This photo was taken last week close to the Finnish border (in Kilpisjärvi, for the curious ones!).
Right before crossing the border you can find this small stone cairn, on the side of the road: a popular place to stop when you are a tourist, since you can take a photo of yourself with the landmarks of Finland and Norway, one to each side of the parking spot.
This location fulfills several requirements we may have when hunting for the selfish lady: first, there is no light pollution at all, so clouds are white (and not orange!), darkness during new moon is total, and the surroundings offer several photography options. There is only one caveat to this location: the road is very close to the landmarks, and that poses a high risk both to you, and to anyone around you.
We always think that this is obvious (roads are dangerous, who does not know that?), but when we are in awe, looking up into the sky, we tend to forget where are we and what should we do to keep ourselves safe. What can we do to be safer out in the dark?
First, bring a reflective vest! That will make you visible from a long distance, and any car approaching you will quickly realize that there is a person there
Second, avoid being in the middle of the road: photos of endless roads (specially when they are iced) are fantastic, but have to be done in a safe way: control your surroundings, and always be on the lookout for cars and trucks that can (and almost sure, will) come at some point
And third, bring someone with you. Accidents happen, you may encounter a reindeer, a moose, a hare... the arctic is full of wildlife! And you can be lucky to see a shy fox on the side of the road, or nearly under your car. In any case, if something happens, it is better to have someone with you who can help in any circumstance.
Have you had any dangerous situation you want to share? Write a comment and help everyone be safer while hunting the lights!
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| ISO 3200, f2.8, 6 seconds exposure time |
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