For as long as I can remember, the northern lights had been on my photography bucket list. I had seen countless breathtaking images of auroras painting the night sky, but capturing them myself felt like an elusive dream—until one unforgettable night.
A Promising Forecast
It started with a casual glance at my aurora forecast app. The activity levels looked promising, and the sky was forecasted to be clear—an opportunity too good to pass up. I quickly packed my gear: my Canon 60D and my Samyang 24mm T1.5, which I knew would be perfect for the job. Dressed in layers to battle the cold, I set out into the darkness, heading towards Vääna-Jõesuu beach.
The First Glimpse
As I arrived and stepped out of the car, I let my eyes adjust to the darkness. At first, the sky looked the same as any other clear night—stars twinkling overhead, the Milky Way faintly visible. But then, I noticed a subtle glow on the horizon, almost like a whisper of green brushing against the black canvas. My heart raced. This was it.
The Sky Comes Alive
Within minutes, the auroras strengthened, twisting and dancing across the sky in waves of green and even hints of purple. It was surreal, like watching an ethereal ballet unfold in complete silence. I hurried to set up my tripod, adjusting my camera settings—wide aperture, long exposure, and a higher ISO to capture as much light as possible.
The first shot appeared on my screen, and I was speechless. There it was, the aurora in all its glory, captured through my lens. It was a moment of pure joy and triumph. I experimented with different angles, foreground elements, and exposure times, trying to balance the light while keeping the scene as natural as possible.
Lost in the Experience
As the hours passed, I lost myself in the experience, shooting frame after frame, occasionally just standing in awe, soaking in the moment. The cold didn’t matter, the lack of sleep didn’t matter—this was exactly why I fell in love with photography.
Eventually, the auroras began to fade, retreating back into the depths of the night. I packed up my gear, still buzzing with excitement, knowing I had just captured something truly special.
Reflections on the Drive Home
Driving home, I couldn’t stop replaying the night in my mind. It was more than just a successful photography session—it was an experience, a memory that would stay with me forever. The northern lights are a reminder of how beautiful and unpredictable nature can be, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to chase them again.
