Aurora Borealis... First attempt, Montana

Nightshift has it's perks! Saw the AB at around 3AM 8-23-15. Off work at 0305 and headed 6 miles north of town to make my first attempt at the Northern Lights. Pretty lucky due to do all the smoke in the air, but a recent front moved it out. My very first photos. I was in such a hurry that I grabbed the T3i and forgot about the 5dii. I would appreciate CC in comp. as well as post. Thanks for looking, Cole

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/xJgB​Ci

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/wMfx​3h

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/xHqV​nS

Nice! I only recall seeing them twice, where I live. Last time must've been over 10 years ago.

I get to see them often living in Montana. I can't imagine what they are like in Iceland or Alaska. This night they were awesome, my infant skill level does not do them justice!

I got to shoot them once in Pennsylvania a few months back.

I think what I figured out is that they are in motion to some degree so shooting a shorter exposure at a higher ISO might be the better idea. I'm not at all an expert but you should get that a try I think. The swirling greens came out looking more blob-like for me and I think had I shot with a shorter exposure and higher ISO I would have captured that better.

cole4570 wrote in post #17680143
Nightshift has it's perks! Saw the AB at around 3AM 8-23-15. Off work at 0305 and headed 6 miles north of town to make my first attempt at the Northern Lights. Pretty lucky due to do all the smoke in the air, but a recent front moved it out. My very first photos. I was in such a hurry that I grabbed the T3i and forgot about the 5dii. I would appreciate CC in comp. as well as post. Thanks for looking, Cole

you did well

keep up the good efforts


Dave

You did well for a first attempt!