Aurora from Queenstown NZ

[matt34 (Matt)]

Hi All

I was about to post I think I managed to capture some aurora activity and then I've just seen Paula's and I think it confirmed it.

I thought I saw flashes of light in the sky but the camera didnt seem to catch any of the streaks, like I've seen in other peoples shots. I didnt managed to get out shooting until 9pm local time (7pm in Aus) so I think from what I've managed to decipher from the various sites that I just missed the most active part.

Here are a couple of shots straight out of the back of the camera. First time trying to shoot the aurora so just applied the same settings as with other nightscapes, is that the best approach? should you try for longer/shorter exposures?

1st shot, taken on canon 6D with 24mm f1.4 @ f2,20sec, ISO 3200, taken 9:25pm (NZ time)
2nd shot, taken on canon 6D with 24mm f1.4 @ f2,20sec, ISO 6400, taken 10:25pm (NZ time)

Thanks for looking and any advice greatly appreciated,

Cheers

Matt

[h0ughy (David)]

Looking ok to me. I can't get to see or image these so they are gold shots to me. I think they experiment with the settings until they get a good combination. If it is still going then keep at it

[Forgey (Paula)]

Looks good matt.

[matt34 (Matt)]

Thanks Paula & David

Here are another couple of shots, again straight out the the camera, no noise reduction or processing (only resizing)

3rd - taken on canon 6D with 24mm f1.4 @f2, 15sec, ISO 6400 taken 11:21pm (NZ time)
4th - taken on canon 6D with 24mm f1.4 @f2.8, 20sec, ISO 6400 taken 11:39pm (NZ time)
5th - taken on canon 6D with 14mm f2.8, 15sec, ISO 6400 taken 01:04am (NZ time)

I'd done no scouting of locations to the sth, so was driving around somewhat blind, trying to find a spot with a clear view south and some foreground interest.

There goes my theory of an early night, before I knew about the aurora activity I'd planned to be tucked into bed by 11pm, seems the sun had other ideas

[ourkind (Carlos)]

Nice shots Matt, stunning scenery!

[iceman (Mike)]

Amazing scenery! Great shots

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Nice shots, Matt

[Craige]

Nice Matt. The country side is beautiful.

Craige

[multiweb (Marc)]

Great collection of shots. Lovely colors. Looks like it was very bright. The LMC really stands out as well. Corker.

[matt34 (Matt)]

Thanks for the kind comments Mike, Lauire & Craig

Originally Posted by multiweb

Great collection of shots. Lovely colors. Looks like it was very bright. The LMC really stands out as well. Corker.

Its a beautiful part of the world Marc, I had to wait out the pesky clouds to get the LMC.

I'm happy with the colour esp as its straight form the camera, I was hoping for some nice streaks, maybe I missed them or had the exposure too long so they blurred. Will need to get advice from the exerienced aurora experts on here. Now that I've caught one, cant wait to chase down another

[Derek Klepp]

Matt if thats not an excuse to go to Queenstown with a 6D .The snowcapped mts just add that extra touch.
Cheers Derek

[matt34 (Matt)]

Its a great place Derek, so much to do and see, I think each time I visit I come back with more places to visit next time. With flights so cheap ($400 return) I'll definitely be back hopefully soon I have a quiet a few shots of the snow capped mountains and the night sky, so watch this space plenty of shots to come

[gaa_ian (Ian)]

Great shots Matt, I love that part of the world too !
My dad is in Timaru, so I have been urging him to get out for a look and see if he can spot anything.

[Ross G]

Great photos Matt.

I love the tree lined road shot.


Ross.