I've been up in Alaska photographing the northern lights. It's quite the sight to behold even though the aurora activity was supposedly fairly low while I was there. This is a stitched panorama with a link to a slightly larger version.
#2 This is the coolest shot I've ever taken...literally...it was -23 F...or a nice spring night by northern Alaska standards. I actually desaturated this one a bit since the colors looked so unreal and Disney-like (and probably still do).
#3 This was just an odd coincidence, in that it looked like the lights were coming directly out of a volcano...Or perhaps I've discovered the *real* way northern lights are created?
Grant! #4 and #6 are spectacular. Are you going to write a trip report? That had to have been quite the memorable experience. Can you recommend a site that does a good job explaining the logistics involved with shooting the Northern Lights?
Thanks, Kane! I have a carpal-tunnel-like injury to my pinky from typing, so I probably won't write a trip report, at least not right away. I can't recommend a site off-hand... I just found bits and pieces of info here and there...and know that March and Sept are the best times of the year to see them and about 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle is generally the optimum spot to maximize your chances of seeing them. They're also supposed to be at their peak over the next couple of years.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on April 2, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Wow...spectacular images, each and every one! What an exciting trip that must've been. You really hit the mother load.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 2, 2012 at 11:33 PM
Grant...WOW...just amazing stuff. #2 is my favorite and should be on the front of a publication somewhere. #1 and #5 are my next favorites, but you can't go wrong with any of these shots. Very, very nice work.
Posted by Bob Falcone on April 3, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Those are some amazing photos! Hard to pick out a "best"...they're all great!
Posted by Ryan Wright on April 3, 2012 at 12:46 AM
Grant, one term comes to mind. Killin' it! Great shots man!
What a spectacular series! Some of your finest work Grant, and that's sayin' something!
I could see any and all of these gracing the walls of many homes.
When you heal up in the future, I'd love to hear more about this adventure.
Excellent work. I haven't seen the Northern lights since I was a young guy living on the Canadian border. Can't pick a favorite as there all outstanding.
Posted by Rod Chandler on April 3, 2012 at 1:10 PM
Wow! Those absolutely blow me away. The volcano shot is really awesome.
Posted by Chikku Baiju on April 3, 2012 at 1:47 PM
Some amazing shots here! Top notch as always. I fav would be #5 and #6.
Wow, thanks for all the comments! I was hoping to get 1 or 2 good shots this trip, as I didn't really know what to expect. But I was fortunate to see the northern lights all 8 times I went out, even though I had to wait four hours a couple times... I figured this would be a once-in-a-lifetime thing as I'm not a fan of the cold, but I'm already planning next year's trip.
Posted by Jack Garrett on April 3, 2012 at 7:23 PM
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 3, 2012 at 10:50 PM
Wow! the trip must have been a great experience. Terrific set. If forced to choose, #5 by a hair. I like the trees whose lean focuses inward and how the aurora bands arch apart.
Geez, fantastic set, Grant! And im a bit tired of all the aurora stuff that's been showing up in NPN, but these all look nice and original. I really love the first pano, and #4 is just killer.
Absolutely the best aurora shots I've ever seen. I love the panoramas, but #5 has something that is just mesmerizing. It looks like it's in motion. Great work Grant!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 4, 2012 at 11:47 PM
They just kept getting better as I scrolled down.
Posted by Jack Brauer on April 5, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Awesome!!!! #2 and #5 are the standouts for me! Someday I've got to see the lights for myself....
Posted by Jeff Hackett on April 5, 2012 at 6:52 PM
I've seen the aurora once and even though it was a little dim it was AMAZING! #'s 2 and 5 really are a step above for me. Excellent work.
I was worried about what Stan Rose would say, but if even he doesn't hate these, they must not be that bad. Now that I'm organizing the Colorado Photography Festival, I'm not sure if I'm motivated to do any workshops other than the short one on night photography at the festival. I'm flattered that two photographers I look up to would want to join (even if it's ill-advised on their part ). But I'll at least think about doing something.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on April 6, 2012 at 2:42 AM
Holy Bat-lights, Batman! Those are awesome! Incredible work, Grant. Some of your best night photography and THAT IS SAYING ALOT! I'd love to see some big prints of these. If CAZ and I ever get our guest artist act together, we need to talk!
Discussion
39 repliesI could see any and all of these gracing the walls of many homes.
When you heal up in the future, I'd love to hear more about this adventure.
Nice!