A Light in the Dark: New Horizons for an Upper Peninsula Photographer

On a crisp November weekend in 2023, amidst the remote beauty of Red Cliff, Wisconsin, the sky lit up—not just with the shimmering waves of the aurora borealis, but also with inspiration, learning, and community. For Thomas Oliver, a conservation, outdoor, and travel photographer based in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, attending the Aurora Summit 2023 was more than professional development—it was a transformative experience. “I cannot fully describe how truly successful I feel my attendance at the Aurora Summit was,” Oliver shared. His passion for nature and the cosmos, deeply rooted in both science and artistry, found new depth and direction thanks to the summit’s unique blend of hands-on learning and visionary storytelling.

The Aurora Summit is a rare convergence of artists, scientists, and community leaders who explore not only how to capture the northern lights, but also what they mean for humanity. Over three days, Oliver immersed himself in everything from space weather data analysis and aurora forecasting to indigenous mythology and the emotional impact of auroral displays.

Armed with this knowledge, Oliver is now better equipped to predict and photograph these fleeting wonders. “The knowledge I gained has already improved my aurora/night sky photography,” Oliver said. “Especially in regards to space weather data analysis…which allows me to plan more effectively for getting well-composed aurora and night sky images.”

At the Aurora Summit, participants learned the science and physics behind aurora events and how to effectively photograph them.

Perhaps even more powerful is how Oliver has translated what he learned into opportunities for others. “I have incorporated what I learned at the Aurora Summit into workshops that I’ve provided for other artists in the region,” he said. He’s working on a new publication—The Keweenaw Aurora Guide—which will serve as a resource for anyone interested in experiencing or photographing the northern lights in Michigan’s Copper Country.

Oliver’s efforts are grounded in a passion for sharing. He has led educational programs such as night sky photography workshops at the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park and moonlit interpretive snowshoe hikes at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Now, with enhanced skills and new insights, he’s planning future community programs including a regional photography network. “A place where professionals and amateurs can collaborate, share, and promote each other’s work,” he explained.

The Aurora Summit also opened doors that extend far beyond the weekend itself. “as a result of the support from MACC [I was] offered the chance to be an inaugural artist-in-residence on one of the Keweenaw Land Trust’s properties,” Oliver noted. He was also selected to pilot a visiting artist program being considered by Isle Royale National Park and the Copper Country Community Arts Center.

Oliver was able to attend the Summit with a Professional Development Mini Grant through the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, which Oliver believes has played a significant role. “My gut feeling tells me that having the grant included on my résumé helped,” he said. “I also recognize, myself, that my skills lifted off a plateau as a result of putting to practice what I learned at the Aurora Summit.”

The summit wasn’t without its challenges. Red Cliff’s quiet offseason made logistics tricky. With limited lodging and sparse food options, Oliver often cooked meals from the back of his truck, grilling outside his motel after long days of workshops. But he took it all in stride. “The knowledge I gained made it all worth it,” he reflected.

This story—one of curiosity, resilience, and shared wonder—wouldn’t have unfolded without the support of arts and culture funding. The grant Oliver received through the program helped him overcome financial hurdles and focus on growth, creativity, and community impact. Oliver’s journey is a powerful reminder of why such programs matter.

While the Upper Peninsula Arts and Culture Alliance currently has transitioned away from offering Professional Development grants due to changes in state funding allocations, it is pursuing the possibility of creating its own Professional Development grant program so that artists like Oliver in the Upper Peninsula can continue to seek valuable education in their field. “We believe that artists and arts and culture professionals should have opportunities for continuing education, and we want to continue to encourage and support that,” said Executive Director, Philip Rice. “When we invest in artists, we empower them to not only refine their craft but also to become teachers, storytellers, and advocates for something larger—like the night sky, and our place beneath it.”

You can follow Thomas Oliver’s photography and educational efforts at teoliver.com or on Instagram at @theupwell.

You can follow Thomas Oliver’s photography and educational efforts at teoliver.com or on Instagram at @theupwell.

Posted on April 23, 2025 in News. Bookmark the permalink.