Aurora in Paradise

[Mark_Seaver]

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

Last night’s Aurora here in southern Montana started out brighter than Friday night’s event. However, about 11 PM, is faded dramatically and didn’t make a comeback. At it’s maximum, it barely covered the Northern half of the sky, while Friday’s could be see across the entire sky. Here’s a look as Saturday’s show neared maximum. 15 minutes later there was very little color left.

Specific Feedback

In this case, there was enough brightness in the sky to see colors with the naked eye. Of course the camera picks up a lot more color under such dark conditions than our eyes.

Technical Details

R5, 24-105 @ 24, 5.0 s, f/4, iso 1600, tripod and LR’s AI noise reduction.

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Critique Template

Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.

• Vision and Purpose:
• Conceptual:
• Emotional Impact and Mood:
• Composition:
• Balance and Visual Weight:
• Depth and Dimension:
• Color:
• Lighting:
• Processing:
• Technical:

[kyle (Kyle Schroeder)]

Very nice! Good job on using a shorter exposure, as it helps keep structure within the lights rather than blurring into lifeless blob.

[Paul_Breitkreuz]

Wonderful stuff here, Mark. I was lucky to see the event(s) a couple times while traveling in Alaska back in the day…

[Denise_Dethlefsen]

I am soooo bummed out that our part of Colorado has had cloud cover and rain for the past three days (and nights!!), so we haven’t been able to see anything of the auroras. The multiple colors are beautiful, and thank you for including the horizon to anchor the image. I’m envious!

[Daniel_Mulkey]

I agree with the comment about the shutter speed. I wish I had done that as well.

[Diane_Miller]

Wonderful!! We just had some dim reddish glow the first night, apparently swamped by light pollution and moisture in the air. Nothing since. Crazy colors and detail!