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Moon light and aurora over Mt. Snowden, Brooks Range, Alaska

Photographing at night presents many interesting and fun challenges. With long exposures film tends to capture light a little differently than what the eye sees, leaving a slight surprise in the completed photograph.

This particular geological feature stands prominently along a rocky ridge in the Brooks mountain range, the farthest north mountains that separate interior Alaska from the Arctic North Slope. The “spire” is impressive.

On a full moon night in October, waiting for dramatic aurora activity, I decided to experiment with the silhouetted ridge. Auroral activity was minimal, and while my focus was on the mountains, a small amount showed up to add a strange and ethereal color to the sky. The moon highlights the clouds and a long shutter speed gives them a slightly dreamy look. It was a pleasant 20 degrees during this great midnight light show.

Subject:

Moonlight and aurora

Location:

Brooks Range, Alaska

Camera - film - gear:

• Canon 1Ds digital
• 70-200mm f2.8L
• 2.8 @ 30 seconds
• 200 ISO
• Gitzo Tripod

Field Notes