How to Photograph the Aurora Borealis

The mesmerizing beauty of the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, has captivated photographers and travelers alike for centuries. Photographing this natural phenomenon can be a truly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of capturing stunning images of the Aurora Borealis, from planning your trip to choosing the right equipment and techniques.

Research and Planning

The Aurora Borealis is a breathtaking natural light display that occurs in the polar regions of the Earth. It is caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. The result is a mesmerizing spectacle of colorful lights dancing across the night sky, with hues of green, purple and pink.

Because early fall and early spring are statistically associated with higher levels of solar activity, the months of September, October and March are usually the best for viewing a spectacular display of the Northern Lights. Of course, large Northern Lights displays can be seen throughout the rest of the Aurora season.

However, there is no way to know in advance when they’ll take place. Always check the Aurora forecast. The higher the Kp index is, the best the Aurora will be. There are various applications you can install on your mobile phone which will show you the Aurora forecast. Of course you have to check the weather forecast as well. You need clear skies to view the Aurora!

Essential Equipment

• Camera: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls for better control over your settings.
• Wide-angle lens: Opt for a lens with a wide field of view, ideally between 14mm and 24mm, to capture the vastness of the night sky.
• Sturdy tripod: A stable tripod is crucial for long-exposure shots, as it helps eliminate camera shake.
• Remote shutter release: Using a remote or cable release minimizes camera movement when capturing long exposures.
• Extra batteries: Bring some spare batteries with you and keep them warm inside your jacket. The cold shortens the life of batteries.
• Warm clothes: You are gonna spend much time standing still while waiting for the Aurora so dress properly.

Camera Settings

• Manual mode: Switch to manual mode to have full control over exposure settings.
• ISO: Probably you will need a high ISO (around 1600 – 3200) to capture the Aurora. Use the lowest needed to capture a photo with as less noise as possible.
• Aperture: Set your aperture to its widest setting (around f/2.8 or lower) to gather as much light as possible.
• Shutter speed: Depending on how fast the Aurora moves try a shutter speed of 2 to 5 seconds.

Composition and Framing

• Foreground interest: Incorporate interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or bodies of water to add depth and context to your images.
• Rule of thirds: Compose your shot using the rule of thirds, placing the horizon and the Aurora Borealis in different thirds of the frame.
• Experiment with angles: Try shooting from different perspectives to capture unique and dynamic compositions.

Additional Tips

• Use manual focus: Set your lens to manual focus and adjust it to infinity or slightly before, as autofocus often struggles in low-light conditions.
• Bracketing: Capture multiple exposures of the same scene to ensure you have a properly exposed image.
• Patience is key: The Aurora Borealis can be unpredictable, so be prepared to spend time waiting for the perfect moment.

Conclusion

Photographing the Aurora Borealis is a thrilling adventure that requires careful planning, patience, and technical know-how. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this blog post, you’ll be well-equipped to capture the magic of the Northern Lights and create stunning images that will last a lifetime. So grab your camera, head to a prime location, and get ready to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. Happy shooting and clear skies!