Landscapes After Dark

Night-owl photographer Jim Brandenburg shows you how to make gorgeous landscapes after dark.

By Dan Richards | Published Dec 17, 2008 7:16 AM EST

How To

Landscapes-After-Dark-Aurora-borealis-northern-M

Aurora borealis, northern MN: Taken near Brandenburg’s home in Ely, MN. Tripod-mounted Nikon F3, 15mm f/3.5 AI-S Nikkor. Exposure, about 40 to 45 sec, wide open, on Fujichrome P1600 D.

Landscapes-After-Dark-Moose-Lake-Boundary-Water

Moose Lake (Boundary Water Canoe Area), MN: Taken not far from Brandenburg’s backyard, this shot shows some of the northern lights. Canon EOS 5D, 20mm f/1.8 Sigma EX DG lens on tripod, 30 sec at f/2, ISO 320.

Landscapes-After-Dark-Moonlight

Moonlight

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Taken in Dallas, Sheep walk along the ridgeline

Landscapes-After-Dark-Camping-at-sunset

Camping at sunset

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Aurora Borealis

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Deer walking at night

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The sun, looking red, as it rises

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Judd Lake

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Aurora Borealis over Jasper Lake

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The North Star on Christmas Night

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Lightning in the distance

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A Prairie Winter Moonrise

Landscapes-After-Dark-Pinnacles-and-star-trails

Pinnacles and star trails, Badlands National Park, SD: Brandenburg painted light onto the rockfaces with the high beams on his car. Tripod-mounted Nikon F3 and 20mm f/2.8 AI-S Nikkor. Exposure, about 5 minutes, wide open, on Kodachrome 64.