Yellowstone Aurora ebook release and more updates ☀️
Published 3 months ago • 3 min read
Hello Reader,
It's been a while since my last newsletter—almost a year and a half! During that time, I've been on a journey of rediscovery, traveling, teaching workshops, and contemplating the next steps in my Nature Photography journey. I've updated the format and kept this edition brief, but I'm excited to dive back into a regular newsletter next month with fresh updates. I've created new content for future newsletters, including:
✨ Trails, Travels and Thoughts - sharing various musings from hiking and traveling
✨Field Notes - sharing useful tips from field to gear to helpful photography tips designed to help make your photo outings successful Alongside the new content, I'll still share The Naturalist's Nook, Behind the Image, The Collective Lens, new image releases, and learning opportunities and workshop openings. On the topic of new things, I’m excited to share my latest ebook, which chronicles a night spent photographing the aurora in Yellowstone this past spring. This ebook captures the magic of that night, and I’m thrilled to share the images and the journey with you. Thank you for following along and for the support! I'll see you next month!
New free ebook!
I'm thrilled to announce the release of my free new ebook, which chronicles an unforgettable night spent photographing in my favorite national park during one of the most intense solar storms in recent decades. This 33-page ebook is a visual and written journey through that night, featuring the images I captured and the reflections I had as I navigated the park, chasing the elusive beauty of the auroras.
Hydrothermal Explosion: What Happened in Yellowstone?
Black Diamond Pool, captured during a more peaceful time when I photographed the area last autumn.
Back in July, you might have seen the video and news reports about a hydrothermal explosion in the Biscuit Basin region of Yellowstone National Park. When I first watched the video (see below), I had to replay it a few times to grasp what I was seeing. As a geologist, these events fascinate me. Was this a warning sign from the supervolcano, hinting at the "big one"? Were people hurt? Did it cause damage to the area?
(A park visitor filmed the video; warning: some foul language)
Thankfully, no visitors were injured—a remarkable fact, considering the explosion hurled large rocks and debris across a wide area. So, what is a hydrothermal explosion, and why did it occur?
The explosion occurred near Black Diamond Pool, which is located in Biscuit Basin. These explosions happen when underground water is rapidly heated, building pressure until it releases violently. While they may seem alarming, such events are more common than one might think and are the same forces driving geysers like Old Faithful. Despite the dramatic visuals, it's important to note that this was a superficial explosion, ejecting debris from the surrounding ground rather than from any deeper volcanic source. Geologists and park staff confirmed that this event is not related to the volcanic processes beneath the park.
It’s easy to imagine the supervolcano beneath Yellowstone stirring, but there’s no need for concern — this was simply the park blowing off some steam, albeit in a dramatic fashion. The explosion significantly altered the landscape, transforming the once-beautiful blue Black Diamond Pool into a muddy basin with changed borders and damage to the surrounding ground. The boardwalk also sustained damage. The photos from the USGS below offer a before-and-after aerial view, showing the extent of the impact.
Before: USGS photo
After, USGS photo
What does this mean for photography or if you're visiting soon? If you’re planning a visit, Biscuit Basin will be closed for the 2024 season. But don’t worry — Yellowstone’s other basins and geothermal features offer plenty of incredible photo opportunities. This recent explosion highlights the park's dynamic and unpredictable nature, reminding us of the constant changes shaping Yellowstone’s unique landscape.
The Collective Lens
Other items of interest from my colleagues and the world of Nature Photography
Michael Frye recently wrote a blog post about the importance of utilizing light and combining elements such as light, conditions and locations to create imagery.
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