Last night I experienced something that I’ve wanted to experience for so many years. The northern lights came to town.
I was aware and preparing for their presence over course of the week, but I couldn’t travel far to see them. I had to just go out and see what happened.
Walking around at one of my local photography spots ”Kuhasalo”, I thought it would be good to just find a place to set up facing north. A few hours later, I decided to pack it up and head back home. No luck. Little did I know that I was in for one of the most pleasant surprises I’ve ever witnessed.
On my way back home, I passed by my local church. Looking up to the sky, I noticed dim shapes dancing above the city. They were very subtle at first, but it wasn’t long before I realised my great fortune. The sky exploded with waving green shapes. I was in awe. This was my first time ever to see the aurora with my own eyes, not just in the photos I’d seen so many times online. The night was perfect. I soaked it all in until the light disappeared.
I now know that I need to actively seek these lights more often, because I had no idea of just how amazing they are. Below is the photo that captured the moment. I can’t wait to take more photos of them in the future.
P.S. I sent this photo to YLE news and was lucky enough to have it shown on national tv. It’s been a very lucky few days 🙂 If you’d like, you can view it via the link below (It’s shown around 21 minutes in, after the weather).
Click here to see it on YLE NEWS FINLAND – 11.9.2018
EQUIPMENT AND CAMERA SETTINGS:
Camera: Nikon D7100
Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
Other equipment: Tripod
Settings: 20mm, 6 seconds, f3.5, ISO 1250
Edited with: Photoshop, Lightroom.
Jason Tiilikainen 