© Lady A. Dancing in the Dark by Peaches Wallin
Naona "Peaches" Wallin
"Since 2012, I have been working on an ambitious astrophotography project. I have shared only a few images, (one of which won a national award!) saving the majority for a grand public debut. The Main Street Gallery is the perfect venue to host Radiance in the Rainforest: Capturing the Northern Lights of Southeast Alaska. A solo photography exhibit featuring rare images of the magnificent Northern Lights captured right here in Ketchikan!
The Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis, are among earth's most elusive and mysterious natural phenomena. Capturing them in Ketchikan is challenging. Our coastal maritime climate creates frequent cloud cover, rain, and fog, often obscuring the night sky. And our mid-latitude location requires stronger-than-average solar storms for the aurora to be visible. The good news is the sun is currently approaching solar maximum -a period of increased solar activity NOAA predicts will peak between 2023 -2025. With more solar flares and sunspots, the earthbound emission of charged particles needed to generate the Auroras will happen with greater frequency and intensity – precisely the conditions required to see Lady A from Southeast Alaska.
The exhibit showcases 14 photographs in various sizes, float-mounted and printed on aluminum with a glossy finish.
"Radiance in the Rainforest" celebrates nature's beauty and power, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the wonder and mystery of the Northern Lights. A natural phenomenon that is visually stunning, stirring emotions and encouraging people to explore the natural world around them. While potentially raising awareness about the importance of preserving the dark skies and reducing light pollution. Which not only effects the view of the night sky and stars but
also impacts migratory bird patterns.
I believe that this exhibit provides a unique and captivating experience for viewers. I’m excited for opportunity to finally share these photographs that I hope will be as meaningful and impactful to my audience and community as they it is for me."
-- Naona "Peaches" Wallin
Peaches joined the North American Nature Photographers Association (NANPA) in 2017. Since, she'd had her images included in the NANPA Showcase every year! Judges select the top 250 images submitted and these images are considered to be the best nature photos of the year! "The Top 24" includes the Best in Category Winner, the First Runner-Up, and Two Judges’ Choice images per category. There are two additional levels of recognition: "Top 100" and "Top 250.”
Peaches' NANPA Achievements:
2018: She had 1 image in the "Top 250"
2020: She had 1 image in the "Top 100"
2021:
She had 1 image in the "Top 24"
"Spiraling STEVE” won "Judges Choice" in the "Scapes" category.
2022:
“Swirling STEVE” made the "Top 100"
"Rare Astral Phenomenon STEVE and Picket Fence Aurora Borealis” made the Top 250
2023: She had 1 image in the "Top 250"
2024: She had 1 image in the "Top 250"
** In addition, Peaches has had a couple dozen entries make the semi-finalist round throughout all 6 years!
Every year NANPA publishes the 250 Showcase images in their Journal “Expressions”. Here are 2 pages from the 2021 “Expressions” showing Peaches' Judge's-Choice image, along with their comments and bios:
