At the end of March, an alert came up for an incoming solar storm that was likely to produce a spectacular show of Northern lights. As usual, I saw this alert and promptly forgot about it. So, when I took the dog for a walk on the evening of March 27, I was quickly reminded of said alert when I looked up and saw the green and purple flickering of the aurora.

I took a few smartphone photos but I really wanted more. Alas, by the time I collected up my gear and drove out to Crocus Prairie, the show had mostly ended but I still got a few interesting shots.

I even managed to snap a picture of the crescent moon with Venus. Not bad for being unprepared! But I would like to streamline my gear to make it easier in moments like this. Organization is the key to being able and ready for capturing those once in a lifetime moments.

I do have to show everyone one of my mistakes as I love the artsy-fartsy ness of it. If you didn’t already know, the trick with night photography is to use long exposures. Holding your shutter for longer periods allows for more light to come into the sensor. So, with camera on tripod, I set up my camera for a 25 second exposure. I set the timer so I could click the camera and leave it to settle before the shutter opens. But…I wasn’t paying enough attention and readjusted my camera before the shutter closed leaving me with a spooky double exposure. I love these kinds of mistakes. They’re definitely good learning experiences!