Natural Light Painting

© Paul R. Nelson

Natural Light Painting

Uploaded: July 17, 2012 18:11:25

Description

On the shore of Lake Superior North of Marquette, Michigan during last weekend's Aurora Borealis display. Sigma 20mm, f/2, 10 sec, ISO 1250

Comments

Arthur Bohlmann July 17, 2012

Awsome image Paul. Photographing the Aurora Borealis is high on my list. What software did you use to edit this great image? #1475466

Paul R. Nelson July 17, 2012

Thank you, Art. It was a very enjoyable night (I got home at 6 a.m.). It was one of the best displays I have seen up here recently, and the peak activity isn't expected until next year. This is the first chance I've had to use my Sigma lens, and I am very happy with the results.

I used Lightroom 4 to do all the processing on this image. Sorry I forgot to mention that. #10234155

Arthur Bohlmann July 17, 2012

I sure wish I were a little further north. One of these days I will get to photograph them #10234157

Susan Williams July 17, 2012

This is incredibly beautiful, Paul. It's great that you seized on such a fantastic opportunity and then shared it with all of us. Thank you for that! Nice work and definately worth losing sleep over. #10234159

Paul R. Nelson July 17, 2012

You might just have to take a road trip during one of the Geomagnetic storms in the next year. It is a challenge to get enough shutter speed to stop their movement, and a wide enough lens to fit enough of the display in. You can get by with a 24mm (15mm on your 7D), but wider is better, and for the best results you need at least f/2.8 if not faster. Getting to see them and bringing home any image is still a wonderful experience. I hope you get the chance. After next year it will be another 11 years or so before the next peak. #10234163

Paul R. Nelson July 17, 2012

Thank you, Susan. I am glad you enjoyed it. We had perfect conditions that night with clear skies and calm on Lake Superior. It is amazing how much the the Aurora changes during a display. I have another one or two that I may share over the next day or so, and hope to get more in the future; I'm thoroughly hooked now. #10234167

Susan Williams July 17, 2012

I grew up on Lake Michigan and Green Bay, so this is especially appealing to me. I've never seen it in person, but just watched a show on TV about it. Fascinating! #10234194

David Resnikoff level-classic July 18, 2012

Paul,
I do admire tour passion and patience.
This one is a clear example.

It is jus fantastic
I´ve seen the Aurora just once in my lifetime while working I a summer camp in Ontario, Canada.
I did not have my camera. I was at that time 22 year old. Long time ago,

David R

David R #10234547

Carla Capra Anderson July 18, 2012

Natures beauty well captured. Just beautiful. #10234609

Kalena Randall July 18, 2012

Paul, this is absolutely beautiful! I hope to one day see the Aurora. This is an inspiring photo! #10234669

Paul R. Nelson July 18, 2012

I can see why it would be, Susan; the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin are very similar in both topography and attitude, and living in this area can give you an "Up North" state of mind that sticks with you.

Thank you, David. You may not have had your camera, but I will bet you remember it better than if you had; sometimes it is better to just sit back and watch.

Thank you, Carla.

Thank you, Kalena; I hope you get the chance. This next year will be your best bet in the next decade.

FYI - There are a number of websites that you can check for Aurora predictions if anyone is going to be in the Northern portion of the lower 48. #10234906

Howard Eisenberg July 18, 2012

Simply spectacular! I admire and envy your patience. #10235486

Paul R. Nelson July 18, 2012

Thank you, Howard. I've often said that patience is one of my strengths as far as photography goes, and it has served me well lately. #10235552

Rita K. Connell level-classic July 18, 2012

Paul this is so beautiful, I love that you can see the star's through the lovely color display. I am so looking forward to our trip up in your neck of the woods in late sept. #10235626

Paul R. Nelson July 18, 2012

Thank you, Rita, I appreciate your comments. I'm glad you will have the opportunity to come up here; there is a lot of beauty to see. Make sure to bring both warm clothes and shorts; you never know what weather we will have that time of year. There could even be frost in the mornings. #10235650

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