ChelseaTracyPhotography
FollowThere is no way to describe last night's northern lights show as anything besides "Otherworldly". For about a year, I've been wanting to do ...
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There is no way to describe last night's northern lights show as anything besides "Otherworldly". For about a year, I've been wanting to do a midnight hike up to this glacier during an aurora event. However, it couldn't be in the dead of winter because I wanted a water reflection off of the glacial lake instead of an ice reflection. Once the lake melted this year, however, we have had nothing but rain and it has been impossible to get any aurora action.
When I knew there would be a storm last night, I grabbed a few friends and we headed up to the glacier. From sunset until sunrise, the lights danced horizon to horizon. It never got fully dark, which did minimize some of the lights displays. However, it worked to my advantage because the little touch of sunshine allowed the glacier to be illuminated enough to provide a deeper photo. I could not have asked for my "dream details" to come together in a better way for the night of shooting.
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When I knew there would be a storm last night, I grabbed a few friends and we headed up to the glacier. From sunset until sunrise, the lights danced horizon to horizon. It never got fully dark, which did minimize some of the lights displays. However, it worked to my advantage because the little touch of sunshine allowed the glacier to be illuminated enough to provide a deeper photo. I could not have asked for my "dream details" to come together in a better way for the night of shooting.
Read less
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this at Sheridan Glacier in Cordova, Alaska. Two friends and I made the midnight hike carrying blankets, snacks, warm drinks, and my gear. We then spent all night on the edge of the lake watching the lights over the glacier.Time
Very early in the morning! This one was taken around 1:30 am.Lighting
Other than it being completely solar powered? No extra lighting was used, other than what the sun provided!Equipment
5DMkIII, 24-70 2.8 v I, tripod, and remote triggerInspiration
I had planned this photo for more than a year, but was waiting for the right conditions. It needed to be warm enough for the lake to not be frozen over. I needed it to not be a school night so I could get a local high schooler to come sleep on my couch (I have a two-year-old), and I wanted a friend or two to come on the hike with me.Editing
Nothing extensive. I did some noise reduction, added some contrast. But not much beyond that.In my camera bag
My 5DMkIII, 24-70 2.8, and 100-400. I do keep a 580EXII flash and remote triggers in my bag as well.Feedback
For northern lights: tripod, remote shutter trigger, and get away from city lights! When you go out, make sure you have cold weather gear, snacks, and warm drinks. Be prepared for long nights, but there is nothing like a good night of northern lights.