The Aurora Hunter

Todd, "Aurora Hunter", in a picture he calls, "Self Frosty"

The 1994 Starcraft pop-up in "Jamacian Rig"

One of Todd's hero shots of the aurora titled, "Goddess of Dawn"

We are very excited to bring to you Todd Salat, also known as the Aurora Hunter. Todd is a very passionate photographer who spends long winter nights in the frigid Alaskan wilderness hunting the northern lights. He also happens to be an avid truck camper, but we’ll let him tell you his story.

TCM: How did you get into photographing the northern lights?

Todd: I spent seven years in the corporate world working as a geologist for Arco. At that point I started photographing the northern lights as a hobby. My very first picture had beautiful green lights dancing across it. Wow. The hobby became a passion, which became an obsession.

TCM: So what did you do?

Todd: I was burning the candle at both ends. I remember seeing school buses going by and thinking I'd getter get an hours sleep before work. Something had to give. I wanted to be free. So I resigned in 1996, took my life savings, and hitchhiked New Zealand for five months. Then I drove all the way around Australia for seven months in a Ford Falcon station wagon I called the Millenium Falcon. To me it was all very natural.

TCM: How did you get your truck camper?

Todd: My plan was to get into a truck camper when I got back, drive to Alaska, and be a full time photographer. In 1996, I found a 1994 Starcraft pop-up camper. I’ve nick named it the Rejuvinator. For me it's perfect.

TCM: The Rejuvinator?

Todd: In the winter I spend hours upon hours in the cold. Even with my parka and military issue bunny boots, eventually the elements wear you down. Of course the northern lights don’t care so I’ll stand out and shoot them as long as they’re dancing. After that there’s nothing better than hopping into the camper, turning on the propane heat, and cooking up a meal. That’s the Rejuvinator.

TCM: How do you get these photographs of Auroras?

Todd: The secret is being there, being awake, and being ready. There are people who have lived here in Anchorage who have never seen the northern lights. You’ve gotta keep one eye on the sky. My wife and I have seen them from Anchorage hundreds of times. My motto is be there, preserve the moment, and share it. That’s my secret.