A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment: Photographing the Aurora in California

How to capture beautiful Aurora photography!
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0:00 Intro
1:43 My First Images
4:48 Aurora Tips
5:36 First Aurora Timelapse
6:56 Night Hike & Incredible View
8:00 Absolutely Crazy Aurora
8:50 WOW
10:37 My Second Attempt
12:03 Moon Photo & My Overall Thoughts
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#photography #landscapephotography #auroraborealis

[@sengcharlsonliew1502]

I’m working at Auckland, New Zealand. It’s my first time seeing the South atmosphere.. it’s crazy.. I no idea how to shoot Aurora.. but I’m so enjoy the time with it.

[@trevorsneath4665]

It was so wild!! Man, it was 90deg up the sky in Tasmania where it would be low on the Southern horizon. And the surprise was how intense it was here facing the west. Some of the strongest photo results were facing west. And bright. So bright. Glad you got to see and photograph it Machael.

[@denisesavage2382]

It was crazy in Tassie! Nuts.

[@derrickrr5516]

I was looking forward to this. Awesome job as usual! After nine years I finally posted my first KZbin video yesterday. A time lapse of the northern lights over a log home in Missouri. I used S&Q mode so I was limited to 1 fps and therefore couldn’t go slower than 1 second shutters. I used a 23.97p time line. I think it turned out good considering I had never done a time lapse with my A1 and I had never photographed the northern lights before. However, I think the color was over done and maybe too much color noise in the first half of the video. If you have a moment, I sure would appreciate it if you could view it and give me some constructive criticism. You are the King of this stuff in my opinion. It’s less than one minute long. Thanks!

[@derrickrr5516]

P.S. I also struck out the next night. I got set up near a suburban lake and waited for a couple hours before packing up and going home. Oh well. Sometimes we only get one shot.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Absolutely gorgeous and wonderful photos you managed to capture there, Michael! I am SO bummed I didn't get to benefit from this opportunity!

[@JohnPaul-ii]

The Southern Hemisphere didn’t miss out on this one, large parts of Australia were able to witness the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) illuminate the night sky with flickering shades of green, blue, purple and red. Was a very special evening indeed. Thanks for sharing again Michael, can understand that “speechless” feeling.

[@robertleeimages]

Yep fantastic here in central Vic, and being the first time my reactions were even more excited than his

[@denisesavage2382]

I couldn't believe how far north people were seeing it - Townsville and Mt Isa! What the!!???

[@roycejohnson929]

Yew it was a wow night all around the world ! Here down under in New Zealand we have the Aurora Australis and when I joined the group a couple of months back i was told there is no way you will capture it in the North Island ! Well that went out the window on Saturday the 11th from 7-00 till 9-30pm as the sky lit up ! at 75 years young i have never witnessed an Aurora so this absolutely mindblowing ! trouble is i have the bug for capturing more ! Bring it on. Cheers from New zealand

[@brad_in_yyc]

We're still ramping up towards solar maximum, so there's definitely a chance it can still happen again!

[@thirdmort]

I currently live in Michigan and have been trying to see the Aurora ever since I moved here. When the Storm was predicting, we were supposed to have cloudy skies and I was also dealing with grad school and sick children. As all my apps started to go off about the storm, my youngest was really struggling to go to sleep. Finally at 10pm, I got him down, ran outside and saw the red bursts and pillars in the sky! I freaked out, giddy like a child on Christmas day! I couldn't drive anywhere but I had a great time creating compositions in my neighborhood. It's something I'll never forget! Love that you were able to capture the storm from great vantage points!

[@ryanaegis3544]

Imagine how giddy your kid would have been seeing it.

[@thirdmort]

@@ryanaegis3544 he's 6 months old, so I don't think he would have even noticed 😂😂😂

[@jodyknight9497]

I was on the Somerset coast in the UK near a village called Porlock. It was an outstanding night where I met around 6 other photographers after a similar composition. When the Aurora kicked off we were giggling like school children! One of the most incredible nights with a dome of the Aurora over our heads and the pillars visible by eye, mesmerizing and a night I will never forget. So glad you managed to experience it too, so much more special when it is close to home.

[@rosssayer6524]

Really amazing to witness, thank you Michael for taking us along on this shoot.

[@richardpesce5325]

Two words Michael - incredibly fabulous!!!!! Thank you.

[@zakstone9821]

That was a crazy night. I was on the Oregon coast and it was the best I’ve ever seen.

[@alexgimagery]

Fantastic shots and time lapses. I cannot believe still we had Aurora over the Bay Area. I watched it at Lake Sonoma. What a dream come true!

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Out of this world man

[@AndrewStuderVisuals]

So glad you got out for them!!

[@craigpiferphotography]

I'm still in awe of the experience. It was my first time shooting the aurora and I only wish I had been in a more scenic location for better photos. I found that about 15 seconds worked best for me, but even then it wasn't perfect. Great shots.

[@brad_in_yyc]

Up here in Canada it was SOOOO bright. I was shooting 1.3 - 3.6 sec exposures. It was crazy bright. Love seeing them up here!

[@BopjoWebDesign]

I'm living in Redmond Oregon, and I got some great shots of the Aurora using F2.8, 13 sec shutter speed and ISO 100. I found anything over 13 seconds caused the lights to be too bright. I was really surprised that ISO 100 actually worked, but that's just how bright the lights were. It was an historic, once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list event, for sure!

[@michaelhall2709]

Well, there’s the difference between us. Once those pillars started to dim I’d have called the shoot a huge (and soul-changing) success, packed up my gear, and gone home to chimp to my heart’s content. You chose to hike into the tick-infested grass for a second go-round and got the shot of a lifetime. Congratulations, sir, you truly earned it.

[@brad_in_yyc]

That's the thing about the Aurora. You can get 1 or 2 or 3 shows in a night... Or be completely skunked! That's why it's called chasing!

[@DFreshh]

I moved to North Dakota from SF 2.5 years ago and I've witnessed the Northern Lights several times, its a beautiful sight to see. The ones recently were literally above my apartment building, didn't have to drive out far to see them.

[@WanderingMonkHikes]

This was truly breathtaking. In southeast Kansas, I only got a magenta sky, no pillars. Still, it was a beautiful night. Thanks for sharing yours!

[@elizabethsbrocco6658]

Absolutely stunning captures from one of my favorite places on Earth! Nicely done!

[@StarScaperPhoto]

I love how you kept yourself together during this unexpected show man! Well thought out locations and comps 👌

[@brad_in_yyc]

I'm just now having time to edit my Aurora shots from that night. It was so crazy up here in Canada. Most of my shots were west and SOUTH because it was so strong. And also definitely directly overhead. Just insane! Wish I was smart enough to record doing it all like you did! Night 2 was also a bust up here. But that's why they call it Aurora Chasing. Because, like storm chasing, it's definitely not guaranteed! Great stuff Michael! Just gorgeous compositions!

[@MatthewRaifman]

How wonderful. I was up in Ukiah on a whim Friday night and got to experience the same cosmic beauty in a farm setting. But if I was back home in Berkeley, I absolutely would’ve been out there in the same spot because it was such a good choice. So glad it worked out for you! Wonderful image, and time lapse.

[@cornwalloncamera8043]

I captured the Aurora here in Cornwall in the UK over West Wheal Owles at Botallack Mine, it was without a doubt the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen or captured…..just mind blowing. Great photos and Timelapse by the way.

[@yukonica4560]

Living beyond N60 Lat I witness aurora regularly. Unfortunately at this time of year the sky didn't darken quite enough to really capture the event well... but I guess I shouldn't complain. Those ISO you use are crazy compared to my old DSLR. On dark nights with strong corona I tend to shoot 800 iso at around 6 seconds. Much longer than that the curtains blur a bit. Also... white balance of 3400 suits the night sky (in my cameras). I'm glad so many people, including yourself, had the opportunity to witness the lights first hand. Thank you for sharing.

[@rainbowfeet58]

Beautiful Michael, truly awesome images and time lapses. I experienced and photographed the northern lights for the first time and it was such a beautiful and jaw dropping experience that night just a couple of weeks ago. Profound memories that I will cherish, as I am sure you will too 😊

[@davidhuth5659]

WOW! Those are great images! Glad you were able to capture it. The aurora is definitely one of the most amazing things to see in nature! Everyone should have the opportunity at least once.

[@craigrichards5621]

Great vlog Michael It was a beautiful Aurora show. We were also lucky enough to see the southern lights with our eyes on The Great Ocean Road in Australia

[@rolsonn]

Outstanding images! Thank you!

[@jimbruton9482]

Stunning! Thanks for sharing.

[@paulflatt1518]

Nice, glad you got to experience this

[@hollydavison923]

Fabulous! 🔥

[@randyschwager84]

Great images! WOW! Thanks for taking me along!

[@mariamullin4031]

Great shots

[@jdflyer7377]

Stunning, as usual. Fantastic work!!

[@saeidrostami]

Amazing .thank you michael

[@Frederic38360]

Wow, fantastic captures

[@michaeldesselle7589]

Wow 🤯 very nice; thanks Michael ‼️

[@user-mh7bz2lb7j]

Amazing photos

[@Trish12303]

Awesome video Michael! I am completely jealous!! 😝 I looked for the lights, but like your second night, I couldn’t see anything. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

[@chantallabelle8571]

Wow ! Your pictures are amazing! I also had the chance to see the auroras that night in Quebec, Canada. It was my first time seing and taking pictures of Northern light. It was a very special moment!

[@allanduff7234]

One of your best, thanks for staying up and sharing the photos with us.

[@StalwartMan]

Excellent work, awesome shots 🥳👍🏻

[@calditv2165]

Incredible pictures 😍 love your work ❤

[@wesleyhicks209]

Amazing!

[@jason.coward]

Absolutely incredible work, Michael! 🤯

[@AmorLucisPhotography]

Up here in Vancouver we had it overhead. It was *awesome*!

[@pradippatel9345]

Amazing footage. Love the photography.

[@DR-fy7qy]

Fabulous!

[@user-lk4vo1ou8s]

Lovely video and absolutely brilliant work! Bravo!

[@johncatchpole2888]

Absolutely Awesome - WOW WOW WOW👍👍

[@melroberts6704]

Great photos.

[@shelleystoneman]

Thank you for sharing your amazing experience, I really enjoyed seeing it.

[@malgosiak123]

Absolutely mesmerizing!

[@larscroon4834]

Thank you for sharing - stay safe

[@VlirisTv]

Great to experience this and especially in California. Stunning photos! I love your editing of the colors.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Aurora overhead on a warm spring night in Washington State. I didn't even leave the backyard. Truly an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life!

[@MichaelShainblum]

That must have been incredible to witness!

[@gayleruble6529]

Thank you!

[@christianwenglorz7349]

Thanks Michael! You definitely haven't promised to much and it´s so nice to see you that excited. Even here in Germany we've been able to see the Aurora. Absolutely stunning and great "work" as usual!

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

Incredible, what an evening that was! I'll never forget seeing them, even in my back garden! You nailed this Michael, well done indeed, amazing!

[@General_Ethos]

Great shots! The town I live in was directly underneath the Aurora and it was epic! I could look up and see it with my naked eye 369 degrees!

[@denisesavage2382]

The setting moon with the tree was a beautiful image. As for the Aurora experience - it was one wild night of activity. It was absolutely crazy in the southern hemisphere. I had the camera pointed to the northern horizon at one point it was so huge! Ridiculous. Never in my life have I experienced something like that. Thanks for sharing what you got to experience and capture of THAT night in the north. A truly globally shared event.

[@ghillieghost4345]

Beautiful pictures, Michael! I got a few shots of a pink glow on the first night from the southeast, but nothing on the second night.

[@jarricklau]

Great job, Michael! Love the shots you got, especially the wide shot from the 2nd location. I think I was right up the hill from you at your 1st location!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey thanks so much, hope you got some great stuff!

[@nealschneider6554]

SPECTACULAR!!!

[@AniketJadhavV]

beautiful. I couldn't see the phenomenon in person, but I'm contented by watching this.

[@michaelsaltsman7550]

Hi Mike from across the pond It was such an amazing night a lovely video from u mike

[@Jekaniah-jm7gq]

Great video and Wowsa

[@j16m02]

Marvelous! I'm down in Sacramento, and didn't get a peep. Glad to have your images to enjoy.

[@robryan4272]

Absolutely Amazing. I was in Carmel, Monterey & Watsonville and all I saw was fog. I tried on Sunday night back in the valley and nothing . Great Job as usual.

[@markbabbitt1472]

EPIC!

[@nikhiltrama]

Beautiful.... 🎉

[@nightscapejournals]

Beautiful images and locations. What an amazing night!! Still buzzing!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you! :)

[@kristapple]

It was such an incredible night, and great that millions of peolpe around the world got to see it. I really love the 2nd viewpoint shot and then the mist rolling in later on too 😍

[@1958zed]

Amazing photos and videos, as always, Michael. I ran out to the Anza-Borrego Desert from my home in the San Diego area Saturday night, and it was a bust. I should have gone Friday night because some folks did come up with some interesting photos.

[@reddogtwelve]

Absolutely great Michael. Amazing photos and what special memories! I was able to capture a shot in AZ, and while not nearly as good a shot as you got it was still amazing to see the aurora with a saguaro in the foreground.

[@MicahBBurke]

Great job!

[@FIVE-FOOTLyth]

Beautiful, Michael! First time I’ve commented but I’m a subscriber, love your work. I was hiking the Cape Wrath Trail in Scotland, UK. Went to vent the tent, and BOOM! Didn’t have my gear but managed to capture a few snapshots. Been waiting to see the Aurora for years. Thanks for the fantastic footage. Very best, Sue 😊

[@thockdorji9766]

Amazing chase

[@LenShigemoto]

Thanks!

[@ManuelBecker]

Crazy beautiful photos as always dear Michael! And so happy to hear that you are also debating with yourself if it's worth it to go to the next spot or call it... ;-)

[@donnarohrich2350]

Sensational!!!!

[@clayguthrie]

Awesome video, it was an incredible night for sure.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much!

[@phila3884]

Incredible, especially that second location. You couldn't hope the aurora would be so strong it would stretch to the western horizon. That doesn't happen often even in the north. The north coast was clear that night (Fri), but completely overcast the next. Luckily I went inland to Mt Shasta, also perfect weather.Timing!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Shasta was definitely high on my list of possible locations! I saw a few really cool shots from up there, maybe yours!

[@LandscapesDronescapes]

Great video. Friday was beyond words beautiful. I ventured to the north of England (turns out it was so strong I didn’t need to) and had a large, empty quiet field to myself to witness directly overhead powerful full colour aurora opening up like a door to another world. A night I will never forget.

[@adriancaleanu]

Awesome! A few years back I flew all the way up to Yellowknife, Canada to shoot the auroras. This time was a 1 h drive. Epic show on the sky!

[@MichaelShainblum]

I bet it was stunning up there!

[@adriancaleanu]

@@MichaelShainblum It was. Very wild. I couldn't get over how vast the landscape was!

[@thanko1]

I'm speechless, Michael.

[@robvercouteren]

Now was that epic or not? Thanks for sharing your insights Michael.

[@LauraF4848]

Great video! Living in northwest IL, I had seen small dabs of aurora only twice in my life. Like many others, I hit the Tube and crammed to learn approx exposures, just in case the predictions were right this time. I got up at stupid o' clock, and holy cow, there they were!! I found it cool that I mostly saw greens, but most of my photos are pinks and electric blues, with only hints of greens. My Canon T7 could see things that I couldn't! Mads has a good (long!) video from like 5 years ago, where he explains a lot of the science of vision and color associated with aurora. I may never get to Iceland and see aurora from horizon to horizon, in big sheets and waves, but I got to stand on my own driveway and get some pretty dang cool shots.

[@Vlaakster]

I really wish I would’ve seen your video before going out. I took several time lapses all of them between three and four second intervals. It’s just too long, as you said. Lesson learned for next time. At least I got a lot of great single exposures. Great work here. Really impressive to see the aurora even down in California!

[@verlenelewis9866]

Exquisite! Unfortunately I live too far south to see any of the Aurora.

[@PrinceJvstin]

It was an incredible night

[@wowtimelapse1337]

Way to get this out fast! Very niiiice!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Haha thank you, definitely one of the quicker vlogs I have ever put together!

[@philipsturm]

Beautiful shots and timelapse. Here in Ohio, I got some great aurora timelapse over Lake Erie!

[@pauloviegasphotography]

The great thing (apart from the amazing quality of the photos) is having a background that's so hard to see in the usual aurora photos. Moreoften is Iceland or Norway or the Faroe islands, but these comps, as you said, are out of this world. Congrats

[@infrequentgamer_greg]

Michael, fantastic images! I was thinking the aurora was a bust in the SF Bay Area...at least in the East Bay, but you proved us wrong! About what time of the night were you shooting those images?

[@Zanagash]

I feel you ! I am in Washington state, the first day I didn't want to gamble too much so I drove close to home (In a vineyard) and took so many really cool pictures with the rows of vines in the foreground, some of those pictures looking directly up. So the next day I got palsy and went to Mt Rainier Ntl park, hoping to take pictures of the Aurora over Mt Rainier... And nothing 😅 At least it was a great adventure !

[@Falcons9287-hm6ho]

Nice job.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks!

[@patcaribou]

well done.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you!

[@utahnl]

I've been trying to see the northern lights for over 15 years, checking the forecast almost every day but there's was always something preventing me from seeing it. On May 10th i was exhilarated to finally see it, the sky's were clear and conditions were perfect but then during the 15 min bike ride to a dark location the sky went fully overcast and i missed everything. I went out the next day in hopes of catching a last glimpse of the fading northern lights, the sky was perfectly clear this time but as the twilight faded the sky's stayed dark. After a while another photographer joined me, we chatted for a while, both not expecting to see anything as the storm had already significantly faded. Then suddenly at 21:20 UTC i see a faint purple pillar to the north quickly joined by several more, i rushed back to my camera and was able to take 2 decent shots, but it was such a short outburst lasting only 2 minutes before degrading into dim featureless afterglow, the other photographer sadly missed it due to technical issues. I really hate Dutch weather, it has ruined many comets and geomagnetic storms for me.