About
Welcome to Step's Aurora Guide – your ultimate resource for photographers passionate about capturing the awe-inspiring aurora and creating stunning, wall-worthy images. But what sparked the creation of this app and website? Allow me to share the journey that ignited this captivating venture.
Hello, my name is Stepan, but friends call me Step. In the photo above, you'll see me skiing alongside my friend, partner, and beloved wife, Nadia. We're always on the lookout for our next skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking adventure. But let's get to the heart of the matter.
The beginning
Every year, we spent a few weeks in the North and never saw the northern lights. Occasionally, on clear, cloudless nights, I would look out the window, hoping for a glimpse of the elusive aurora, but the sky remained still. The real journey began when I discovered how to predict the appearance of the aurora and where to find reliable forecasts.
In 2018, armed with my daughter's old DSLR camera and a stepladder for a tripod, I captured my first aurora photograph. That night was transformative. The mesmerizing dance of the lights, the serene night under the stars, and the camera's ability to seize the moment enchanted me. I was hooked on northern lights photography from then on.
My first aurora photo. 9 January 2018, 1:20 am.
The app
As my passion grew, so did my desire for specific information: when the skies were dark enough for aurora viewing, the onset of the viewing season, expected solar activity, moon phases, current solar activity, tonight's forecast, and whether it was cloudy or clear at my intended viewing spots. Could I capture the aurora's reflection in a lake, or was it too windy?
Navigating multiple apps and websites for this information was time-consuming and often cluttered with irrelevant data. This led me to develop an app that consolidated all the essential forecasts and data I needed in one user-friendly interface, complete with photography tips tailored to the aurora forecasts.
The website
Embarking on aurora photography, I was inundated with questions: selecting camera settings, choosing the right gear, focusing at night, and dealing with cold weather issues, to name a few. The deeper I delved, the more questions arose about composition, timing, location scouting, weather forecasting, aurora types, photo editing, and more.
Finding answers was sometimes a challenge, involving a mix of research and hands-on experimentation. Each discovery brought me closer to mastering the art of aurora photography.
With the app now launched, this website serves as a platform to share the knowledge I've gained, unveil the best photography spots, and assist you in capturing your dream aurora images.
What’s next
I'm committed to continuing my exploration of the world's most stunning aurora destinations, refining my photography skills, and enhancing Step's Aurora Guide app and website. Join me on this awe-inspiring journey into the heart of aurora photography!