Canary Springs under the Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis - Yellowstone National Park
I had been keeping an eye out on the Aurora Borealis activity in the area for the last couple weeks, trying to find a night I could skirt my time commitments at home and head out to see what I could find. Finally, I had an opportunity to sneak out for an all nighter and loaded up the truck to hit the road. Had a few locations picked out in my mind in the northern Bridger Range, along the Gallatin River or north of Livingston. Instead, I opted last minute to head south to Yellowstone National Park, a place I now mostly avoid unless I am able to get off the road and hike in the back country.
There was a little light on the horizon from 10pm to 2 am, but nothing to write home about. I scoped out a couple spots, and crawled in the truck to take a little nap. I bolted up after the quick snooze, afraid I had slept too long, looked at my clock and it read 3:33am. Figured it was the perfect sign to head out again.
The fall rutting elk screamed in the distance as I cued up the headlamp and fastened the bear spray to the belt. Made my way down to Canary spring to set up, and was humbled to start watching the show. The Milky Way, the falling stars, the slight dancing of the pinks, greens and purples, the gurgling of the bubbling hot water, the stomping hooves and bugling in the distance. I had found the right place and the right time for what was needed for the photos, and for my soul.
"Canary Spring under the Northern Lights" new open edition panorama print available here. Standard format print available here:
Leave a comment
Also in News
Grateful for Commercial Work and Why it Matters
May 01, 2026
Commercial Clients & Expanding Community Presence:
I’ve always believed that great work doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s built through strong relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to quality. This past season has been a great reminder of that, and I want to take a moment to recognize a few of the organizations and partners who continue to support my work in the commercial space.
Whether with law firms, municipalities, or local businesses—these projects carry a different kind of responsibility. These aren’t just one-off pieces; they live in spaces where decisions are made, relationships are built, and communities are shaped. Working with partners like MacKenzie River Pizza and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, the Ridge Athletic Club, the City of Bozeman and many others reinforces what I already know:
* Quality work gets noticed
* Relationships matter more than transactions
* And local partnerships drive long-term success
New massive 60 ft x 9 ft double sided glass image to be installed at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport:
Excited to announce a new image being installed at the at the Bozeman airport as part of a large expansion over the coming years. Needless to say, am honored to be part of it, and it is great exposure to a record-breaking 2,809,419 total passengers in 2025.
The new image is shot from the 3 Dollar Bridge on the Madison River, and was custom shoot done for the airport in June of 2025.
Current airport permanent installations: "Missouri Headwaters Map"
--------
New Large Format Images at the Remodeled Bozeman City Hall:
I’m excited to share a recent installation at the City of Bozeman Hall. Projects like this are especially meaningful—they’re seen by locals, visitors, and community leaders alike. It’s a small way to help shape the visual identity of Bozeman as it continues to grow and evolve.
New large format pieces at City Hall: "Hyalite Spillway #2"
New large format pieces at City Hall: "Palisade Summer"
--------
Thank you to Crowley Fleck Law Office in Helena:
Local businesses like these are the backbone of our communities—and their support for local artists.
New 160"x30" triptych canvas in Helena: "Sleeping Giant"
New 160"x30" triptych canvas in Helena: "Sleeping Giant"
I’m truly grateful for the continued support—it means a great deal to have people who believe in the work and help it grow after 23 years of community support. Each bit of encouragement, feedback, and shared enthusiasm makes a difference and keeps the momentum going. I’m excited about what lies ahead and look forward to building on these connections, exploring new ideas, and creating more meaningful collaborations together in the future.
Best,
Craig
Continue reading
Honored to have these two large pieces part of a permanent collection in the grand entrance of the new Montana Historical Society in Helena!
December 05, 2025
Honored to have these two large pieces part of a permanent collection in the grand entrance of the new Montana Historical Society in Helena. This place is absolutely stunning, and due to the generous gifts by many benefactors and the hard work of countless people, this museum is open to the public and always free. The art galleries alone are worth seeing, let alone the amazingly displayed history of Montana.
I used to wander the halls of this old building almost 30 years ago, browsing through the historical archives of photos and art, getting excited as a young buck in my early 20s, fresh out of MSU as a naïve intern for Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks - design and construction. To see it now, so many years later, in its brilliant new found glory, and to have some of my work part of it now, is truly an honor.
Here is a link to my youtube with short video at the start of the presentation:
And here is another link to a short video on Facebook made by Kevin League Photography. Kevin is a very talented photographer based in Helena, and has 2 pieces up in conjunction with my images up in the permanent display.
Continue reading
Christmas order deadlines 2025:
December 01, 2025
"Harper Puckett" Spanish Peaks, 2014
I will be closed from Dec. 23rd through January 6th.
LOCAL ORDERS & PICKUPS:
-Local orders can be placed and picked up through Dec. 23rd.
IN STOCK FRAMED PRINTS and BOOKS:
In stock framed prints will be shipped out in 1-2 days from order date, and will ship up to Dec. 22nd depending on location. Local orders can be placed and picked up through Dec. 23rd.
NEW FRAMED PRINT ORDERS:
All new framed print production orders must be in by December 5th to ensure delivery by Christmas. (orders may still be placed, but may not arrive in time) For orders that will not arrive by Christmas, I will send you a 8.5x11 pdf printout with a sample of the photo to give as a gift before the print arrives. (see below sample)
Questions? Check the FAQ page, then shoot me an E-Mail or call my office at 406-522-7798
(I rarely answer the phone these days, but leave a message or text, and I will call you back)
Continue reading