscapes Photo ContestTop 10 class week 1
A ViewBug Logo Photo ContestTop 10 class week 1
Capture The Night Photo ContestTop 10 class
Creative Landscapes Photo Contest vol7Top 20 class
Creative Landscapes Photo Contest vol7Top 10 class week 1
Creative Compositions Photo Contest Vol9Top 10 class
Creative Compositions Photo Contest Vol9Top 20 class week 1

Categories

6 Comments | Report
MELLIE1955 PRO+
 
MELLIE1955 October 11, 2020
You are very talented. Where did you take that s photograph?
Bartruzik PRO
 
Bartruzik November 25, 2020
Now I have another place for my bucket list !! Beautiful-Love it :)
EpicByErika PRO
EpicByErika November 26, 2020
thank you! That beach is truly wonderful! Also many locals go there for BBQ, the benches are nicely set so that everyone can enjoy the views!
adiestiano PRO
 
adiestiano December 29, 2020
Cool
tonelock
 
tonelock Jan 04
So amazing
EllaMarrs PRO+
 
EllaMarrs Jan 07
beautiful
ashleycurtisphotography PRO+
 
ashleycurtisphotography Jan 13
Love it

Submitted to Photo Contests

Tags

#nature #outdoors #night #aurora #aurora #canon #Northernlights #norway #arctic

Behind The Lens

Location
This photograph was taken at Uttakleiv beach in Lofoten, Norway. The Aurora is dancing above the heart-shaped rock on this beautiful arctic beach.
Time
This image was taken approximately an hour after the sunset, just as the sky turned dark enough to capture the dancing Aurora.
Lighting
Almost an hour after the sunset, the sky still had the red glow from the setting sun towards the west. I was hoping the Aurora will start to dance in a low arch from east to west facing north.
Equipment
I used my Canon EOS 5DMkIV full-frame camera with a Zeiss18mm 2,8 wide angle lens and a sturdy Really Right Stuff tripod. This was a 13s exposure at f2.8, ISO 3200.
Inspiration
The forecast for the Northern Lights was incredible that evening, but the weather forecast expected clouds later at night. My friends had a very long discussion in the car about where to go. Knowing how unpredictable the arctic weather can be, I felt I had to make a quick decision. I asked them to drop me off at my favourite arctic beach. I saw the heart-shaped stone the day before, and I wished to capture the lights dancing around it! As soon as I set up my tripod and found my desired composition, the mystical green lights lit up the sky! The show lasted a few minutes only, but what a treat!
Editing
Three long exposures for the foreground, to reduce noise and shorter exposure to capture the structure of the lights. The final image is a blend of these two, the composition remained the same, images taken at the same time. Adjustments of highlights, shadows, colour correction and noise reduction applied.
In my camera bag
Whenever I am planning to shoot outdoors, I usually carry my full-frame Canon R5 or 5D MkIV camera with the 16-35mm wide angle lens in my bag. If there is a chance to spot wildlife, I also pack the 100-400mm lens, as I love animals! I am a big fan of long exposure shots of running water or moving clouds. Therefore you can always find several neutral density filters as well as a polariser in my backpack. Spare batteries and memory cards are a must!
Feedback
Patience and preparation. I tried to capture the northern lights many times before with no success. At the very beginning, years ago, I was struggling to set up my camera in the dark. Rule number one: know your camera even blindfolded- trust me, you can train it at home!:) If you are not sure, set up the camera beforehand. Zoom in the lens to infinite so that the stars are sharp (u can either mark it on your lens or use a tape to make sure you will not move the zoom ring), set the aperture to 2.8 and ISO around 3200 in Manual mode. You will play with the shutter speed based on the intensity of the lights - start with 10-15 seconds and check the result. Set your camera display brightness to a minimum at home, so that it does not disturb your night vision. A sturdy tripod is a must! Check the weather and the aurora forecast. I use many applications on my phone, which are also sending me alerts. Dress warm, don't forget the gloves and spare batteries. Live view and the cold will drain the batteries quickly. Be patient! And if the if you struggle to capture the lights, don't stress, just sit back, look up and don't miss the show!

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