He now dedicates all of his time toThe Wicked Hunt, his photography business.
STEVE is an atmospheric illusion that causes a green and purple ribbon of light to appear in the sky.
So, in another frame, Aryanto delights us with this feast for the eyes.
Read on for My Modern Met’s exclusive interview.
What is it about Neowise that inspired you as a photographer?
I started photography because I saw a screenshot of a Milky Way panorama on Facebook about five years ago.
Without my love for stars and night skies, I could say that I wouldn’t be here today.
There’s something about sitting under the starsit makes me feel at peace.
It makes me feel that I’m not alone and that the possibilities are endless.
So when I heard about this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event, I did everything in my power to experience it.
After all, that’s why I started this journey pursuing my passion.
I know that your first attempt at photographing the comet wasn’t successful.
What made you want to keep trying to photograph it?
I only had 10 days left before leaving the Canadian Rockies for my road trip.
But my love for adventure, The Wicked Hunt, pushed me to take a chance.
I didn’t care if all I got was a shot of cloudy days.
The chance to see it again was well worth it.
After all, the decision that we don’t take is the decision that we regret.
So I looked for different locations.
I checked the weather every 12 hours, hoping that it would change.
I knew that mountain weather can change very quickly.
But I know the best is yet to come.
It felt unbelievable, just like a dream.
I still can’t believe how it all unfolds.
I have goosebumps just thinking about it as I answer this question.
I remembered as my time-lapse camera clicked, it would show a preview of the last taken shot.
The wind was powerful that night and I had to anchor the tripod using big rocks.
I remembered it like it was yesterday.
As it showed a preview, there was a faint green glow by the horizon.
At that time, I thought there was a problem with the camera.
As it took another click, I looked closer at the preview and couldn’t believe my eyes.
I asked myself, could it be?
I was screaming, jumping, doing a happy dance.
It was like I was five years old again!
I quickly rushed to my friend and told her that this would be an epic night.
As the day got darker, comet Neowise became more and more prominent and my guess was confirmed.
Lady Aurora had come around to spend the night with us.
We got there around 9 p.m. just before sunset and stayed till dawn at around 3 a.m.
I didn’t want that night to end.
Can you talk about the research that went into finding the perfect spot?
Finding spots to see Neowise can be tricky, especially around Banff National Parks.
The mountains are so tall, while the comet started lower down on the horizon.
So to be able to see the comet, I needed to get up high.
So I pictured myself as if I were there.
I used an app like PhotoPills to understand the moon phase and location of the Milky Way.
From there, I started to look for different locations where I could make my vision come true.
It needed to be on an elevation and confirm that I would have a clear view of comet Neowise.
I also knew from my planning phase that I would have no moon for most of the night.
You could still see a dynamic in the photothe reflection and shape of the lake.
I searched for any location up to a five-hour drive from where I live.
From there, I started to look for trails that fit these criteria in-app like All Trails.
How did you choose the gear that you’d bring along with you for the shoot?
There are two types of gear that I need to considerhiking and camera gear.
Being in the mountain, I knew that the temperature would be cold once you get up high.
So I needed to take that into account.
I brought enough food and drinks for the night.
Protein bars are great for that because they are light and compact.
Then I got a thermos with warm water to have a warm drink while waiting.
I made sure I had enough layers like thermals, a windbreaker, and a down jacket.
I also brought an emergency blanket just in case.
I brought two of my Canon Camera bodies, four lenses, and two tripods for camera gear.
Photographers will understand that the bigger the zoom, the more significant the comet appears.
For those who don’t know, what is STEVE?
It was recorded as early as 1705 but only just understood.
STEVE is more common in the sub aurora region right around Canadian Rockies.
There has been much research done recently around this phenomenon to understand the science behind it.
I first learned about this from Chris Ratzlaff, the founder of Facebook GroupAlberta Aurora Chasers.
Your photography practice is called The Wicked Hunt.
Where did that name come from?
I am excited about my journey, The Wicked Hunt, that’s yet to come.
But life wasn’t always like this.
When I started photography, I was very good at imitating other people’s works.
I was doing my research on locations and compositions based on what others had shared on Instagram.
These award-winning shots have become my proudest work to this date.
Experience first, banger shot later.
I was one of those people.
But The Wicked Hunt reminded me that there’s always beauty in the mundane, tranquillity in the chaos.
All you have to do is to focus on the one that matters.
To stay in the moment and make the most out of it.
Life is one BIG Wicked Hunt!
What do you hope that people take away from your work?
I’m very spiritual with my work of art.
Photography saved me from being stuck living someone else’s life.
I was stuck in a mundane 9 to 5 routine.
But ultimately, everyone should be honest with themselves, and I wasn’t.
Photography has given me hope, purpose, and happiness.
I remembered walking out of the refinery for one last time.
I had never felt so free before.
