Capturing the Magic of the Northern Lights
A Chicago family who loves the magic of nature was able to capture photos of the northern lights Wednesday night at Montrose Beach. DeJuan Shorter and his wife Ellen were tracking when the best time to go down to one of their favorite spots in the city — Montrose Beach.
The Experience
DeJuan initially went to the beach at around 8:15 p.m. with one of his daughters and the northern lights were not as visible to the naked eye. Around an hour later with Ellen and two of his daughters, Shorter knew they were in for a treat as he walked over the hill to the beach.
They got settled on the beach and for 19 minutes, the natural spectacle was visible to the naked eye for around 15 minutes. “The green was really popping over the water with really vivid pulses,” Shorter said. “It was really intense.”
Capturing the Moment
A camera allows more of the light to be pulled into the lens. For anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon or photograph them — you don’t need a $1,000 camera. Shorter captured the following images with his iPhone 17.
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Northern lights at Montrose Beach, courtesy DeJuan Shorter
Tips for Amateur Photographers
Shorter shared the following tips to WGN News for amateur photographers trying to capture the lights: Find a dark area — Montrose is a “dull beach” for light. Make sure you know how to use night settings on your phone and don’t be afraid to use a tripod.
A New Hobby
It wasn’t the first rendezvous for the Shorter family with the northern lights, but it’s been a relatively new hobby. They drove up to rural Wisconsin in Oct. 2024 to observe the lights for the first time. For the Shorters, they love showing their three daughters, Kailyn, Ariana and Kinsley, nature instead of screen time.
“It’s been awesome — getting them off screens, out in nature playing and really having fun seeing it,” Shorter said. “They help me spot them and are amazed on what they’re seeing. It’s a good hobby.”
Aurora Forecast
NOAA’s Thursday aurora forecast is stronger with a range line dipping into the Chicago area compared to Friday. The farther away from light will give you the best chance to see the solar storm.
Conclusion
Capturing the northern lights can be a thrilling experience, and with the right equipment and knowledge, anyone can do it. The Shorter family’s experience is a great example of how this natural phenomenon can bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the northern lights are a sight to behold, and with these tips and tricks, you can capture their beauty for yourself.
