Aurora Reflections

Gallery: Man & NaturePosted December 31, 2009187 views5 comments

I was inspired by a photo posted earlier. It was taken by someone visiting Alaska. It made me think of how lucky I am to live in a place where I can see the Northern Lights regularly. I had to post one of my shoots. In my most recent Northern Lights pictures I have been using lower ISO with longer shutter speeds to reduce noise. I also thought the longer shutter would make it easier to capture the reflection on the waters surface (which explains my title). I also wanted to capture part of the city (Yellowknife) beneath the lights to show how man and nature live together up here in Canada's north. I think it turned out well, let me know what you think.

Sony a700 DSLR
Sony 11 - 18 mm lens (at 11 mm - 16.5 on full frame)
ISO 200
f4.5
Shutter speed: 2 minutes and 11 seconds

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Larry Gloth on January 1, 2010 at 1:19 AM

You've indeed captured a unique and interesting image from an amazing place. It must be something to live up there and witness the Northern Lights. I have no experience shooting the Northern Lights so I'm not familiar with all of the technique involved to get a good image. I think you've succeeded in keeping the noise to a minimum. Is it possible to perhaps shoot at an even higher ISO to reduce the shutter time and mimize the blur in the stars?

Registered on August 29, 2007, 96 Posts, 1003 Comments

Comment posted by Lee Sacrey on January 1, 2010 at 2:57 AM

Hey Larry, it is possible to use a higher ISO.I have shot them as high as 1600 for 25 seconds. I have had success shooting both ways but, my preference is lower ISO and longer shutter speed, I have done up to a minute without much change in the stars. The northern Lights are fun to photograph as you can try many different things. I even have some where I have moved in and out of the frame while shooting, it is a fun effect. Thanks for looking and commenting.

Registered on September 5, 2009, 8 Posts, 12 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on January 1, 2010 at 10:07 PM

beautiful, though the streaking stars bother me, some day I hope to get to see the Northern Lights

Registered on August 22, 2006, 842 Posts, 2824 Comments

Comment posted by István Molnár on January 15, 2010 at 1:10 PM

Nice!!!!!
István(Lisztes)

Registered on January 7, 2010, 114 Posts, 704 Comments

Comment posted by Francisco Zamora S on January 20, 2010 at 1:53 PM

Very nice! Congratulations!

Registered on April 8, 2009, 18 Posts, 14 Comments