Northern Lights – M. Sullivan Photography

August 28, 2018 M. Sullivan Photography Northern Lights, Photography, Photos, Weather

Dry Spell

After a few months away, I hope to catch up and post our summer highlights in the next few weeks. For now, here are some images captured this past weekend of the northern lights.

The best conditions for seeing the northern lights are clear skies, no fog or haze, the moon being in its darkest phase and viewing them away from city lights. Of course you also need other factors that actually cause the northern lights that are way too scientific to get into. After midnight Saturday night/Sunday morning, we had a full moon, hazy skies from forest fires, but crazy high aurora numbers (non-technical term). Although we live in the city, I checked outside to see if I could find any sign of them. I am so glad I looked.

It certainly wasn’t the most vibrant display I have ever witnessed because of the bright moon and hazy skies, but it was the most amazing. The lights were to the north, west and east and also directly above. I spent nearly two hours outside and another hour before I could fall asleep.

June 1, 2017 M. Sullivan Photography cabin, Landscapes, Northern Lights, Photography, Photos

Cabin Weekend

We had a mix of sun, clouds, rain, starry nights, more clouds, more rain and even a small glimpse of northern lights. All of these weather conditions made for great photo opportunities.

March 28, 2017March 28, 2017 M. Sullivan Photography Landscapes, Northern Lights, Photography, Photos

Spring Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights were out last night. With very little preparation, I grabbed my camera bag, tripod, flashlight and pepper spray and ventured out to see if I could capture the elusive lights. The location I was hoping to watch them from had too many houses and cars passing by with lights that would not allow me to see the aurora. I kept driving and found myself on a dead-end dirt road. An open hayfield with a great north view was found by chance. Despite fumbling around in the dark with my new tripod and some very uneven ground with mud and snow, I did manage to get a few images of the aurora. I’m still working on my technique and need to be better prepared next time, but overall I think it was a good night. I didn’t get eaten by coyotes and the farmer who owned the field didn’t come out of his house with a shotgun. Definitely a good night.