DJONSTYLE

Moonrise Amidst (An Aurora Named Steve)

5 years ago, I met Steve. I stumbled into Steve after being drawn out from the city by a faint green glow in the night sky. As my eyes adjusted, I watched a blood red moon rising in the mist. Then I noticed a thin strip of light stretching across the sky.

It felt the strange sensation of being connected to something bigger. Like that band of light was a path to the stars.

I tried finding anything that could explain what I had seen. It wasn’t until I heard about Steve earlier this year, that it all made sense, and I can now call it by its name.

I originally posted my experience here > Moonrise Amidst. While the photo captures the mood of the moment, which was my intention, it doesn’t show Steve very well. I shot this with my 18-200mm kit lens and this was my first attempt at capturing an aurora. Exposures are 30 seconds. The orange glow is light pollution from the city’s lights. I later purchased a Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 for wide-angle night photography, and since then my aurora-shooting skills have dramatically improved. These photos are enhanced versions of the originals.

If you’re curious about the name, here’s the story.

Calgary, AB · July 9, 2012

I live for moments like these, when everything comes together so perfectly. The backdrop for this last minute photoshoot was a multi-hued alley I had seen pictures of, but had not yet visited. I guess I was waiting for the right moment, for the right shoot.

It's always a delight to work with Maria, but once I saw those bright glitter boots, I knew this would be spectacular. Sparkly, vibrant and energetic - these pictures don't do them justice.

Maria paired ripped jeans with an Arctic Monkeys tee, and topped it off with her jellyfish jacket.

I’ve heard many opinions about this space, after all it’s just an alley, but somehow, it just works. Add Maria’s effortless street style, with a track from one of my favourite bands, and we have a lively video to celebrate this look.

Alley Oop, Vancouver, BC