Glacier Glow and Stars

[Kyle Jones]

I had planned this weekend to take advantage of some clear skies and the setting moon to try my hand at some night photography at Lake McDonald. Because the prime view of the lake look in a northerly direction, it is a challenge to get much of the Milky Way into the frame. Earlier this week I scouted a spot I hadn't been to (the Fish Creek campground) that seemed like it would work for what I had in mind. The campground itself is closed, which is a bummer since I could have parked right next to where I wanted to shoot. So I brought my waders, parked at the picnic area, and waded across Fish Creek where it flows into the lake to get to the spot I had in mind (without having to walk for 15 minutes at night, alone, with who knows how many bears around).

Since I had the waders anyway, I set up my tripod in the lake about 20 feet from shore to get a clear view. I am well aware of the recent solar activity and knew there was a chance of seeing some lights (KP was about 3 last night, rising to 8 tonight). A strong purple/pink color was visible in each frame. I played with some different focal lengths to take advantage, but ended up staying with the Sigma 14/1.8 to get more light, more stars, and cropping a little for the image I wanted.

Any thoughts are welcome.

 

[AlanLichty]

That is a really nice glow to accompany the stars. Looks like a good viewpoint for the MW with the lake as long as you aren't on the menu.

Tonight might be even more of a glow if the forecasts are correct - especially as far north as you are up there.

 

[Kyle Jones]

Tonight might be even more of a glow if the forecasts are correct - especially as far north as you are up there.

Keeping an eye on conditions tonight. Unfortunately I have an early flight tomorrow, and a chance of some clouds moving in, so I'm not sure I'll be taking any photos

 

[JimFox]

What an awesome shot Kyle! Love that glow you got, it really plays well with the overall image.

I think going with a 14mm and then cropping is the way to go, though I typically end up forgetting the cropping part when I get back home.

I have been watching the Aurora alerts. I wasn't paying attention and thought the KP8 was for Saturday night.... not Saturday early AM. Which in my head is actually Friday night still... Anyway, I have my head wrapped around it. I was planning to drive to Montana tomorrow, maybe around Billings tomorrow night, but tonight I have to go down to Denver for the Grandkids that have some gymnastic and dance events. So about the best I can do is sneak out tonight while everyone is in the hotel sleeping and drive an hour east of Denver and see if the Aurora will reach that far. But I am not sure yet.

Maybe I will get lucky and Saturday night will have some aurora display as well.

In meantime, along with pushing to get rid of Daylight Savings time, I am going to push for the days to change at 6am instead of at Midnight.

 

[Kyle Jones]

Next couple of nights might all be interesting. I'm trying to think of a nearby spot with dark skies facing north. Kalispell has plenty of light pollution (thank you Ford dealership). I may just try to see something from my deck and not worry about pictures.

 

[Michael13]

Love the star reflections in the water!

 

[JimFox]

Next couple of nights might all be interesting. I'm trying to think of a nearby spot with dark skies facing north. Kalispell has plenty of light pollution (thank you Ford dealership). I may just try to see something from my deck and not worry about pictures.

If you can go out tonight I would. It's supposed to be memorable. What about Lake Koocanusa? How far is it from you?

 

[Kyle Jones]

If you can go out tonight I would. It's supposed to be memorable. What about Lake Koocanusa? How far is it from you?

Twice as far away as Glacier...

 

[Peter Michal]

I had planned this weekend to take advantage of some clear skies and the setting moon to try my hand at some night photography at Lake McDonald. Because the prime view of the lake look in a northerly direction, it is a challenge to get much of the Milky Way into the frame. Earlier this week I scouted a spot I hadn't been to (the Fish Creek campground) that seemed like it would work for what I had in mind. The campground itself is closed, which is a bummer since I could have parked right next to where I wanted to shoot. So I brought my waders, parked at the picnic area, and waded across Fish Creek where it flows into the lake to get to the spot I had in mind (without having to walk for 15 minutes at night, alone, with who knows how many bears around).

Since I had the waders anyway, I set up my tripod in the lake about 20 feet from shore to get a clear view. I am well aware of the recent solar activity and knew there was a chance of seeing some lights (KP was about 3 last night, rising to 8 tonight). A strong purple/pink color was visible in each frame. I played with some different focal lengths to take advantage, but ended up staying with the Sigma 14/1.8 to get more light, more stars, and cropping a little for the image I wanted.

Any thoughts are welcome.

The beautiful glow in the sky and the reflection of the stars on the lake created a more beautiful atmosphere for this picture. Very nice, Kyle. I don't miss anything there..

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Quite a color show go with a starry sky and reflections.