Robert Bukaty, a staff photographer for The Associated Press, has covered a wide range of stories and events throughout his 30-year career. From mass shootings to the Olympics, he has captured countless moments with his camera. Recently, he had the opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights in the sky over a farmhouse in Brunswick, Maine, thanks to his 15-year-old daughter, Béla, who alerted him to the rare sight.
Bukaty’s initial expectations for photographing the Northern Lights were low, as previous attempts had been disappointing. However, when he and his daughter went outside and witnessed the colorful lights in the sky, he knew he had to grab his professional camera and tripod to capture the moment. Despite the challenges of focusing on the dark night sky, Bukaty was able to capture the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights.
After the celestial show abruptly ended, Béla suggested they find a location with less obstruction from trees and more open sky. They ended up on a farm road where the aurora borealis was on full display. The vivid colors in the sky, reminiscent of a rock concert’s stage lighting, inspired Bukaty to find a subject to anchor the scene to earth. They drove towards a farmhouse silhouetted on a small rise, where Bukaty took the iconic photo of the Northern Lights.
The success of the photo, according to Bukaty, lies in the combination of striking light and a simple, uncluttered composition. The angled light of the aurora draws the viewer’s eye to the rural home, while the dark landscape and sky provide a backdrop for the colorful display. Bukaty expresses his happiness not only in capturing the image but also in witnessing his daughter’s excitement over seeing the natural phenomenon she had anticipated since she was three years old.
For those hoping for technical advice on capturing the Northern Lights, Bukaty shot the photo with his iPhone, simply steadying his hands on the roof of his car before tapping on the screen to adjust the exposure. Despite the lack of fancy equipment, the photo clearly captures the beauty of the spectacle in the sky. This experience serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the joy of sharing such moments with loved ones.
For more extraordinary photography from The Associated Press, viewers can visit their website for a collection of stunning images from around the world. Bukaty’s capture of the Northern Lights serves as a testament to the beauty of nature and the importance of taking the time to appreciate and document the wonders that surround us. As a seasoned photojournalist, Bukaty continues to find inspiration in the world around him and remains dedicated to capturing both the everyday and the extraordinary moments that shape our lives.
