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.

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