The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is one of nature’s most stunning spectacles, captivating photographers worldwide. Photographing this ethereal phenomenon requires specific techniques and preparations. This guide will provide you with essential tips to capture breathtaking images of the Northern Lights.
1. Research and Plan Your Trip
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon best viewed in specific locations and during certain times of the year. Countries like Norway, Iceland, Finland, Canada, and Alaska are prime spots for witnessing this magical display. However, with the right tools and research, you can also catch the aurora in less typical locations such as the Faroe Islands.
Before setting out to photograph the Northern Lights, thorough research is essential. I rely on the My Aurora App to check the solar activity and predict the likelihood of aurora sightings. This app provides real-time updates and helps me determine the best nights for aurora photography.
Additionally, I use a light pollution map to find locations with the darkest skies possible. For instance, in May 2024, there was a rare northern lights event in Switzerland. To capture this, I checked the light pollution map and found a spot near my place with minimal light interference. This combination of tools ensures I am always prepared and in the right place to capture the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights.
➜ My Aurora app
➜ Aurora Forecast
➜ Light pollution map
2. Choose the Right Gear
Having the right equipment is essential for capturing the Northern Lights. A sturdy tripod, a camera with manual settings, and wide-angle lenses with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider) are key. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards, as cold weather can drain battery life quickly.
To capture the northern lights effectively, equip yourself with the following gear:
1️⃣ Sturdy tripod : stability is crucial for long exposures.
2️⃣ Camera with manual settings : allows you to adjust settings for optimal night photography.
3️⃣ Wide-angle lens : captures the vastness of the sky.
4️⃣ Lens with a large aperture (f/1.8 or f/2.8) : maximizes light intake, essential for night photography.
5️⃣ Remote shutter release or camera timer : prevents camera shake during long exposures.
6️⃣ Extra batteries : cold weather can deplete battery life quickly.
7️⃣ Memory cards : ensures you have enough storage for a night of shooting.
With these items in your kit, you’ll be well-prepared to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights.
3. Master Your Camera Settings
Manual settings are your best friend when photographing the Northern Lights. Adjusting your camera’s settings correctly can make all the difference in capturing the vibrant colors and movement of the aurora.
To get the best results, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Put your camera on a tripod : stability is crucial for long exposures.
2️⃣ Use a wide-angle lens : capture the vastness of the sky.
3️⃣ Set the aperture to f/1.8 or f/2.8 : maximize light intake.
4️⃣ Choose an exposure time of 5 to 25 seconds : experiment to find the best exposure for your conditions.
5️⃣ Adjust the ISO between 800 and 3200 : higher ISO settings help capture more light but be mindful of potential noise.
6️⃣ Ensure the focus is set to infinity : keep the stars and aurora sharp.
7️⃣ Pack extra batteries and memory cards : cold weather can deplete battery life quickly.
Mastering these settings will help you capture the vivid colors and dynamic movement of the Northern Lights. Remember, preparation and experimentation are key to successfully photographing this mesmerizing phenomenon.
4. Use a Remote Shutter Release
A remote shutter release helps avoid camera shake during long exposures, ensuring sharp images. If you don’t have one, use your camera’s built-in timer to minimize movement.
For capturing the northern lights, a remote shutter release is invaluable. I personally use the Rollei Wireless Remote Shutter Release to minimize camera shake and ensure crisp, clear images. This tool allows for precise control without physically touching the camera, which is crucial during long exposures.
If you don’t have a remote, you can still reduce potential movement by utilizing your camera’s built-in timer. This feature allows the camera to stabilize before the exposure begins, ensuring sharp photos even without a remote.
Using a remote shutter release or the timer function will significantly enhance the sharpness and clarity of your Northern Lights photographs.
➜ Rollei Wireless remote shutter release
5. Find the Right Composition
Composition plays a vital role in Northern Lights photography. To create captivating images, scout your location during daylight to find interesting foreground elements like mountains, trees, or bodies of water. These features add depth and context, transforming a simple aurora shot into a stunning landscape photograph.
I use Google Maps and Google Earth to scout potential spots and plan my composition in advance. By examining the terrain and landmarks, I can identify the best angles and positions for my shots. This preparation ensures that when the northern lights appear, I’m ready to capture them with a well-thought-out composition.
Incorporating foreground elements adds depth and context to your Northern Lights photos, making them more dynamic and visually appealing.
6. Dress Appropriately
Photographing the Northern Lights often means braving frigid temperatures for extended periods. Dressing in layers is essential since once you’re on location, you may not move much. I always ensure I have multiple layers, including thermal clothing, to stay warm and comfortable. Here’s what I typically wear:
— Thermal clothing : to keep your core warm.
— Waterproof boots : essential for standing on snow or wet ground.
— Gloves : to protect your hands while still allowing you to handle your camera.
— Hat : to retain body heat and keep your head warm.
Staying warm and comfortable is crucial, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot without being distracted by the cold. Proper clothing ensures that you can fully enjoy and concentrate on your Northern Lights photography session.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Patience is essential when photographing the northern lights, as they can be highly unpredictable. Sometimes, you may have to wait hours in the cold for the perfect moment. Stay vigilant and prepared, as the aurora can appear and vanish swiftly.
I find that being patient and persistent pays off. Once on location, I stay alert and ready with my camera settings dialed in, ensuring I’m prepared to capture the lights as soon as they appear. This persistence and readiness are key to capturing the magical moments when the lights dance across the sky. Patience, coupled with the right preparation, will significantly increase your chances of getting that perfect shot.
8. Experiment with Exposure Times
Experimenting with different exposure times can significantly impact the outcome of your Northern Lights photographs. Shorter exposures can capture intricate details of the aurora’s movement, while longer exposures create smooth, flowing light patterns.
When I’m out photographing the Northern Lights, I adjust my settings to match the intensity and speed of the aurora. Here’s what I typically do:
— Shorter exposures (5-10 seconds) : capture more detail in the aurora’s movement.
— Longer exposures (15-25 seconds) : create smooth, flowing light patterns.
By experimenting with these different exposure times, you can determine what works best for the current aurora activity and achieve a variety of stunning effects in your photos.
9. A Night of Northern Lights in Switzerland
On the night of May 10th to 11th, I had the incredible opportunity to see the Northern Lights in Switzerland. My Aurora App notified me to the chance of a display, so I used a light pollution map to find a nearby spot with minimal light interference. I ended up watching a beautiful pink and red aurora for over an hour from Col du Marchairuz in the Jura Mountains, in the canton of Vaud. It was an unforgettable experience and a reminder that the Aurora Borealis can shine brightly even in unexpected places.
➜ My Aurora app
➜ Light pollution map
Conclusion
Capturing the Northern Lights is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation and patience. By researching your location, using the right gear, mastering your camera settings, and dressing appropriately, you’ll be well-equipped to photograph this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. Remember to stay patient and persistent, as the aurora can be unpredictable. Experimenting with exposure times and incorporating interesting foreground elements will help you capture stunning images of the lights.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embrace the challenge and beauty of Northern Lights photography. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate the wonder of the aurora dancing across the sky.
Published on 31.07.2024 by Jennifer Esseiva
