Category Archives: Background

Milky Way Photoshoot Results

Background, Year 7

And the envelope please …

If you remember, in yesterday’s post I talked about my advanced planning process (and tools) which goes into a photoshoot. I promised today I would post the results of that planning and last night’s photos. Before revealing the images, let me comment that it is EXTREMELY rare that I go somewhere at night where I have never been to that location during the daytime. Quite frankly, it is not a good idea to stumble around in the dark at a spot you have never seen during the day. However, Google Maps Satellite View indicated both a boat launch and a bridge at my desired location … plus no hiking in the woods was required. I was comfortable with my unusual decision.

I had hoped to photograph the Milky Way around 10:15 pm, but clouds prevented that action. Skies cleared by 12:30 am, and it was still before moonrise. My only unforeseen issue was the cold air temperature (41F) resulted in fog and mist starting to form. By morning we would be socked in with fog, but at 12:30 am the skies were clear. Fog was already forming over the Cross River as I took my photographs. I expect by 1:30 am my desired photographs would have been impossible.

Milky Way over the Cross River (I light painted the scene / river with my small flashlight for about 1 second)

Post update … three nights later the air cleared … no moisture or forest fire smoke. This image resulted!!!

Northern Lights (very mild) over Gunflint Lake (I literally just turned around in place from where I was photographing the Milky Way! The Big Dipper may be seen just above the horizon and Aurora)

I was pleasantly surprised when I got up this morning to learn / read that the magazine Outdoor Photographer has a large article in the current issue speaking to the exact same planning process. I actually read this magazine (downloaded copy) via my local public library. They send me an email when the current virtual copy is available. Thus, even though I am only a mile south of the Canadian border in deep wilderness, I visited my public library this morning. You can use the same digital tools!

Here are three screenshots from Outdoor Photographer … specifically the cover, navigation, and the first page of the article on this blog post’s topic (Visualize, Plan, Shoot).

State Parks Photo Contest … 2nd Place!

Background, Year 7

If you want to see some super images taken by great photographers, browse on over to the 2020 Minnesota State Parks and Trails Photo Contest Results. I took send place for NE Minnesota with this picture of the American Spirit steaming by Splitrock Lighthouse on the last day of the shipping season. It was just before sunrise and then temperature was -17F with a HUGE wind blowing out of the NNW. The strong winds is why the freighter was sailing along the North Shore (i.e. to avoid large waves further out in the lake which would cause dangerous ice buildup). It was cold, and I was very happy to get back in the car after taking my photos.

BWCA: Dark Sky Sanctuary!

Background, Year 7

Who has not looked up at the night sky and stared in wonder at its beauty and majesty? Unfortunately, most of you have never seen truly dark skies. Here in northeastern Minnesota we are truly blessed, and the International Dark Sky Association has just recognized that fact. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area has just been named the 13th night sky gem in the world by the Association … a location with truly dark skies not affected by human light pollution. Read an article in the Duluth News Tribune written by John Myers about the announcement which features two of my BWCA Northern Lights images, and some other great photos by other folk.

The BWCA is about 60 miles north of my home. Thus, when I want some truly dark skies, in addition to standing out on my own deck, a one hour drive gets me to locations that reminds one of time immemorial. (see Dark Sky Map of North America)

Here are the photographs featured in the newspaper article that I took of the Aurora Borealis at BWCA entry points.

The Pagami Creek Wildfire Area on Island River north of Isabella, Minnesota

Little John Lake at the end of the Arrowhead Trail (a daytime image taken 6 hours earlier at the same exact location is included!)

A map I made showing the photograph locations

A Dark Sky Map of the eastern part of North America

I will be spending a week up in the BWCA at the end of the Gunflint Trail in the very near future!

Finally … one more image. The first two photographs featured in this blog post were taken during one of the most phenomenal nights of my life. The Northern Lights danced all night as I moved from location to location. Two hours before sunrise found me driving south towards home. I was so exhausted that I pulled into a public boat launch 40 miles north of Two Harbors on Greenwood Lake. I got into the back of my Subaru Outback and lay down to catch a few winks. God thought otherwise! As the dawn light appeared in the eastern sky, the Northern Lights exploded once more and were able to overpower the sunrise. Amazing! By far this was the most amazing sunrise I ever watched in my life. I took this selfie.