When to Photograph the Northern Lights in Copper Harbor: Moon Phases, Equinoxes & Local Wisdom

Even in the deep freeze, the sky finds a way to burn bright.

If you’ve ever stood on a Keweenaw shoreline while the sky begins to ripple green and purplish-pink above Lake Superior, you know: it’s not something you’ll forget.

Whether you’re planning your first visit to the Upper Peninsula or returning with hopes of seeing the aurora again, timing matters. This guide will help you understand when and why the Northern Lights are most visible in the Keweenaw—and how to stack the odds in your favor using local insights, natural patterns, and practical tools.

Why the Keweenaw Is an Aurora Hotspot

The Keweenaw Peninsula extends far into Lake Superior, giving it a unique combination of northern latitude and exceptionally dark skies. Locations like Copper Harbor, Calumet Waterworks, and Brockway Mountain Drive offer broad northern views, minimal light pollution, and a rugged beauty that makes every sighting feel like a gift.

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Moon Phases: The Subtle Factor That Changes Everything

The best aurora displays often happen near the new moon. A dark sky makes the colors of the aurora more vivid and helps the Milky Way emerge behind it.

• New Moon = Ideal for visibility

• Full Moon = Can wash out faint auroras, but adds light to your landscape

• Best Window = Four days before or after a new moon

Pro Tip: Mid-October sometimes brings the rare combination of early snowfall and lingering fall color—a magical pairing, which might not be too visible under the aurora but lets you have stunning unique landscapes during the day and awe-filled skies at night.

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Why the Equinoxes Bring Better Auroras

Did you know the spring and fall equinoxes are often the most aurora-active times of year?

That’s because Earth's tilt relative to the sun during these times makes it easier for solar wind to interact with our magnetic field—resulting in more frequent geomagnetic storms.

Watch for peak activity:

• 📅 March 15–30

• 🍂 September 15–October 5

Equinox + New Moon = Prime Time
Plan trips around these windows for your best chance of success.

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Aurora Forecast apps let you know when activity is peaking—even before it’s visible to the eye.

Tracking Solar Activity Without Becoming a Scientist

You don’t need to be an astronomer or physicist to monitor the aurora forecast. I recommend:

• Space Weather Live (iOS/Android app)

• NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

• K-index alerts (set to Kp 4+ for Copper Harbor)

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Weather Matters (Especially Around Lake Superior)

Even short clearing windows can reveal breathtaking skies—patience pays off.

The Keweenaw's weather is shaped by Lake Superior. Clouds can appear and disappear quickly, especially in fall.

The best skies often follow:

• Cold fronts

• Lake effect storms

• High-pressure clearing

Tools I use to check weather:

• Windy.com

• Clear Outside 

• Local radar

Some of my best aurora photos were taken in brief 10-minute clearings just after a snow squall passed.

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Quick Planning Chart

Factor	Condition
Season	September–April (peaks in March, October)
Moon Phase	New moon ± 4 days
Kp Index	5 or higher
Cloud Cover	0-30%, ideally breaking post-front
Time	9 PM - 2 AM (often peaks between 11PM and midnight)

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Local Insight: What I Tell My Clients

“Plan for a cold night, pack your layers, bring a thermos—and prepare to stand in awe. The aurora is never guaranteed, but the experience of chasing it is always worth it.”

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Ready to Experience the Keweenaw Night Sky?

If you’d like to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights—and come away with great photos—I offer guided night photography excursions tailored to the season, forecast, and your goals.

👉 Book your experience

🔁 Links

• teoliver photography Excursions

• “Top 5 Keweenaw Locations for Night Sky Photography” (placeholder until live)

Picaridin vs. DEET: The Best Bug Repellent for Night Sky and Wildlife Photography

You’ve found the perfect composition. The aurora is dancing. Your camera is set. And then—mosquitoes. The temptation to reach for the strongest bug spray in your pack is real. But before you mist your hands with DEET and grab your camera, here’s what every night sky or wildlife photographer should know.

Why Bug Repellent Choice Matters for Outdoor Photography

Whether you're capturing the Milky Way from Brockway Mountain or crouched in a swamp at Sturgeon River Sloughs photographing Sandhill Cranes, bug protection is essential. But not all repellents play nice with optics. Some formulas can degrade rubberized coatings, cloud plastic lenses, or leave stubborn residues on binoculars, camera bodies, and tripod grips.

That’s where picaridin comes in.

What’s the Difference Between Picaridin and DEET?

Feature	DEET	Picaridin
Effectiveness	✅ Excellent	✅ Excellent
Gear Safe?	❌ Can damage plastics, rubber, and coatings	✅ Safe for gear and optics
Odor	❌ Strong, chemically	✅ Mild or odorless (sometimes peppery)
Skin Feel	❌ Oily, sticky	✅ Non-greasy, light
Duration	✅ Up to 10 hours	✅ Up to 12 hours
Best For	High-tick, deep-woods exposure (with caution)	General use for ticks, mosquitos, and flies around optics

The Bottom Line:

Picaridin is equally effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, and no-see-ums—without the risk of damaging your camera, lens coatings, binoculars, or field notebooks.

Why DEET Can Damage Photography Equipment

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) functions well because it’s chemical characteristics allow it to spread across the skin and confuse the sensory perception of biting insects. However, those same chemical properties allow it to function as a solvent, as well. That’s great for repelling bugs—but bad for handling plastics and rubber. In fact, many optics brands (including Canon, Nikon, Vortex, and Swarovski) warn against DEET exposure in their manuals.

Potential issues include:

• Discoloration or fogging of lens barrels and eyecups

• Breakdown of rubber grips and focus rings

• Etching of LCD screen coatings or anti-reflective surfaces

• Smudging of camera bodies, buttons, or backpack straps

If you’ve ever wondered why your camera feels sticky after a summer shoot, DEET might be the culprit.

What Is Picaridin, and How Does It Work?

Picaridin (also known as icaridin or by its chemical name hydroxyethyl isobutyl piperidine carboxylate) is a synthetic compound modeled after a molecule found in black pepper plants. It was developed in the 1980s by Bayer and is widely used in Europe, Australia, and North America as a DEET alternative.

Similar to DEET, Picaridin works by blocking the insect’s ability to smell human scent, which prevents them from landing or biting in the first place. Here’s what makes Picaridin different:

• Low skin absorption: It’s non-greasy, nearly odorless (however, it does make me sneeze if I inhale even a little of the spray), and gentle on sensitive skin, making it ideal for long outdoor sessions.

• Safe for gear: Unlike DEET, picaridin does not degrade plastic, rubber, vinyl, or synthetic materials—which makes it ideal for use around camera equipment, binoculars, headlamps, and backpack straps.

• EPA- and WHO-approved: Picaridin is considered safe and effective by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization, with very low toxicity for humans and wildlife when used as directed.

📌 Note: While “natural” repellents like citronella or lemongrass might smell nice, they don’t offer the same reliable protection for fieldwork in the mosquito-heavy backwoods of the Keweenaw.

Best Picaridin-Based Bug Repellents for Photographers

These are widely available and trusted by outdoor pros:

1. Ben's Tick Repellent Spray (20%)

   • Easy to apply

   • Gear Safe

2. Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion (20%)

• Long-lasting, non-greasy, scent-free

• Great for applying to hands, neck, and wrists

3. Ranger Ready Picaridin Spray (20%)

   • Gear-safe and available in a variety of scents (including unscented)

4. Natrapel 12-Hour Spray (20% Picaridin)

• Compact size perfect for camera bags or field kits

5. OBSC (The Original Bug Shirt® Company)  

   • Great as a chemical-free backup when you're shooting in wetland or boreal habitats

✅ Pro Tip: Always wash your hands after applying repellent—especially before touching camera lenses or filter glass.

Gear-Friendly Tips for Staying Bite-Free While You Shoot

In addition to switching to picaridin, follow these practices for optimal comfort and gear care:

Clothing and Physical Barriers

• Wear lightweight, tightly woven long sleeves and pants

• Use bug netting on your tripod or camp setup if staying in one location

• Choose light-colored clothing to reduce attraction to biting insects (avoid blue clothes if deer or stable flies are a possibility)

Application Best Practices

• Apply repellent away from gear and allow it to dry before handling equipment

• Avoid applying bug spray directly to hands—use lotion or a cloth instead

• Use a cloth or microfiber towel to handle your camera after application, especially during long exposures

Pack Smart

• Store your repellent in a side pouch or sealed plastic bag away from lenses and electronics

• Bring an alcohol-free lens wipe to remove smudges if contact happens

Where This Matters Most: Mosquito Season in the Keweenaw

From late May through September, mosquitoes and biting flies can be thick in:

• Tamarack swamps near Eagle Harbor

• Boreal forest edges at and within Estivant Pines

• Wetland meadows near Bete Grise and the Montreal River

• Campgrounds, parks, ridgelines, and inland lakes with slow drainage

• Along Lake Superior’s shoreline

Since biting insects are nearly everywhere in the Keweenaw, while we chase stars and wildlife in these beautiful places, bug protection is non-negotiable. But ruining a $1,000 lens or camera body for the sake of a bug-free hike? That’s completely avoidable.

Final Thoughts: Picaridin for the Win

Switching to picaridin-based repellents means:

• You still get protection from mosquitoes and ticks

• Your optics and gear stay safe from chemical damage

• You stay more comfortable and focused on your shot

• Your camera’s resale value (and your sanity) stay intact

Ready to Capture the Outdoors—Without the Bites?

For more tips on gear-safe field prep and ethical wildlife photography, join one of my seasonal workshops in the Keweenaw.

📸 Book a Wildlife or Night Sky Photography Outing »

Internal Links

• Wildlife Watching & Photography Excursions

External Authority Sources

• EPA: Choosing and Using Insect Repellents

• Consumer Reports: Best Insect Repellents of the Year

• National Pesticide Information Center - Picaridin Info Sheet

The Five “P”s of Keweenaw Photography: A Local's Guide to Capturing the North

The Keweenaw doesn’t pose for you. It invites you. And if you’re lucky enough to show up prepared, it offers images that feel earned—not just captured.

As a wildlife and night sky photographer who calls this place home, I’ve spent years learning how to work with the Keweenaw, not against it. It’s not always easy here—weather rolls in fast, light disappears quicker than you expect, and cell service disappears entirely. But when everything aligns? It’s magic.

That’s why I rely on what I call the Five Ps of Keweenaw Photography—a simple, field-tested mindset that helps photographers of all levels create more intentional, meaningful images in this rugged and rewarding landscape.

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1. Place: Know It Deeply

At the mouth of the Gratiot River, two figures pause on the edge of ancient stone and freshwater sky—reminding us that place is not just where we stand, but how we witness.

“Where” isn’t just geography—it’s also geology, weather, and story.

The Keweenaw Peninsula isn’t just scenic—it’s shaped by ancient lava flows, bordered by cold freshwater seas, and home to boreal wildlife that feels almost more Alaskan than Midwestern. Places like Brockway Mountain, Hunter’s Point, or Hungarian Falls look different depending on the season, the time of day, or even the week’s weather. One trail might be vibrant with choruses of songbirds in June and then silent under snow by November.

If you want to capture more than snapshots, start with place-based research. Learn when the trilliums bloom. Pay attention to when the northern lights are most likely. Talk to locals about seasonal road conditions or where the herons are nesting. The more you understand this place, the more it will show you.

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With the tripod set and the camera ready, the artist watches fog rise across a Bare Bluff, waiting for the right moment when light and landscape align.

2. Patience: Wait for the Moment

The Keweenaw rewards those who are willing to slow down.

This is not a “shoot-and-scoot” kind of place. The best images come when you stop trying to chase a shot and, instead, let it come to you. Whether I’m photographing the aurora over Lake Superior or waiting for a pileated woodpecker to reappear, I’ve learned that stillness often gets the best results.

Bring something to sit-on with you. Brew a thermos of tea. Let the forest settle around you. This kind of presence often translates into better images—ones that feel quieter, more intimate, more authentic.

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3. Preparation: Pack Like a Local

It’s not the prettiest checklist—but it’s saved my butt more than once.

The Keweenaw doesn’t mess around. You can start your day in a comfortable golden light and end it completely soaked, frozen, or mosquito-bitten. That’s why preparation is the difference between a good shoot and one that ends early with frostbitten fingers or fogged lenses. Expect the unexpected.

My must-pack list includes:

• Red-light headlamp or flashlight (for night hikes and night sky shoots)

• Extra gloves, socks, and a base layer—always…every season of the year.

• Garbage bags for sudden gear rainproofing

• Local maps (offline apps like OnX Backcountry or Gaia GPS help too)

• Hot drinks and snacks (I swear by ginger tea and love smoked whitefish from Peterson’s) [consider this a bonus “P” of Keweenaw photography]

• Insect repellent (Because DEET can damage plastics (i.e., my camera) I prefer to use repellents that use Picaridin, instead, for mosquito and flies. For ticks, I use permethrin-based repellents)

And if you're planning night sky photography? Don't forget to include a way to heat your lens ( I use disposable hand warmers attached to my lens body with rubber bands) and some backup batteries. Cool summer nights cause condensation to form on a camera lens and anytime it’s cold, power is eaten like you wouldn’t believe.

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4. Perspective: Tell a Bigger Story

A great Keweenaw photo doesn’t just show what you saw—it shares what you felt.

My clients (and readers like you) aren’t just after pretty pictures. They’re looking for a connection—to place, to nature, to memory. Whether you’re photographing a misty morning on the Estivant Pines Trail or the red glow of the aurora over Copper Harbor, ask yourself: What does this mean to me?

That’s your story.

Sometimes that means photographing wildlife behavior, sometimes it’s wide shots that show scale and weather, and sometimes it’s personal—your boots in frame, your breath in the air, your own presence in the landscape. Perspective is emotional as much as compositional.

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5. Practice: Make Peace With the Misses

A foggy morning view of the historic Quincy Smelting Works gave me inspiration to reflect upon the regions history.

Some of your best days out here won’t result in a photo at all (or maybe you get a photo you didn’t expect).

The Keweenaw is truly humbling. You’ll drive 90 minutes or more to photograph the northern lights—and end up in a fog bank. You’ll see a bear when you least expect it, raise your camera—and watch it vanish. That’s simply part of the adventure.

Every time you go out, though—even when the shot doesn’t come—you’re learning the light. You’re building your instincts. And maybe most importantly, you’re showing up for the place.

That kind of practice doesn’t just create better photographers, but more connected ones—photographers who, through their experiences, respect, love, and care about where they are.

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Ready to Explore With Me?

If these five “P”s resonate with you, I’d love to invite you on one of my small-group or one-on-one photography outings here in the Keweenaw. I focus on quiet locations, conservation storytelling, and helping people of all skill levels find their voice through nature photography.

📸 Explore Guided Photography Excursions »

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Internal Links

• Night Sky Explorer Kit (placeholder until live)

• Aurora Photography Tips (placeholder until live)

• FAQ: Photography Excursions (placeholder until live)

External Links

• Visit Keweenaw

• Dark Sky International

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Final Thought

The Keweenaw isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to be the next Instagram darling. But it’s real. It’s powerful. And if you approach it with respect and curiosity, it will meet you with moments that stay with you long after the shutter clicks.

Ready to photograph it like you mean it?

Why Use a Red Flashlight for Night Photography and Stargazing?

(adapted from a blog post I wrote for the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge on March 22, 2022)

Ever wonder why I ask you to bring a red flashlight or headlamp on night hikes or photography outings? It’s not just a quirky habit—it’s rooted in science. If you’re heading out under dark skies in the Keweenaw, understanding how light affects your eyes (and others around you) will help you see more stars and capture better images.

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Why Do I Recommend Red Flashlights for Night Activities?

Red flashlights help preserve your natural night vision. Unlike white or blue light, red light has minimal impact on the chemical processes your eyes rely on to adjust to darkness. That means you’ll be able to see stars more clearly, spot faint auroras sooner, and move around confidently—without blinding yourself or the people around you.

Let’s explore why that matters and how it works.

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How Human Night Vision Actually Works

A diagram representing the retinal layers, including the location of cone cells and rod cells (which contain the rhodopsin, a protein critical for night vision). Image obtained from Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site and is is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

1. Your Eyes Are Built for Both Day and Night

The human eye contains two main types of light-sensitive cells:

• Cones (centered in the retina) help us see color and detail in bright light

• Rods (concentrated on the periphery) let us see in low-light gray-scale and detect motion

This dual system evolved to help humans survive both day and night—scanning for subtle movement in the shadows or admiring the color of ripe berries under daylight.

2. Rod Cells Rely on a Special Pigment

Rod cells contain rhodopsin, a light-sensitive pigment that lets us see in the dark. It’s so sensitive, it can respond to a single photon of light. But here’s the catch:

• Bright light (especially white or blue) breaks down rhodopsin

• It takes 20–40 minutes to fully regenerate

• Even a few seconds of bright light can reset your eyes' ability to see in the dark
  
  

3. Red Light Doesn’t Activate Rhodopsin

Deep red wavelengths don’t affect rhodopsin the same way white, green, or blue light does. So when you use a dim red light:

• Your rod cells stay adapted to darkness

• You keep your night vision intact

• You’re less likely to disturb others nearby

That’s why astronomers, wildlife guides, and ethical night photographers all swear by red light.

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Red Flashlight Etiquette: How to Be a Good Stargazing Neighbor

If you’ve ever had your night vision wrecked by a sudden phone screen or headlamp beam, you know how frustrating it is. The following practices ensure a better experience for everyone on the trail, on the ridge, or beside the lake:

✅ Flashlight Best Practices for Dark Sky Activities

• Use red light only: White lights, even briefly, destroy night vision

• Don’t point your light at others: Especially if it’s on your headlamp—be mindful when turning

• Dim your screen brightness: Cover your phone or camera LCD with your hand or dim screen mode

• Use hand-shielded lighting: Let just enough red light leak between your fingers when adjusting gear

• Cover unnecessary indicators: Use gaffer tape to mask camera record lights or LED glows

• Avoid casting red light toward photographers: Even red light can ruin a long exposure. The unnatural red color cast is nearly impossible to remove in post-processing, especially during aurora or Milky Way photography. If you see someone with a camera on a tripod, move behind them or turn your light off briefly while passing.
  

🎯 Want more tips? See my Night Sky Photography 101 guide (placeholder for when the page goes live)

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How to Make Your Own Red Flashlight

No red flashlight? No problem. Here are a few simple DIY options:

1. Red cellophane + rubber band: Wrap it around your flashlight lens

2. Red zip-top bag: Works in a pinch

3. Red marker or nail polish: Color the lens of an old flashlight

Buy a headlamp with red mode: Recommended for convenience and safety

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Keweenaw-Specific Considerations

Me, taking a shot of the Milky Way during the 2023 Perseid Meteor Shower. (Picture taken by Chris Guibert - Chris Guibert Photography)

In Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, true darkness still exists. Whether you're photographing from Esrey Park, camping near High Rock Bay, or watching for auroras anywhere along Lake Superior’s shore, these landscapes reward those who protect their eyes—and respect their fellow explorers.

Even the full moon here can cast shadows, and a well-adapted eye is your best tool for navigating roots, snowdrifts, or shoreline rocks.

Final Word: Night Vision Is Worth Protecting

There’s a reason why seasoned astronomers and aurora chasers go red. Once you’ve spent a few minutes adjusting to the dark—and start to see subtle greens, purples, or the sweep of the Milky Way—you’ll understand why it matters.

“Watching the Perseids after 20 minutes of quiet waiting was one of the most peaceful and thrilling experiences of my life.” — Guest, 2023 Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Party

So please: bring a red light. Use it wisely. And help keep the dark sky experience alive for everyone.

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Internal Links

• Night Sky Photography 101 (placeholder for when the page goes live)

• How to Prepare a Night Sky Explorer Kit (placeholder for when the page goes live)

• Five Ps of Keweenaw Photography (placeholder for when the page goes live)

• Photography Excursion FAQs (placeholder for when the page goes live)

External Authority Sources

• International Dark Sky Association – Lighting Tips

• NOAA Aurora Forecast Tools

• American Optometric Association – Vision Tips for Driving at Night

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Get Ready for the Dark

🔦 Download my Red Flashlight Guide (PDF)
📸Book a Guided Night Photography Outing »

Northern Hawk Owl Sightings Near Houghton, Michigan: Rare Double Owl Encounter Documented

An Uncommon Visitor After the Christmas Bird Count

Since the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) that took place in mid-December 2024, a rare visitor has been spending time near my home in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula: the Northern Hawk Owl (Surnia ulula). This species—abbreviated as “NHOW” by birders—is almost never seen this far south. When a friend of mine first reported seeing not one, but two Northern Hawk Owls near the same location, it sparked skepticism in the local birding community.

Why Northern Hawk Owls Are Rare in the Keweenaw

Northern Hawk Owls typically remain in boreal forests far north of Michigan. They only reach the Upper Peninsula during major 'irruption years'—occasional large-scale movements caused by food shortages. Even during those years, many raptors detour around Lake Superior, opting for more accessible areas in northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, or eastern Michigan. For two NHOWs to appear in the Keweenaw is nearly unheard of.

Eyewitness Accounts and Skepticism

Despite multiple sightings and photographic documentation, many in the birding community continued to express disbelief about the presence of two birds in close proximity to each other. This type of skepticism—often unfounded—frustrated those of us who had observed the birds firsthand. I even created a series of four images, switching rapidly between the two birds to demonstrate they were perched in different trees and locations, but some birders still demanded a single frame with both owls.

Could These Northern Hawk Owls Be Breeding?

The story took an even more exciting turn when one of the owls landed in a tree above my truck and began to sing. This vocalization could be a sign of breeding behavior, a potentially rare and historic event for Michigan. The only known attempt of NHOWs breeding in Michigan was documented on Isle Royale, much closer to their native range. If these owls are setting up territory in the Keweenaw, it could be a groundbreaking development.

Listen to the Call

The call that I was able to record begins with a series of 'bouncing notes' about four seconds into the recording. Another bout, arguably clearer, happens around the 50-second mark. Accompanying species in the recording include Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and Bohemian Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus), adding natural ambiance to the experience.

Obviously, it takes, both, a male and a female to make a breeding pair. So, just because one bird is singing doesn’t mean it will find a mate. The other individual might be the same sex, for instance. For this species, both sexes sing - so, we can’t even really tell if this singing individual is male or female.

Join Me for a Guided Bird Photography Experience

If you’d like to see rare birds like the Northern Hawk Owl and improve your photography skills in the process, consider booking a guided experience with me. I offer wildlife photography sessions and educational tours (https://www.teoliver.com/excursions) throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. Whether you’re interested in winter raptors, boreal species, or storytelling through images, I can help you find, photograph, and learn about these incredible creatures.

A Rare Winter Worth Watching

This winter has been extraordinary—not just for these particular owls, but for all arctic and subarctic species that have arrived in the region. Snowy Owls, Great Gray Owls, Short-eared Owls, and more have been seen throughout the Great Lakes. It’s a perfect time to be outside with your camera and your curiosity. Join me - and let’s explore it together.

[Side Note: Although the date for this post is accurate for when this all occurred, I have actually delayed publishing it to my website and back-dated the post. I did this to fall in line with my desire to not release information too quickly because I value protecting the species I photograph. Releasing the information about the hawk-owl singing could have caused situations which would stress the bird unnecessarily].

Why I’m Adding Watermarks to My Photography: Protecting Images in the Age of AI and NFTs

I have always really, really hated watermarks on images when I’m looking through other photographers’ websites. But I understand why photographers choose to do it. We (at least, I) invest a lot in getting the pictures I post and it seems that so many people think that they are free for the taking to use in any way that they want just because they have a link to my site. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to rake in so much cash that I’d be drowning in it - in fact, I’m quite generous with my pictures and knowledge of my subjects, techniques, and gear. I often simply give all that away to friends, family, people who let me go on their property to search for shots, non-profit groups who I support., etc….

However, in the quickly evolving age of NFT development and AI-scraping, I have come to the conclusion that I need to start including watermarks on my images shared on my website. This is because they tend to be images large enough for unscrupulous people to grab and reproduce without my authorization. I have been contacted numerous times by people wanting permission to create NFTs of my images. I personally think that is a huge scam and always deny permission. However, my gut tells me that such people are likely stealing the photos anyway.

Case in point, Zuckerberg (in supporting the concept of training AI on webpages such as mine) has said "Individual creators or publishers tend to overestimate the value of their specific content." Honestly, I often cannot disagree with that statement. However, content made by photographers is not without value. - but to him our overestimation of value is any amount greater than $0. So, Mark, allow me to give you a little bit of interpersonal relationship advice - people outside your sphere of the ultra-wealthy (and the work that they do) have value.

Maybe placing a watermark won’t solve anything with AI being illegally trained on images of others but, for the time being it is the best solution I can think of. At least it will likely make them undesirable to use in creating NFTs without my permission.

So, for now, each image that I upload will have a watermark. When I have the time, I will be taking down older pics and replacing them with marked pics. I realize that the older pics have likely already been used to train AI and some taken for NFTs. However, I’m hoping that will change in the future with my pics.

I thank you for understanding this dilemma.

If you find it annoying to view the images in this format, I offer my sincerest apologies…I’m with you (I truly am). I wish that I had a different solution. For now, though, I recommend that for viewing my pics in un-watermarked format (though at a very much lower-quality) please visit the social media I have linked through this website. (Though, admittedly, my social media participation may be changing soon also due to the evolving rights-grabs that the various social media are building into their user agreements….Zuckerberg, again, taking the things that he says hold no value.)

Winter Wildlife Photography in Michigan’s Keweenaw: Coyote Sighting Near Eagle Harbor

The other day I led an excursion organized by Visit Keweenaw (our regional destination marketing organization) for some members of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. On this particular excursion, I was showing some of the people the beautiful winter landscapes we get in the Keweenaw. On snowshoes, we explored the area around Hungarian Falls. The snow filled forest and vista overlooking Torch Lake were breathtaking - although the falls, due to it being the middle of February were completely frozen over and snow-covered.

After that I took them along the northern coast of the peninsula so they could see some of the lakescapes where more rugged terrain interfaces with Lake Superior. We explored the area around the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, ventured up to Esrey Park, and then returned back to Houghton. As we were passing though Eagle Harbor on the return trip, one of my passengers pointed out a coyote that was right at the edge of the lake along the road. It was in a position that was difficult to see from where we were at; so, I continued around the corner to where we could get a better view of the animal. In that very short period of time (about 40 seconds) it had amazingly moved quite a long distance across the ice as it was making its way north east across the harbor.

I got out of the truck to start taking pictures across the hood with my 60-600mm lens. My clients decided to simply stay in the vehicle with the windows down to take their pictures. A couple passing vehicles slowed down to take a look at what I was focused on but then continued on their way.

The falling snow was obscuring the view of the coyote and as a result most of the shots I took of it were soft and blurry - but a couple pictures turned out quite nice with the coyote enveloped in all the white of its surroundings.

Seeing coyotes (and sometimes wolves) travelling on the ice is not uncommon for people who live near Lake Superior’s shore. The dogs take advantage of the easy movement they have on the ice. They patrol the shorelines looking for prey, move between tributaries where they can scavenge and hunt, and venture out on the big lake in search of mates. Given that January through March is their breeding season, it’s entirely possible that this one may have been out looking for a mate…but, given that we initially had seen in scrounging among the uneven snow and ice of the shoreline it seemed fairly obvious it was looking for food. Our presence when we first saw it likely just convinced it to move to another location with fewer people.

If you are interested in personal guided hikes or photography sessions, let me know by filling out the form located on this page. I’ll send you more details and we can work out a schedule.

Skyfire Archipelago: A Photo of Fire’s Slowest Forms

Beneath a Blaze of Borrowed Fire

Some evenings ask you to sit still and simply bear witness.

“Skyfire Archipelago” was made on one of those nights—when Lake Superior held its breath beneath a sky lit by distant wildfires and long-set geologic fire. Captured from the western edge of Silver Island, this photograph shows a chain of basaltic islands—low-slung, wave-washed, and ancient—bathed in the orange glow of sunset refracted through smoke from northern forests.

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A Landscape Forged by Fire

These isles were born more than a billion years ago from the Midcontinent Rift, when lava spilled and cooled into hard stone. Glaciers came later, carving and them into today’s rugged archipelago. Beneath the water, the story continues in submerged ridges and kelp-like basalt ribbons.

Wind-worn black spruce take root in the cracks. Loons pass silently between rocks. Fish weave through the shoals. Life here is shaped by patience.

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Why the Sky Was on Fire

On this particular evening, high-altitude smoke from wildfires hundreds and hundreds of miles away filtered the sunset. Fine particles in the upper atmosphere bent sunlight toward the red end of the spectrum, casting the sky in glowing tangerine and ember. The light didn’t belong to the Keweenaw—but it lent the land a brief, breathtaking radiance.

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The Slow Reunion of Lava and Light

This image, at its core, captures what I think of as fire transformed by time. The basalt islands are lava slowed into stone—a billion-year-old memory of geologic upheaval. And the ember-colored sky? That’s sunlight, filtered through smoke from distant forest fires—its color deepened by particles suspended high in the atmosphere.

This is fire at its most patient: one form hardened into stone…the other, filtering the light through the sky.

For just a moment, they meet again—ancient earth and distant flame reflected in the stillness of Lake Superior.

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Photographing the Perseid Meteor Shower from Michigan’s Keweenaw Dark Sky Park

The Perseid Meteor shower peaked Saturday night as the Earth passes through the dust left by the Swift-Tuttle comet. I think I saw more shooting stars, sitting out for the few hours that I did, than the total I have seen for the past decade.

The five shooting stars in this image are from a composite of three 15-second exposures (though the three meteorites on the right hand side were all from the same individual picture).

Also in this picture is an example of “airglow” a phenomenon similar to the Aurora but less intense. Airglow is caused by the steady stream of radiation from the sun and while it is not typically visible to the unaided eye, it shows up in long exposure photos.

Special thanks to the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, and Chris Guibert for hosting and organizing a Perseid Meteor Shower Party. There were about 20 Dark Sky enthusiasts and other photographers taking in the meteorite show and hanging out under the stars. It was a lot of fun.

Abstract Butterfly - Brought to you by the Sun

During the last Aurora event on March 23, 2023, I saw a number of pictures of the intense Aurora from that night which were similar to this picture - a straight up shot at the sky with no foreground elements and no way to predict or manage what the picture would show - other than the exposure settings in camera and the development of the image in Lightroom. For the most part the people who did that simply got what was gifted to them. I thought it was simply beautiful. It looked like a Phoenix rising in the sky…and I simply pondered that image (one in particular from a friend of mine who takes phenomenal night sky pictures) for days.

I had never before considered taking a picture of the northern lights like that because most photos of the night sky that are just of the night sky are often not very intriguing to me. They lack a sense of place and often just look like a piece of perforated black construction with a light set behind it. However, after seeing that one picture created by my friend - I decided that I would not ever let another intense aurora storm pass without trying that style of picture.

This time the Aurora didn’t have as many color variations mixed in - but I tried the technique nonetheless. I was pleasantly surprised. To me this one looks like an abstract painting of a butterfly. What do you imagine it looks like?

Northern Lights Spectators

Last night’s (23 April 2023) Aurora borealis was so bright you could still see it when looking straight toward the moon. The brightest Northern Lights were actually behind me during this shot. This shot was taken at the ruins located at Freda.

I have wanted to get a shot of this circular pool with the sky’s reflection in it for a very long time. While I like this picture, I wish I could have had it a little bit wider and at. a slightly different angle.

I also like that this picture shows the larger number of people that were there watching the northern lights. I am not one for large crowds and most people who want to see the northern lights feel they need flashlights to get to the locations good for seeing them - so, I tend to get a little frustrated as people move through my shots using their lights and generally being loud. I just try to remind myself that everyone enjoys these phenomena in their own way and while their way might just be different mine, they are still having an awesome experience that most people in the world don’t get.

Light Ripples

After a weekend of cloudy skies for the first Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival, the universe still taunted us with an amazing Aurora display that was mostly concealed behind a thick layer of clouds. However, that cloud bank stopped about 15 miles (by road…not direct line) from my house. So, we ventured further south to catch the lights of the north (as did about a hundred other people, too - evidenced by the line of lights coming down the bluff in the picture).

One of the things that I love about the Keweenaw is the interesting way nature mixes with remnants of human industrial history. This particular location is the ruins of an old copper mill. It has everything you would expect of an abandoned industrial complex - concrete, rust, broken glass, and graffiti. Juxtaposing all that with a mesmerizing giant solar storm in the atmosphere gives us an interesting perspective on the beauty and the hardship of the universe…and of the Keweenaw.

Light Switches

In all my years, even in my most ridiculous ideas of what my future life would be like, I never imagined that I would own a real, full-size lighthouse that, at one time (at a previous location) provided navigational safety on a waterway. (There’s a long story that goes with this lighthouse…but that is for another time.)

For now, I ponder what I have and what my responsibility with it should be. At its core, this lighthouse is the largest bit of “yard art” (that I know of) in the area. I, for one, don’t like “yard art“ - I prefer to call such signs and kitschy sculptures “junk.” That being said, I admit that I was intrigued…possibly enamored…with the presence of this lighthouse on the property when we were looking to buy.

However, what I can truly say I enjoy about our property is the number and variety of birds I see throughout the seasons. Which, consequently, leads me back to my thoughts about my responsibility in owning this lighthouse…which serves no navigation but has a continually-lit 10-watt LED.

During migration, birds use the stars and the moon for navigation. Research has shown that artificial lights disrupt bird migration. Recommendations from ornithologist are that all unnecessary artificial lights should be turned off during periods of migration. So, I worry that this thing I own, that serves no greater purpose than as a beautiful spot to sit and watch the lake and sunsets, is actually harmful to that which I truly enjoy. Granted, I have never found a dead bird at the base of this lighthouse. However, I know that an absence of evidence is not evidence of absence and it makes me wonder about the unseen impacts this lighthouse has during a very dangerous part of the lives of millions of birds - comprised of more than 250 species that migrate through here at night.

It really wouldn’t take much for me to install a switch. I think it’s time for that.

Southeast Northern Lights

After many years, I finally decided to take some pictures of the Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. I’ve seen tons of pictures of this lighthouse with the northern lights as its backdrop; so I’ve always chosen to go elsewhere.

When exploring for a place to go and photograph, I decided I would check out the lighthouse (mainly because most of the unique places from where I want to shoot the Aurora are fairly remote and I had only a short window of time before I needed to be home and in bed - I knew work was going to be busy the next day).

In any case, what a fortune to have been there. Most pics I’ve seen of this lighthouse with aurora are looking northward. But this northern lights display was so intense and expansive, I was able to get this view looking southeast.

What a night.

Snags in Winter Wetlands

I am fascinated by the importance and beauty of dead trees (aka: “snags”) in ecosystems. I’ve shared, in previous posts, why I consider them so important for ecosystems but I have never really shared why I find them so visually alluring. It might be because when I was a child, my family’s dining room had a picture that was drawn by the local art teacher which I, for some reason, found fascinating. It was a charcoal drawing on burlap of a collection of sparse conifers and snags in a bog - a very typical scene which can be found in many places across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I could look at it over and over again and see stories and history and biology. I see bogs with conifer trees pretty regularly whenever driving down just about any given highway in the U.P. - and every single one of them reminds me of that picture.

I don’t know if those landscapes are inherently beautiful or if they are just alluring to me because of the picture that hung in our dining room. In any case, the moment I drove past the location in this picture, I could see its potential. I have gone back to it time and again and it always presents a scene that is differently beautiful to me. Though, it never feels quite as full of life as it does when the night sky is dancing above it.

Northern Lights House

The Aurora display on Thursday night (23 March 2023) simply blew my mind (as I think it did for anyone who saw it firsthand).

I happened to be at the base of one of the nearby lighthouses when the first real big blast of auroral energy hit. What seemed like the aurora’s core was nearly straight up from where I was standing and I thought it looked like it was radiating from the beacon.

My mind is still processing what I saw that night.

[Side note on photography etiquette (because I know some people will wonder if I was possibly ruining the scene for other photographers when I took this pic –– I was not) –

Please don’t disregard other photographers at a location. The pictures we all want to take are not so valuable or unique to warrant alienating others in the photography community. Please don’t blatantly walk into a scene or start light painting the area.

When I entered the scene of this picture, there were two other photographers at the lighthouse taking pictures. I had previously chatted with them and discussed the potential shots at the location, given the conditions we were seeing. When I decided to go near the lighthouse, I made sure no other photographers had arrived and then I made sure that from everyone else’s perspective, they were not able to see my approach, where I ended up standing, nor the lights created by my camera.

It’s not hard to make sure to make sure the pictures others are taking won’t be affected. If it looks like getting in someone else’s way can’t be avoided, I either change my mind or I politely ask if what I want to do is OK with them.

Please do the same.]

The Source

Although this picture was taken at the end of the Aurora event the other night, I thought this looked like the Aurora was emerging from this single tree and expanding across the Lake Superior basin to blanket the sky.

I know that this looks heavily edited. However, it is not. I still don’t fully understand why the sky on the left side of the image is so blue when compared to the right side of the picture.

I had positioned the camera so that the moon was just out of frame (There’s a brighter spot in the upper left corner near where the moon is located). So I thought that the light bleed from the moon might have been the cause of the difference. However, I don’t think that explains why there doesn’t seem to be a gradient and instead seems that the separation for the color difference in the sky follows the Aurora.

Weird!

If anyone knows why this would happen, please let me know.

Red Sky at Night...

The aurora borealis on a moonlit night along Lake Superior. This red sky blew my mind…what a phenomenal evening to be taking pictures of the night sky. The thing that I found most interesting about this picture was the ice and snow formation at the base of the picture. It was extremely precarious getting into position - the ice was slippery and the contours of the Lake Superior shoreline made it difficult to not fall down and slide into the lake. Add the fact that I refuse to use a flashlight when doing night photography because even the dimmest “white light” flashlights kill human night vision. I do have a red flashlight, which works great for preserving night vision…but they can sometimes make it challenging to see certain shadows of ground contours.

Spirit Tree

Aurora borealis on a moonlit winter night along Lake Superior can provide some really interesting compositions. On moonless nights the sky can show bolder northern lights set in front of a jet black Universe. When the moon is out, as it was this evening, it can wash out those contrasts. The tradeoff, though, is that the moon lights up the landscape with the long exposures needed for Aurora photography and along with the textures and contours of the landscape, the snow sharply reflects the moonlight making it seem as though there are stars imbedded in the ground.

For this particular image, I was not the only person at the location. A young couple was sitting among a cluster of trees that I would have liked to have photographed. However, they were using flashlights inconsistently and did not shut of the LCD screens on their cameras. Both of those light sources would have been very distracting in any of the pictures I would have taken.

In any case, shortly after taking this photo, I glanced at the image on my camera and new it was a keeper. It wasn’t until I opened it up on my computer this morning, though that I saw how interestingly the northern lights mimic the form of the silhouetted white pine.

If you look closely you can make out most of Ursa Major (The Big Dipper) above and beyond the white pine.

Sci-Fi Photography Workshop

During our most recent Night Sky Photography Workshop, this one led by Nate Bett with me assisting, I was taking pics of the participants, along the shore of Lake Superior, with the Milky Way overhead during the practical application portion of the workshop. One of the participants decided to leave earlier than everyone else. When I saw that his path of turning his vehicle around was going to cast his headlight beams across every single one of the remaining participants, I quickly started a long exposure in hopes of capturing something interesting. I had no idea that the result would be so “sci-fi.”

The clouds in the sky, the headlight passing through the light Lake Superior fog that was starting to condense, the movement of the participants all came together to make something ethereal and completely beyond what I thought I would capture.