SmarterPics

Photographing the Aurora?

We were blessed recently with a good solar storm that gave NORTHERN Michigan a good light show. Rumors are there are more coming that will be visible in the Mid Michigan areas. So GET READY!

To photograph the aurora borealis, a light meter is useless. Set your digital camera to manual mode and adjust shutter speeds to 3-30 seconds. YES, it takes experimentation. Mount it on a tripod. Use a wide-angle lens.

You of course want the smallest F-Stop to allow the most light. A really high ISO isn't needed. Try 1600-6400

Auto focus is useless. Manual focus is necessary. Try focusing on a tree or some other far away object.

And then take a LOT of photos!! Remember that the camera is going to see considerably more than your human eyes.

Gordon 5 years ago. How time FLIES!

With the magic of AI and PhotoShop, I can replace whatever background I use and replace it with almost anything you can imagine. Here is an example of a couple of performers.They really liked it!

Black Squirrels are on of the natural treats here. They are not real common and are very hard to photograph. This guy was sitting just outside my window as I was working at my desk. What a TREAT!

What's interesting is their tails. Much less bushy and seem longer than the others. And brown!