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Nguyen Duy Phu's passion for the aurora borealis didn't come naturally. It's the result of perseverance and the ability to overcome both physical and mental challenges. To hunt for the aurora, he has to wait for hours in harsh weather, facing the biting cold of Northern Europe. At those times, patience and good health are the two most important factors. However, all those difficulties are worth it when he has the opportunity to gaze at the brilliant streaks of light soaring across the starry sky, sometimes appearing like the shape of an eagle or a crane, depending on the intensity and form of the aurora each night.
The first time Nguyễn Duy Phú saw the aurora borealis was a special experience he will never forget. In 2013, while casually photographing the Milky Way, he unexpectedly spotted the aurora with the naked eye without any prior preparation. He recounted his feelings of surprise and excitement, but also regret at not knowing how to capture this magical phenomenon with a camera: "After that, I delved deeper into aurora hunting, from researching the phenomenon to learning appropriate photography techniques."
Preparing for an aurora hunting trip is no easy task. He relies on aurora and weather forecast apps to choose the best time and location. A prerequisite for seeing the aurora is a clear sky, free of clouds or fog. In addition, Mr. Phu always carries plenty of water, snacks, warm clothing, and necessary equipment. The weather in Northern Europe changes very quickly, so thorough preparation is crucial for safety and success. Some nights, he drives over two hundred kilometers to avoid fog, or even further, to ensure his clients can see the aurora firsthand.
Furthermore, capturing the aurora borealis requires careful preparation in finding special locations. He often chooses secluded beaches or lakes because of their ability to create stunning reflections, giving a magical feel. However, the biggest challenge he faces is strong winds, which reduce image quality and sometimes obscure the aurora. In such situations, he flexibly switches to filming timelapses to capture the movement of light, creating mesmerizing videos.
To capture the best photos, Nguyen Duy Phu uses a professional Sony A7IV camera with a 14mm f/1.8 GM ultra-wide-angle lens. He says a sturdy tripod is indispensable for any aurora hunting trip. Aurora photography can be divided into two main styles. The first is capturing the aurora borealis streaking across the sky, focusing on the movement and magical colors of the light. The second is capturing landscapes with the aurora borealis as a focal point, combining the ethereal light with natural scenery such as lakes, mountains, or beaches. He himself always tries to do both styles if the destination has all the necessary elements.
Photographing the aurora borealis can be divided into two main styles.
Aurora hunting not only holds personal significance but also leaves a lasting impression on those who accompany him. For many, it's a rare opportunity to witness one of the most wondrous natural phenomena. For Phu, each time he sees the aurora borealis, he feels a sense of tranquility, forgetting the pressures of life and work. Sipping a hot cup of coffee while watching the streaks of light dance across the sky, he feels revitalized, ready to face any challenges ahead.
For Phu, each time he sees the aurora borealis, he feels a sense of tranquility, forgetting the pressures of life and work.
In the future, Nguyen Duy Phu plans to explore the aurora borealis in Alaska, one of the world's most famous destinations for admiring this wondrous natural phenomenon. For him, each aurora hunting trip is not only a personal journey but also an opportunity to learn and gain new experiences from different regions.
Furthermore, he also hopes to share his knowledge and experiences with others who share the same passion, from preparing equipment and choosing the right time and location to techniques for predicting weather and taking the most effective photos. He believes that sharing practical experiences will help aurora enthusiasts, whether beginners or experienced, feel more confident in their exploration journey.
