GETTING STARTED WITH
Northern Lights Photography
Capturing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is one of the most magical experiences a photographer can have. The vivid greens, purples, and blues dancing across the night sky create breath-taking images, but photographing them requires the right preparation, settings, and conditions. Whether you’re planning your first aurora shoot or looking to refine your technique, this guide will help you understand the best locations, camera settings, and essential tips for capturing stunning Northern Lights photos.
Equipment Essentials
Camera
Choose a DSLR or mirrorless camera that allows manual adjustments for ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. These controls are critical for capturing the delicate and dynamic light of the aurora borealis. A camera with excellent low-light performance and a wide dynamic range is ideal. Mirrorless cameras often offer the added advantage of an electronic viewfinder, making it easier to compose shots in the dark.
Lenses
A fast wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider) is your best ally for aurora photography. This type of lens not only captures more of the expansive night sky but also ensures adequate light reaches your camera’s sensor. Wider focal lengths (14-24mm) are particularly effective for framing the aurora along with foreground elements like mountains or trees.
Tripod
A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable for aurora photography. Long exposures are necessary to capture the vivid colours and movement of the aurora, and any vibration can result in blurry images. Invest in a high-quality tripod that can withstand windy conditions often encountered in arctic regions.
Remote Shutter Release
Using a remote shutter release or intervalometer minimises camera shake during long exposures. This is particularly helpful when capturing time-lapse sequences or stacking multiple exposures.
Power Banks and Extra Batteries
Cold weather drains camera batteries quickly. Bring multiple fully charged batteries and consider using hand warmers to extend their life. Power banks can also be invaluable for keeping your gear operational during extended shooting sessions.
Headlamp or Torch
Navigating in the dark is part of the aurora experience. A headlamp with a red light mode ensures you can see without ruining your night vision or disturbing other photographers.
"Cissbury Ring: An Aurora Dream"
Cissbury Ring, West Sussex
ISO-1250, f/2.8, 3.2 seconds
Planning Ahead
Location Scouting
Research locations known for minimal light pollution and unobstructed views of the horizon. High-latitude regions such as Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska, and Iceland are prime spots for viewing the aurora. In the UK, Scotland offers excellent opportunities, particularly in areas like the Cairngorms, Orkney, and the Isle of Skye, though in periods of extreme solar activity they can be seen all the way on the south cost. Including foreground elements like frozen lakes, forests, or unique landmarks can enhance your composition.
Timing and Weather
The best time to capture the aurora is during the winter months when nights are longest and skies are darkest. Use aurora forecast apps like My Aurora Forecast or websites like SpaceWeatherLive to monitor geomagnetic activity. Combine this with weather apps to ensure clear skies on the night of your shoot.
Composition Considerations
Wherever it’s possible, plan your compositions during daylight hours. Use natural elements like trees, mountains, or reflective surfaces to add depth and scale to your images. Pay attention to the aurora’s movement and be ready to adapt your framing to capture its ever-changing shapes and colours.
Patience and Persistence
Sometimes the solar activities don’t play out as we has planned for, and that may result in coming away with no photos. Don’t lose confidence though, and keep persevering.
Safety First
Cold climates and remote locations can pose challenges. Dress in layers and bring essential supplies, including a first aid kit, GPS device, and snacks. Always inform someone of your plans, especially if you’re venturing into isolated areas.
"Emerald Castle"
Arundel, West Sussex
ISO-800, f/4, 10 seconds
Camera Settings
Aperture
Set your aperture to its widest setting (f/2.8 or wider) to gather as much light as possible. This is essential for capturing the aurora’s intricate details and vivid colours.
ISO
Start with an ISO between 1600 and 3200. Adjust based on the aurora’s brightness and your camera’s noise performance. Some modern cameras can handle higher ISOs with minimal noise.
Shutter Speed
Experiment with shutter speeds between 5 and 15 seconds. Faster speeds are ideal for capturing the aurora’s dynamic movements, while longer exposures may result in softer, more ethereal images. Use shorter exposures during intense aurora activity to avoid overexposing the vibrant details.
White Balance
Manually set your white balance between 3500K and 4500K to maintain the aurora’s natural green, purple, and pink hues. Avoid auto white balance, as it may introduce unwanted colour shifts.
Focus
Switch to manual focus and set your lens to infinity. Use your camera’s live view to magnify bright stars and fine-tune focus for sharp results. Double-check focus periodically, especially if your lens has been exposed to temperature changes.
Advanced Techniques
Time-Lapse Photography
Capture the aurora’s mesmerising dance by shooting a time-lapse sequence. Use an intervalometer to take a series of images over several hours, and compile them into a video to showcase the aurora’s motion across the night sky.
Reflections
Utilise water surfaces such as lakes or fjords to create stunning mirror-like reflections of the aurora. Ensure the water is calm for the best effect.
Light Painting
Incorporate light painting to highlight foreground elements. Use a dim flashlight or LED panel to softly illuminate objects like trees, rocks, or cabins without overpowering the aurora.
Panoramas
Create a sense of scale by stitching together multiple images into a panorama. This technique is particularly effective for showcasing the aurora’s vast reach across the sky.
Post Processing
Specialist Software
Start with software like Sequator or Starry Landscape Stacker to refine and align your images, especially if you’re stacking exposures for noise reduction. These tools can handle the alignment of stars while keeping your foreground static, creating sharper and cleaner images.
Editing Essentials
Use professional editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to fine-tune your images. Adjust exposure, contrast, and sharpness to bring out the aurora’s vivid colours and intricate details. These tools also offer features for cropping and straightening, ensuring your final composition is polished.
Noise Reduction
Long exposures and high ISOs can introduce noise. Use post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to apply selective noise reduction while preserving fine details in the aurora.
Contrast and Clarity
Enhance the aurora’s structure and colours by adjusting contrast and clarity. This can make the patterns and movement of the lights stand out more prominently.
Colour Adjustment
Fine-tune the colour balance to ensure accurate representation of the aurora’s hues. Avoid oversaturating the image, as this can make it appear unnatural.