Last fall, I stepped outside and in the distance, off to my left, was a luminescent, wiggly band of light. Soon the whole sky above me had been taken over by dancing, sparkling bands. Green, white, pink flashed through the stars. Seriously, straight over my head! At the time, I couldn’t be convinced to look away to take a photo. I was mesmerized by the phenomenon I’d heard so much about, but never expected this.
Sometimes I wonder if a place can be as beautiful in real life as it is in a photograph. How much did the creator behind the image manipulate their work to be better than memory? Watching the Northern Lights in Alaska surpassed any photo I’d ever seen. And there are some beautiful photographs out there! My whole body welled with emotion and awe while watching. Then other times I question, “Can a photograph really capture the magic of real life scenery?” Yes, when I look back at these photos I can remember just how I felt. The magic that coursed through my veins tingles again. Even if that sounds dramatic, I know you can remember a time when nature made your heart soar. Photos always take me back to that feeling.
It’s something I’ve heard folks I work with comment on too. There are usually nerves on whether or not a photo or video could ever really live up to your memory. A special event or big moment can seem too precious, too perfect in your mind. How could anything capture that? Then you sit down and finally look through your photos and watch your video – and realize it really can capture your exact emotions. I’ve heard brides tell me this after watching their wedding video and it’s so amazing to hear!
Eventually the Northern Lights moved off into another direction and I was able to pull myself away to grab my camera gear. I drove down the road with a friend, following the show to a new location. The lights weren’t as strong, their urge to show off dying down. But their magic hadn’t faded. I think it would be super fun to do long exposures for engagement or wedding photos underneath the Aurora Borealis! I’m looking forward to capturing more creative photos of the Northern Lights this year in Alaska.