The missing aurora

[David Paterson]

Both my aurora alert services were reporting *very* strong aurora activity last night. It was pouring rain here, so we set off for Oban, 80km west (forecast - good). We soon discovered that the Oban road was closed all night for emergency repairs, so we headed on north to Glencoe. In Glencoe it was pouring with rain, so I passed the time having a little fun with my D800 in total darkness, helped from time to time by a torch, the on-camera flash and the car's lights. The aurora never appeared.

All hand-held at about 2sec at f2, 1250iso.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

You obviously managed to have a good and enjoyable time. That's what counts in the longer perspective.

Thanks for the reminder about aurora activity though; I have to peek outside tonight to see what show is playing on the heavenly theatre this time ...

[MFloyd]

Excellent !

[simato73]

I got the same from Aurora Alert UK and decided not to brave the weather
I keep my hopes up for when I'll be up there.

[Anthony]

You show that great photos can be made even in unpromising circumstances.

The aurora is a fickle beast.

[David Paterson]

Thanks for the kind and friendly comments. 

Usually my approach to photography is very "correct" and careful; it was a very nice change to act instead with great freedom - not looking through the vf; not focussing carefully; not worrying about depth of field or composition or even how the results will look.

I don't think they are "great" as Anthony mischievously says (but thanks anyway, A.), but they are interesting; to me, at least.

[Akira]

Amazing effect, Dave!  Love the snowman (is that correct?).

[Thomas G]

I like the second and find third interesting: electric snow alien? ... still thinking.
You seem to have turned the somehow lost effort and disapointment into some exploring creativity, overcoming your inhibitions. Great!

[David Paterson]

Thanks, Thomas and Akira (the answer to your question is - I don't know!)

[Jakov Minić]

David, I am so sorry I missed all this fun. I was too busy in Florence I guess.
It was raining Aurora I can see clearly

[Erik Lund]

Absurd Artistic Abnormal Aurora 

[David Paterson]

Thanks, you guys - I'm glad you had a look at my new photographic style. 

Erik - you forgot Absolutely Awful, or even Atrocious.