Photographer's guild to the Klondike
“Take Only Photographs, Leave Only Footprints”
From the wildflowers to the landscapes, and everything in between, there’s a beauty to behold up here in the North. The Dawson Region is one of the most beautiful places in the Yukon (we’re only slightly biased.) We’re home to Tombstone Territorial Park, Klondike National Historic Sites, and the Klondike Gold Fields, which are all within Tr’ondek Hwech’in traditional territory.
Some of our best views:
Top of the Midnight Dome
Top of the World Lookout
Klondike River Lookout
George Black Ferry landing (West Dawson)
Tombstone Territorial Park
Crocus Bluff
Orchid Trail
Waterfront Trail
How to: Capture the Northern Lights
Late August to Early April
Photo: Sonny Parker
What you’ll need:
- – A tripod
– A DSLR camera with high ISO capabilities and shutter speeds slower than 1 second.
– A headlamp. So you can see what you’re doing, duh!
– Shutter release cable or remote, so you get that nice crisp shot.
– Extra batteries, because the cold can drain them quiet fast.
– Warm Clothes! This includes a well insulated jacket, toque, gloves (not mittens!), and winterized boots, if you’re coming after September. It’s the Yukon, it’s gonna be cold!
How to:
1. During the daylight, hunt for the perfect spot to get your shot. We suggest setting in on your focus here, as it will make sure you get crisp shots at night. Best way to focus is to set your focus on to the furthest horizon, or just off of infinity.
2. Check the Aurora Borealis forecast! Or just look out your window…
3. It’s night time, and the lights are out! Perfect! Now go for the chase, and head out the door!
4. Once at your desired location, start setting up your gear. Camera on tripod, tripod on ground… you get the idea. This is where the headlamp comes in handy.
5. Settings: We find that starting at ISO 800, f.2.8, and shutter speed between 5-20 seconds (this depends on the speed of the lights) is a great starting point.
6. All there’s left to do is to start shooting! Adjust your settings as needed to get the proper exposure. It’s all trial and error!
Tips:
The only guaranteed way to become good at anything is trying it for yourself and seeing what works.
That being said after a few nights practicing the provided skills under the night sky you will easily grasp all of the concepts.
Always remember you should never increase the ISO to obtain a brighter image prior to opening your aperture to the widest possible value ( f/2.8 works great ), and dialing in the maximum exposure time while still maintaining nice detail in the Northern Lights.
Good luck! And don’t forget to show us your shots with us by using #YesDawson on your social media!
Hidden Secrets… shhhhhhh…
– The back allies (Some of the best spots for street photography)
– Paddle wheeler Graveyard. If abandoned and destroyed ships are your thing..
– Historical Cemeteries. There’s the big one on Mary McLeod Road, or you can try and find the oldest one on the North End of town, or the North West Mounted Police Cemetery on 8th Ave.
– Dredge ponds are the perfect spot to find some beavers and wildlife. The closest one to town is by the Trans North Helicopter pad just across Crocus Bluff.
Events
One lucky thing about Dawson City is the neverending lifestyle. There’s always an event going on or theres always one around the corner. If you come at the right time of year, you can find some wacky things going on.
In March we host Thaw Di Gras, the annual spring carnival. This is home to the Tricycle Races, a road hockey tournament, tea boiling contest, and even a lip-sync! But that’s just the tip of the ice berg. There are so many wack and crazy events that we don’t want to spoil the rest.
In September, we host the Annual Great Klondike International Outhouse Race. Yep, you read that right, outhouses. Teams of 5 race around town and participate in a bathroom themed relay.