Anatomy of a Composition - Pawnee Grasslands a Colorado Aurora

Aurora activity notifications were ringing all day and into the evening as all across the globe photographers and site seers scrambled to figure out where the darkest skies might be while hoping that any local cloud cover would quickly dissipate. No one who went out to hunt the Aurora was caught off guard by the display, but everywhere, as far south as Hawaii and as far north as Queensland in New Zealand those who decided to make hasty plans were rewarded by the best Aurora display of the last 20 years.

This has been a year that in all honesty has seen far more personal and professional challenges than I’d have imagined could be contained in just nine months. I’m getting ready to close out my 30th year in the classroom, and know I have a few more years to teach. There’s a genuine bittersweet element to this year as I’m thinking a lot about what is next, and all the days that I’ve greeted a classroom full of students. Personally there have been some painful changes to my family: events like this always shine light on old wounds and remind us to keep doing the work that brings us peace while pushing us to live every day to it’s fullest.

Hopefully this is just the beginning of a series of adventures in 2024, with many, many nights out under the stars. There is an Aurora Gallery with close to 30 images - please enjoy!

As always, thank you the support and for following along on the journey! Look to the YouTube channel soon for the latest time lapse!

Pawnee Grasslands - Sony a7rv & FE 24 GM - ISO 800 | F/1.4 | 3.2 sec ~ 24mm - single image