Photographing the Northern Lights is probably top of many photographers bucket-list. With the right approach, you can shoot this absolutely stunning natural phenomenon. Here’s a straightforward and easy-to-follow guide to help you get those beautiful images. I’ve kept things as simple as possible to make it as easy as possible for most people.
If you want to see aurora, you need to be outside!
Camera VS your Eye
A camera’s sensor is superior to the human eye. It has the ability to pick up things beyond our natural vision, including various wavelengths of light, and it can be much more sensitive in low light conditions. This heightened sensitivity allows the camera to unveil colors that remain hidden to our naked eyes. Also with long exposures, the camera effectively captures light over time, resulting in a significantly enhanced and brighter appearance of the aurora.
Step 1: Prepare Your Gear
Before heading for Northern Lights photography, ensure you have the right equipment:
- Camera: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings. However, the latest smartphones from the last couple of years are also more than capable of shooting the northern lights.
- Lens: A fast wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider) will let in more light.
- Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposures.
- Remote Shutter Release or Timer: Minimises camera shake for crisp photos.
- Extra Batteries: Cold weather can drain batteries quickly.
Step 2: Find the Perfect Location
To photograph the Northern Lights, you need to be in a location where they are visible. The best places to see Northern Lights are typically in the northern parts of the world, such as Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska but it’s not uncommon to see and photograph them in the UK & Ireland too with the right conditions. Aim for areas with minimal light pollution to ensure the clearest view of the sky.
Here are some specific locations where I have chased and successfully photographed the aurora:
- North Coast of Ireland: Although not as commonly associated with auroras, the northern coast offers beautiful landscapes and occasional sightings of the Northern Lights. Areas like Malin Head in County Donegal, Benevenagh, Mussenden Temple, Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland are very popular spots.
- Faroe Islands: While not a prime location for aurora sightings, it is possible to capture the Northern Lights here if both the earth weather and space weather align. The remote islands offer dark skies and dramatic landscapes, making it worth a visit during the winter months when the nights are longest.
- Scotland: The Scottish Highlands and islands, such as the Isle of Skye, are fantastic for aurora spotting. The clear, dark skies and stunning scenery provide perfect conditions for capturing the lights.
- Iceland: Known for its geothermal activity and stunning landscapes, Iceland is a top destination for aurora photography. Popular spots include Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Kirkjufell mountain, and Vestrahorn. To be honest, the whole of Iceland is pretty good for aurora photography; just make sure to get away from any light pollution.
- Norway: Northern Norway, especially the Tromsø region, is renowned for its frequent and vivid aurora displays. The Lofoten Islands also offer breathtaking scenery and excellent viewing conditions.
- Slovenia: Surprisingly, back in May 2024 on my Slovenia Photography Tour during a pretty big solar storm we managed to photograph the Northern Lights over Lake Bled and a few other locations in the Julian Alps Will this happen again in my life? Probably not!
Step 3: Track the Aurora Forecast
While I’m far from an expert when it comes to reading the data, I do have 8 + years of experience chasing the Northern Lights across Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Norway, and I also used to work as a professional northern lights guide in Finland. My top tip I always give is that if there is any chance of northern lights and if the skies are clear, get yourself outside.
Use apps like Glendale Skye Auroras or SpaceWeatherLive to stay informed on geomagnetic activity. I personally use SpaceWeatherLive as I like to read the data!
Understanding aurora charts might seem off-topic when discussing Northern Lights photography, but it’s actually crucial. Knowing how to read these charts can greatly enhance your ability to predict and photograph the Northern Lights. While they can seem tricky at first, understanding the basics will make it much easier to interpret them. Let’s break down the key components so you can better anticipate what you might see.
What is the KP index?
The KP index is a scale from 0 to 9 that measures the geomagnetic activity in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is a global reading from about a dozen ground-based magnetometers around the world and at various latitudes. It is NOT used to forecast local aurora visibility. Instead, it provides a general sense of how strong the geomagnetic activity is on a global scale that is based on 3 hour measurements..
How do I read the KP Index?
- 0-3: Low activity; auroras are only visible near the poles (higher latitudes) (Iceland / Northern Norway / Northern Sweden / Lapland / Alaska etc)
- 3-4: Moderate activity; auroras might be visible at mid latitudes (North America / Southern Norway / Northern UK / Denmark etc)
- 5-9: High activity; auroras can be seen at lower latitudes (Middle America / Ireland / Southern UK)
The Aurora Oval
The Aurora Oval is a ring-shaped region around the magnetic poles where auroras are most likely to occur. During periods of high geomagnetic activity, the oval expands, allowing the Northern Lights to be seen farther from the poles. Monitoring the Aurora Oval helps in predicting the best locations for viewing and photographing the auroras.
Hemispheric Power (HP)
Hemispheric Power (HP) measures the total energy output from auroral activity in one hemisphere. This measurement, expressed in gigawatts (GW), helps indicate the strength of the Northern Lights. Higher HP values suggest more intense auroras, which can increase visibility even at lower latitudes.
Bt Component
Bt measures the total strength of the magnetic field in space (IMF). A stronger Bt (higher number) means a stronger magnetic field, which can lead to more powerful interactions with Earth’s magnetic field and potentially more vivid auroras.
Bz Component
Bz is about the direction of the magnetic field in space. When Bz points south (negative Bz), it makes it easier for solar winds to enter Earth’s magnetic field, which can create better conditions for auroras. The more negative the Bz, the better the chances for auroral activity.
Solar Wind Speed
Solar wind speed also plays a critical role in aurora visibility. Typically, solar wind speeds range from around 300 to 800 km/s. The faster the solar wind, the stronger the aurora. Here are some recommendations based on solar wind speed:
- Below 400 km/s: Low solar wind speed; less likely to result in significant auroral activity unless other conditions are very favourable (such as a highly negative BZ).
- 400-500 km/s: Moderate solar wind speed; fair chances of seeing auroras if the BZ is southward.
- 500-600 km/s: Good solar wind speed; increased likelihood of auroras, especially if the BZ component is also favourable.
- Above 600 km/s: High solar wind speed; strong potential for auroral displays, particularly if paired with a southward BZ component.
- Above 700 km/s: Very high solar wind speed; excellent chances of auroras, even at lower latitudes, assuming other conditions align.
It’s worth noting that your geographical latitude also affects what you see. In regions closer to the polar regions, like Norway or Iceland, aurora displays are both more frequent and more intense, an incredible sight directly above, where vivid and expansive curtains of light dance across the night sky. However, at lower latitudes like here in the UK and Ireland, auroras typically show up as soft hues on the horizon to our eyes—think glow in the dark stars from years ago. The angle at which the particles from the sun hit Earth’s atmosphere impacts the visibility of the aurora. Location plays a massive role; aurora displays change dramatically depending on where you are, with those closer to the poles getting the best displays.
By monitoring these variables you can get a more comprehensive picture of when and where auroras might be visible, and plan your viewing or photography sessions for the best possible conditions.
Step 4: Set Up and Compose Your Shot
I believe you need to envision your shot ahead of time and scout the location a few days before hand. Otherwise you go into what I call “panic mode” where you’re running about like a headless chicken in the dark, taking photos of everything and anything and hoping something works out. In the photo above, I went to Tamlaghtard Church a few days before hand, explored the grounds and knew what was there, I knew what I wanted to include and what I wanted to exclude. I figured out the best angle for the photo I had envisioned.
That way, when I came back, I already had most of the composition worked out letting me concentrate more on taking the images.
For me personally when it comes to aurora photography, it’s essential to include a some sort of focal point or human element in the composition to create a sense of connection. I always prioritise my composition by placing the focal point or human element first and then hope the aurora is where I want it to be. Of course I pick my composition based on where the aurora is likely to be.
- Arrive Early: Set up your equipment during daylight or before the sun goes down. This helps you find a good spot and avoids fumbling in the dark.
- Frame Your Shot: Use the rule of thirds to place the horizon and consider including foreground elements like buildings, trees or mountains to add depth and interest to your composition.
Step 5: Adjust Your Camera Settings
Getting your camera settings for Northern Lights photography is key to capturing the Northern Lights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
Start with these basic aurora photography settings and tweak as needed:
- Mode: Set your camera to manual mode (M).
- Focus: Switch to manual focus and set your lens to infinity. Use live view to fine-tune the focus. (See Below)
- ISO: Set your ISO between 1600 and 3200. This helps capture more light but be mindful of noise.
- Aperture: Use the widest aperture on your lens (e.g., f/2.8 lowest f-number) to maximise light intake.
- Shutter Speed: Begin with a shutter speed of 5 to 15 seconds. Adjust based on the activity of the aurora and ambient light conditions. The brighter the aurora, the slower the shutter speed. If the aurora is dim, you can usually go for longer exposures.
Step 6: Focus Your Lens
Getting sharp focus at night can be tricky, but it’s crucial for clear images.
- Switch to Manual Focus: Autofocus often struggles in low light.
- Use Live View: Zoom in on a bright star or distant light and adjust the focus until the star is the smallest it can be.
- Use Infinity Focus: On wide-angle lenses, aligning to the infinity marker can be a good starting point, but fine-tuning is usually needed.
For detailed focusing techniques, refer to my comprehensive guide on how to focus your camera at night.
Step 7: Compose, Take Test Shots and Adjust
Composition is crucial for making your Northern Lights photos stand out. Here are some tips to enhance your shots:
- Exposure: Check the histogram to ensure proper exposure.
- Composition: Evaluate the framing and adjust as needed.
- Foreground Interest: Include elements like trees, mountains, or water to add depth.
- Rule of Thirds: Place the horizon or main elements along the grid lines for balanced composition.
- Patience: The aurora can change rapidly. Be patient and take multiple shots to capture the best moments.
- Focus: Check that your images are sharp.
Step 8: Enjoy and Experiment
Once you have your settings dialled in, enjoy the experience. Experiment with different compositions and settings. Don’t be afraid to play around with longer exposures or higher ISO settings to see how they affect your images.
Step 9: Post-Processing
If you’re a member of the various groups on Facebook relating to Northern Lights you will certainly have come across various comments asking the photographers to show the original unedited photo and call their images fake, photoshopped etc etc
I often wonder why there is so much criticism directed at photographers for their editing choices when it comes to the Northern Lights.
Photography, like painting or writing, is a form of storytelling through a different medium. You wouldn’t ask a painter to reveal their palette or a writer to share their first draft, photographers make deliberate choices in creating their final image. It’s a subjective process, and each photographer brings their own unique style and vision to the art form.
It’s not about manipulating reality but rather about translating your perception and connection with the scene into a visual representation. Photography is a personal interpretation of the world around us. My personal style involves presenting these breathtaking moments as close to reality as possible, with just a touch of enhancement to bring out the natural beauty. While others see it as a way to enhance the colors, contrast, and overall mood to convey the emotions and atmosphere they experienced in those magical moments.
In the realm of filmmaking, directors use editing to craft a compelling story and evoke specific emotions. Just as they choose camera angles, lighting, and pacing, photographers use editing tools to enhance the visual impact of their images and convey the mood of the moment.
As a photographer, I often find myself contemplating the essence of photography, particularly when it comes to capturing the mesmerising beauty of the Northern Lights. It’s a unique form of art that involves not only the skill of capturing a moment but also the creative expression in the editing process.
At the end of the day, photography is an art and it’s about expressing oneself, and northern lights photography is no exception.
Editing Northern Lights photos can bring out the best in your images. Use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust the following:
- Exposure: Brighten or darken your image as needed.
- Contrast: Increase contrast to make the lights pop.
- White Balance: Adjust to achieve the most natural colors.
- Noise Reduction: Use noise reduction tools to clean up any graininess from high ISO settings.
Final Tips
- Get out of the car: Getting out of the car will allow you to focus on the sky to maximise your chances of seeing anything.
- Stay Warm: Dress in layers and bring hand warmers to stay comfortable.
- Turn off car lights: If your car has daytime running lights (DRLs), turn off the car and any interior lights.
- Let your eyes adjust to the dark: Avoid bright lights; it takes about 10 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt to the darkness.
- Turn your phone brightness down: Set it to the lowest setting and minimize its use.
- Be Patient: The Northern Lights can be unpredictable. Patience and persistence are essential.
- Have Fun: Take a moment to appreciate the spectacle with your own eyes.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photographs of the Northern Lights. Happy shooting!
