How I Photographed the Northern Lights in Saugatuck, Michigan
Northern Lights in Saugatuck, Michigan
Capturing the Northern Lights has always been a dream of mine, with visions of traveling to iconic destinations like Norway, Iceland, or Sweden. I imagined myself bundled up in layers of winter gear, complete with gloves and boots. Never did I envision sitting on Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan. Wearing a sweat shirt at 10 p.m. on the edge of calm Lake Michigan waters in October I had my first opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights. Lately, the Northern Lights have graced Michigan's skies due to a powerful geomagnetic storm. This G-4 level storm has amplified solar activity, making the aurora borealis visible much farther south than usual. Such potent solar storms expand the aurora's reach, offering a rare and spectacular opportunity for those in areas like Michigan to witness this inspiring phenomenon.
The Location
Heading out to photograph the Northern Lights, I was unsure of their timing or location. I opted for Oval Beach, where light pollution is minimal. As I condisdered my ideal composition, I sought more than just trees, the sky, or the lake. I wanted a compelling foreground. The pilings at Saugatuck Harbor came to mind. Constructed in 1904 to assist navigation and protect the harbor, these structures become visible depending on the lake's water level, marking the original river opening and the site of the historic Fishtown fishing settlement. Over the last decade, I've captured these pilings in a variety of conditions such as storms, sunsets, snow, and high winds. Yet, never did I expect to frame them with the Northern Lights illuminating the backdrop.
Nocturnal Palette by Kim Zahnow
Northern Lights at Saugatuck Harbor in Saugatuck, Michigan
The Experience
About 9:30pm, a faint glow on the horizon hinted at the start of the Northern Lights. This was my first time capturing the aurora, and the Nikon Z 8, with its superior low light capabilities, promised to be an invaluable companion. The adrenaline mixed with the crisp night air heightened the experience, as each moment felt like a gift from the universe. My best images were captured between 10:00pm and 10:30pm.
The Z 8’s intuitive interface made adjustments seamless, even in the dark. A sturdy tripod was essential to keep the camera steady during long exposures.
Camera Settings and Techniques
To capture the Northern Lights effectively, I set my Nikon Z 8 to manual mode. Here are the key settings I used:
Camera: Nikon Z8
Lens: Nikon 14-24mm 2.8
Aperture: As wide as possible, f/2.8, to allow maximum light. I did experiment with f/5-f/8
Shutter Speed: Between 10 to 20 seconds. This range helped in capturing the movement of the aurora without overexposing the image.
ISO: Around 500-1000 balancing sensitivity and noise. I was able to be comfortable at iso 500 and capture the light I wanted.
Focus: Manual focus set to infinity. An initial test shot confirmed sharpness. I used a flashlight to change my focus to the pilings at times.
Moonlight Sonata by Kim Zahnow
Northern Lights at Saugatuck Harbor in Saugatuck, Michigan
The Z 8’s intuitive interface made adjustments seamless, even in the dark. A sturdy tripod was essential to keep the camera steady during long exposures.
Challenges and Solutions
Capturing the Northern Lights over Lake Michigan presented its own set of challenges, particularly with visibility and timing. Upon my arrival at 9:30 PM, I was fortunate enough to witness the beginning of the auroras through my camera.. Initially, the lights were faint to the naked eye, but by 10:15 PM, the intensity had increased, revealing vibrant colors and streaks across the sky. Editing these photos posed another challenge: maintaining the true-to-life hues that lit up the night. I was amazed at the array of colors captured, particularly the rare purple, blue, and teal tones, which I later learned are some of the scarcest. To ensure authenticity, I chose to slightly desaturate the image to avoid an artificially enhanced appearance, highlighting that these stunning, vivid colors were indeed real and left me completely in awe.
Tips for Aspiring Aurora Photographers
Scout Locations in Advance: Daytime exploration helps find spots with minimal light pollution and interesting foregrounds.
Stay Informed: Use apps and websites to track aurora activity and weather conditions.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to adjust settings and try different compositions.
Solar Power by Kim Zahnow
Northern Lights in Saugatuck, Michigan
Memorable Moments
One of the most unforgettable moments was when the lights intensified into a vivid display of greens and purples, reflecting on the lake’s surface. The moonlight from my left was lighting the pilings perfectly. It was as if nature was painting a masterpiece, and I was privileged to capture its essence.
Tips for Aspiring Aurora Photographers
Scout Locations in Advance: Daytime exploration helps find spots with minimal light pollution and interesting foregrounds.
Stay Informed: Use apps and websites to track aurora activity and weather conditions.
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to adjust settings and try different compositions.
Capturing the Northern Lights in Saugatuck was more than just a photographic endeavor; it was an experience of connection with nature.The Nikon Z 8 proved to be an exceptional ally in preserving these fleeting moments.