How To Find and Photograph the Northern Lights
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The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most spectacular light shows. Caused by solar particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere, these vibrant displays of green, pink, yellow, and violet lights dance across the night sky. For photography fans, travel adventurers, nature lovers, and everyone in between, catching the Northern Lights is often a bucket-list experience.
Summary
Planning Your Trip
Choosing the Right Time
Best Locations
Camera and Gear
Essential Equipment
Setting Up the Shot
Finding the Perfect Composition
Shooting Techniques
Recommended Camera Settings
Recommended Phone Camera Settings
Long-Exposure Techniques
Post-Processing
Basic Techniques
Safety and Etiquette
Safety Tips
Respectful Practices
Planning Your Trip
Choosing the Right Time
The Northern Lights are most visible during the winter months, from late September to early April. The best time to catch this breathtaking phenomenon is typically between 10 pm and 2 am, when the sky is at its darkest and the chances of seeing the lights are highest. It's best to find remote or elevated location, away from city lights to get the best view. And of course, look north!
Additionally, make sure to check the weather. If the sky is full of clouds, then the lights are going to be covered up since they occur above that layer in the atmosphere.
I like these websites best when checking for light pollution. You want to get as far away from the white/pink/red/orange locations as you can. On a particularly strong night in Iceland, I have seen them in a location that's highlighted yellow.
You will also want to check the forecast. These are my go to sites below.
Best Locations
Of course, depending on the rating of the storm, you can see the northern lights almost anywhere outside a large city (see my links to the dark sky maps and forecasts above). Here are just a couple bucket list locations that happen to also be perfect for northern lights hunting.
Norway - Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands
Iceland - Anywhere in Iceland, the more you get outside their bigger cities, the better
Sweden - Abisko National Park
Finland - Lapland
Canada - Yukon, Northwest Territories
Alaska - Fairbanks
Camera and Gear
Essential Equipment
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings.
Lens: A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider).
Tripod: A sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposures.
Remote Shutter Release: To prevent camera shake when taking photos.
However, with most current cell phones (and maybe a tripod) you can get great photos too!
Setting Up the Shot
Finding the Perfect Composition
Foreground Elements: Adding mountains, trees, or water bodies can really boost the depth and visual appeal of your photos! These features not only contrast beautifully with the vibrant colors of the aurora but also give a sense of scale and context, making the scene feel more immersive for your viewers.
Framing Considerations: Don’t forget to use the rule of thirds to position the aurora and foreground elements in a way that feels balanced and inviting. By aligning your subject with the grid lines and intersections, you’ll create a more engaging composition that guides the viewer's eye through the image, helping them fully enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape.
Shooting Techniques
Recommended Camera Settings
Manual Mode: Set your camera to manual mode to have full control over exposure settings.
Focus: Switch to manual focus and set it to infinity. Use the live view mode to fine-tune focus on a bright star or distant light.
White Balance: Start with a daylight setting (around 4000K) and adjust as needed.
ISO: 800-3200
Aperture: f/2.8 or wider
Shutter Speed: 5-30 seconds, depending on the aurora's activity
Recommended Phone Camera Settings
Turn on night mode or use pro mode.
ISO should be set to 1600 or above.
Set your white balance (WB) to 3200K.
A longer shutter speed is best, something around 10-15 seconds.
Long-Exposure Techniques
Stability: Ensure your tripod is stable and use a remote shutter release to minimize camera shake.
Exposure Adjustments: Experiment with different exposure times to capture the varying intensity and movement of the aurora.
Post-Processing
Basic Techniques
Color Correction: Adjust the white balance to ensure accurate color representation, enhancing hues to bring out the vibrancy and beauty of the aurora. This step is crucial for capturing the shades of green and even pink and purple if you're lucky!
Noise Reduction: Utilize noise reduction tools to minimize graininess commonly associated with high ISO settings, especially in low-light conditions. This process helps to create a cleaner and more polished image, allowing the intricate details of the aurora to shine through without distraction.
Sharpening: Try using selective sharpening techniques to enhance details in specific areas of the image, making sure to highlight the delicate structures of the aurora. Just be careful to avoid adding any unwanted noise—it's all about finding that sweet balance between clarity and smoothness in your final photograph!
Safety and Etiquette
Safety Tips
I know, the boring "I know mommmm" tips but you never know! Especially when going to more remote locations.
Dress Warmly: Layer up with thermal clothing, a warm hat, gloves, and waterproof boots.
Stay Informed: Check weather and aurora forecasts, and inform someone about your whereabouts.
Bring Essentials: Carry a flashlight, extra batteries, and a fully charged phone.
Respectful Practices
Leave No Trace: Always remember to pack out all the trash and waste you bring along, ensuring the natural environment stays as beautiful as you found it. This means cleaning up after yourself and being aware of how your actions can affect the ecosystem, helping to keep it safe for future visitors to enjoy!
Respect Private Property: Be considerate of private properties and always ask for permission before entering.
Capturing the Northern Lights is such a fun experience that blends the beauty of nature with photography. With a bit of planning, the right gear, and some handy tips, you'll be on your way to snapping amazing shots of this magical sight. Ready to chase those auroras? Grab your camera, pack your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Happy shooting!
Hi, I’m Karen!Travel Blogger & Photographer + Founder of The Everyday Adventure
Here I share travel tips, packing guides, planning help, and photography from many different parts of the world. I help other working 9-5 adventurers get out into the world and see as much as they can with the little time they have available.
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