We booked a private tour for just my wife and me. They communicated with us extensively with great information on how to prepare for a once-in-a lifetime experience. Starting 3 days out from the scheduled tour, they advised that the weather and aurora viewing conditions would not be ideal, so we agreed to reschedule the tour for several days later. The guide picked us up from a private residence, was on time and we headed out to the first location. He constantly checked the aurora conditions using a phone app and explained the key metrics to look for.
I'm a serious amateur photographer, so I normally don't need advice on how to configure or use my camera gear (3 camera bodies, several lenses and supports). However, shooting the aurora is *very* different from what's 'normal' for me, so I gladly accepted the guide's assistance to get set up. It was also extremely cold and dark; both conditions I wasn't used to.
We decided to move on from our initial location as the aurora conditions weren't ideal yet. The guide was glad to accommodate my desire to find a location with more interesting scenic elements, so we drove to another spot. By then, the aurora conditions were improving and we got some terrific images (about 3:00a). The conditions continued to improve and we got many great photos at several more scenic spots. By about 5:00a the whole sky was lit up and we could even see the aurora's corona.
We continued to shoot until after 6:00a (moon rise was at 5:30a). We had so much success observing and photographing the aurora that we never got around to a campfire or eating; didn't miss either at all!
I enthusiastically recommend this tour company and would hire them again if/when we make return to Alaska.
Одговор домаћина
May 2024
I am so glad that you had such a great experience! Your night was definitely a good example of why patience is a virtue for aurora-chasing. I am happy to hear that the photo tips were very helpful to you and that your guide Chad took such good care in making sure you got everything out of the experience. Being able to create an opportunity like this is why we created the private aurora tour option. Thanks so much for the great and detailed feedback. We hope to see you again!