Kip’s Comments - March 24, 2023

Wow (with details) and Waterfowl

Last night aurora borealis (northern lights) were easily visible over Northeast Iowa. Many people were out enjoying the display with eyes, cell phones, and cameras. I recorded many images and learned in the process since we seldom photograph northern lights in our area.

Following are some of the details I noticed for the next northern lights photo shoot.

* No UV filter to minimize/eliminate Newton's Rings.

* Have a second camera recording video or multiple images to create a video.

* If doubting white balance or sensor heating up - shoot to the south. If no color cast, then you are really recording the multitude of colors from the display.

* Watch for solar winds to push the lights around. It is hard to record - maybe just enjoy the show.

* Remember the rules for recording stars on time-lapse - long exposure but not too long so stars are distorted.

* Last night was such a long, vivid show that I eventually put my in-camera intervalometer to work. Work smarter, not harder!

* Experiment with settings. Maybe the lights bright enough you can use a lower ISO for cleaner images.

* Set focus and lock it.

* Turn of lens stabilization when on tripod for long exposures.

* There is more going on in the sky than what our eyes can see. Keep shooting!

* Use self-timer or remote release (or intervalometer)

* What we saw last night in NE Iowa may not happen again in our lifetime. Enjoy it while you can.

* Gloves! Grab your gloves!

* Have fun!

This was one of my final images recorded as one of nature's most eerie displays was ending.

Northern Lights - Image 796206

Today was “back to reality” as I photographed a couple of ducks.

Redhead Duck - Image 796259

Drake Wood Duck - Image 796247