Every year, thousands of photographers and spectators flock to New York City to witness the breathtaking spectacle known as Manhattanhenge. This stunning event occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan, creating a mesmerizing visual display. Typically, it happens twice a year during the summer months, attracting around 20,000 people who gather on the streets to capture the magic as the sun sinks below the horizon, illuminating the city’s iconic skyscrapers in a golden glow.
The phenomenon is the result of Manhattan’s unique grid layout, which was designed in the early 19th century. The streets are oriented in such a way that when the sun sets during the summer solstice, it aligns beautifully with the city’s avenues. This alignment creates a stunning effect, showcasing the sun framed by the towering buildings, making for a truly unforgettable sight.
Inspired by Manhattanhenge, I found myself pondering whether Boise could boast a similar event. A quick exploration using my PhotoPills app revealed a delightful surprise: the streets of downtown Boise are perfectly oriented to align with the winter solstice sunrise. This revelation sparked a creative flame within me, leading me to plan a sunrise shoot that would capture Boisehenge in all its glory.
On the morning of the winter solstice, I set out with my Canon 6D with a Tamron 150-600 and Sony A73 70-300. As I staked my position in downtown Boise, I couldn’t help but notice the curious glances from passersby. With my cameras zoomed in on the composition, I received more than a few funny looks from rubberneckers driving by. However, I was tired enuf to not focus on their looks. Furthermore, I was staring into the sun so I really couldn’t see much through my squinting eyes lol.
Without a solar filter, I pushed my gear to its limits, maximizing shutter speeds, apertures, and ISO. My Canon was set to an astonishing 1/4000 of a second, while my Sony was even more audacious at 1/8000 of a second. I rarely ever touch this fast of shutter speeds in any other practical aspect of photography. These settings, almost unfathomable to the human mind, allowed me to freeze time in its tracks, and most imortantlly limit how much light was hitting my sensor. People have fried their sensors shooting the sun unfiltered. As the sun began to rise, the vibrant colors of dawn spilled over the hills and between the buildings, creating an ethereal glow that painted the urban landscape.
The result was nothing short of mesmerizing. I captured the sun’s warm hues light up the early morning sky, while the twinkling streetlights guided commuters on their way to work. The interplay of light and architecture was a sight, a moment that felt uniquely Boise yet resembling of its New York counterpart
The fun part is there will be a summer solstice version of it, too. Let’s call it the Reverse Boisehenge. This occurs on the summer solstice as the sun sets in the northwest, still aligning with the direction of the streets of downtown Boise. I actually tried to capture this during the summer solstice, but forest fire smoke or clouds obscured a clear horizon.
Photographing Boisehenge was not just about capturing an image; it was about embracing the unexpected beauty of my city and finding joy in the creative process. Each shot encapsulated the spirit of the moment, showcasing how Boise’s burgeoning urbanscape could provide a unique perspective as the downtown continues to develop.
If you’re in Boise around the winter solstice, I invite you to grab your camera and experience this enchanting event for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, the warmth of the sunrise and the charm of downtown Boise will surely inspire you. Capture your own slice of Boisehenge, and let the magic of the moment unfold before you.
