Videography

As a visual artist with a strong focus on videography, photography has played a pivotal and ongoing role in my journey. It has been an influential teacher, revealing the essence of true growth, which lies in focusing on each image.

The realization dawned upon me that genuine rise is not contingent upon external opinions or the judgment of others; it is an intimate journey of self-discovery. With every shot I take, I've learned to embrace the significance of detail, composition, and narrative, ensuring that each image harmoniously contributes to the overarching story.

Photography taught me to be disciplined and mindful. It made me slow down, observe everything around me, and capture the perfect moments. Time-lapse photography strengthened these qualities, requiring preparation, foresight, and a strong focus on my goals.

The gratifying experience of capturing the awe-inspiring aurora in stills and on video seamlessly amalgamates my passions and elevates my journey, instilling patience as a virtue to be embraced. This newfound perspective has catalyzed the development of fresh visions and the application of innovative techniques, enriching both my photography and videography endeavors.

As illustrated by the three shots I present here, I've internalized this approach, cherishing each failure as a stepping stone in my ascent.

Capturing the beauty of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a dream for many photographers. Experiencing this spectacle for the first time and sharing this on social media was one of my "Rise" moments too.

Here are a few essential tips so you can also, one day, capture the beauty of the aurora borealis at its best:

1. Research and plan: Familiarize yourself with the locations - with a clear view to the northeast, for starters - and ideal times for viewing the lights. Track weather conditions - geomagnetic activity is good to know but isn't the main key.
2. Basic equipment: Invest in a sturdy tripod to ensure stability during long exposure shots. Use a wide-angle lens with a small aperture (f/2.8 or smaller) to capture more light and a larger portion of the sky.
3. Master Manual Mode:
   Switch to manual mode to have full control over your camera settings.
   Start with an ISO setting between 800 and 1600 to capture enough light without creating excessive noise.
   Experiment with slower shutter speeds, usually between 5-15 seconds, to capture the fascinating movement of the lights.
4. Focus precisely: Set your lens to manual focus and use Live View and zoom in on a bright star to focus. Take a sample and check its sharpness.
5. White Balance: Set it to around 4200k to achieve accurate colors in your aurora shots. Adjust this value to suit your personal preferences and the overall color temperature of the scene.
6. Patience and perseverance: The northern lights can be unpredictable. So be patient and be prepared to spend some time outdoors waiting for optimal conditions. Stay warm and comfortable, and watch the sky for signs of the light's emergence.Capturing the Aurora Borealis goes beyond just getting great pictures; it's also about relishing the entire experience. And that is the most enjoyable part of it all.