The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most amazing shows. Using photography to capture this event test your skills and give you some of the most stunning pictures you can imagine. This guide is meant to give you the basic information and skills you need to take beautiful pictures of this masterpiece.
Understanding the Aurora Borealis
Aurora Borealis is a spectacular natural light show that is most often witnessed in the high latitudes surrounding the Antarctic and Arctic. Bursts of light that can endure anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours are produced when charged particles from the sun smash with atoms in Earth’s upper atmosphere. The gas particles and their height determine the Aurora’s colors, which can occasionally range from green to pink and purple.
The northern lights are most visible between the months of late August through early April, when the evenings are longer and the sky is darker. Typically, the best periods to watch are in March and September, around the equinoxes, when geomagnetic activity is at its highest.
The best places to view the Aurora Borealis are typically closer to the magnetic poles. In the Northern Hemisphere, popular locations include:
- Norway: The Tromsø region offers some of the most accessible and reliable sightings.
- Iceland: Away from city lights, the entire country can be an ideal spot during strong geomagnetic storms.
- Canada: Areas like Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut are renowned for their dark skies and frequent Aurora activity.
- Alaska: Fairbanks and the Denali region are prime spots due to their location under the Auroral Oval.
Preparation for the Shoot
Start by looking into places that are known to have auroras. Plan your trip so that you don’t go during busy times. Websites that predict the aurora provide you real-time information on geomagnetic activity. You can also get useful information and tips from photography groups and holiday forums in the area you want to visit.
Necessary Equipment
- Camera Types and Settings: A DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual mode is essential, as you’ll need to adjust settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to capture the lights effectively. Cameras with larger sensors are better because they can capture more light, which is crucial in low-light conditions.
- Lenses Suitable for Night Photography: A fast wide-angle lens is ideal, as it allows you to capture a broad swath of the sky and lets in more light. Look for lenses with a maximum aperture of at least f/2.8; f/1.4 or f/2 is even better.
- Tripods and Remote Shutters: A sturdy tripod must support your camera during long exposures. A remote shutter release, or a camera with a built-in timer, helps prevent camera shake during shutter operation.
Camera Settings and Techniques
To get the best shot of the Northern Lights, you need to learn how to use your camera’s manual settings to adapt to the changing lights.
Manual Settings for Optimal Exposure
- ISO: Start with an ISO setting around 1600 and adjust depending on the brightness of the aurora and your camera’s performance in low light. Higher ISOs may be necessary, but be mindful of the increased noise.
- Aperture: Use a wide aperture to capture as much light as possible — ideally between f/1.4 and f/2.8. This allows for shorter shutter speeds to capture more detail and reduce blur.
- Shutter Speed: Shutter speed can vary depending on the aurora’s intensity; start with 5 to 10 seconds. If the lights are very active, shorter speeds may be necessary to capture crisp shapes. Longer speeds can blur the movement into a wash of color.
Using Manual Focus at Night
- Auto-focus struggles in dark conditions, so switch to manual focus. Set your lens to infinity (∞) as a starting point, but check your focus by taking test shots and adjusting slightly if necessary. Using the live view mode to zoom in on a distant light or star can help fine-tune the focus.
Tips for Framing and Composition
- Foreground Interest: Include elements like trees, mountains, or reflections in water to add depth and interest to your compositions.
- Rule of Thirds: Position the aurora along the intersections of the rule of thirds grid to create a balanced and engaging image.
- Sky to Land Ratio: Depending on the aurora’s display, adjust the proportion of sky to land in your frame to emphasize the lights or to anchor the scene with the landscape.
Practical Tips for Capturing the Aurora
The next tips will help you improve your night photos and get used to the changing nature of the Aurora.
Best Practices for Night Photography
- Scout Your Location: Arrive at your shooting spot during daylight to scout the area and plan your compositions.
- Use a Headlamp with a Red Light: A headlamp with a red light mode will help you navigate in the dark without compromising your night vision.
- Stay Warm and Patient: Dress warmly in layers and be prepared for long waits in cold weather. Patience is essential, as auroral activity can vary greatly over time.
How to Adapt to Changing Light Conditions
- Monitor the Exposure: Continually monitor your camera’s exposure. The brightness of the aurora can change quickly, so be ready to adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed accordingly.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your images on your camera’s display. Pay attention to the histogram to ensure you’re capturing enough detail without overexposing the aurora.
- Be Flexible: Be prepared to change your planned compositions based on the movement and intensity of the aurora.
Techniques for Long Exposure Photography
- Stabilize Your Camera: Use a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake during long exposures.
- Experiment with Exposure Times: Start with shorter exposures to capture the shapes and colors of the aurora, then try longer exposures to see how they affect the appearance of the lights and the stars in the sky.
- Use Noise Reduction: Activate your camera’s built-in noise reduction feature or use post-processing software to reduce noise in your final images.