To photograph the Northern Lights, a good starting point is: aperture f/2.8 or the widest possible in your lens, ISO 3200-8000, and a shutter speed between 1-12 seconds, depending on the activity of the Northern Lights. The more rapidly the Aurora moves, the faster your shutter speed should be.
However, capturing the Aurora Borealis goes beyond only these configurations. I still recollect how energized I was before my initial Northern Lights excursion and how challenging it was to document the Northern Lights.
For those wanting to gain knowledge on how to photograph the Northern Lights and avoid trial and error, keep reading. I’ve organized this Northern Lights guide where you’ll find the optimum method to photograph the Northern Lights like a pro!
In essence, here are the prime settings for photographing the Northern Lights:
- Employ an aperture of f/2.8 or the widest accessible by your lens
- Adapt an ISO from 3200 to 8000
- Recommend setting your camera shutter speed within the range of 1-12 seconds
- Adjust your white balance to 3500k
- Focus manually on a distant light
- Establish general camera settings for Northern Lights
- Select a camera shutter duration of 2 seconds
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Additionally, after the best techniques are shared, you’ll find a section with the best equipment,photographic arrangements, and .
I highly advise checking our guide on how to photograph milky Way panoramas to plan, capture, and edit your photos of the Milky Way arch.
Table of Contents
1. Use an aperture of f/2.8 or the widest in your lens
The aperture is the first setting which must be adjusted in order to capture images of the Northern Lights.
To effectively capture the Northern Lights, it’s essential to choose the best exposure settings for Northern Lights photography: aperture,ISO, and shutter speed. The objective is to regulate these settings to permit capturing as much light as feasible while employing a short shutter speed in relation to the motion of the Aurora.
The key in Northern Lights photography is to set the widest opening in your lens to catch as much light as conceivable.
If you can, try to use an aperture of f/2.8 or lower. The wider the aperture, the more quality you’ll see in your Aurora images with less digital noise. For this, it’s important to use a good lens for Northern Lights.
2. Adjust an ISO from 3200 to 8000
Using the optimal ISO for Northern Lights photography is crucial. It will allow you to have the proper exposure using a shorter shutter speed, which is the ultimate goal in Aurora Borealis photography.
To capture the Northern Lights, increase your camera’s native ISO setting as much as feasible, ideally in the range of 3200 to 8000. However, the appropriate ISO setting for the Aurora Borealis is dependent on three key factors:
- Your camera: It varies from model to model, but generally, high-end cameras with Full-Frame sensors can set a higher ISO for capturing the Northern Lights, usually between ISO 5000 and 12800.
If you utilize an entry-level camera with a cropped sensor and you elevate your ISO over the limit, you’ll likely find digital noise and you won’t get a quality image. With this type of camera, I recommend maintaining an ISO of 6400 or lower.
More will be discussed about the top cameras for Northern Lights below.
- Moonlight: When there is a large, bright moon illuminating the landscape, set a lower ISO between 800-3200 depending on the brightness level.
- External artificial lights: If you’re photographing the Northern Lights in a scene with external lights, such as street or house lights, you should set a lower ISO, or the highlights will be blown out in your Aurora shots.
To obtain clear and sharp snapshots, I suggest checking our article on how to capture noise-free pictures. After all, if you notice some disturbance in your photos, don’t worry; you can always eliminate it using any of the top noise reduction programs.
3. Set a shutter speed between 1-12 seconds
The final and most significant exposure setting for Northern Lights photography is the shutter speed.The duration of exposure is the most challenging setting for capturing the Northern Lights, primarily for one reason: the Aurora Borealis is unpredictable.
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Generally speaking, the more powerful, dynamic, and bright the Aurora Borealis are seen, the faster shutter speed you require to freeze the form and movement of the Northern Lights in your images.
- You are able to utilize this guide to configure your shutter speed for witnessing the Northern Lights as a point of reference:
- Faint and static Auroras: When the Auroras are weakly visible and not clearly discernible to the naked eye, use a shutter speed between 8 and 12 seconds.
- Vibrant Auroras: If the Northern Lights phenomenon is discernible with the naked eye and demonstrates movement, your camera shutter speed should range between 3 and 8 seconds.
- Very vivid Northern Lights: When the Auroras are highly active, and they’re moving rapidly, one should use a very brief shutter speed from 0.5 to 3 seconds to freeze their movement and avoid washing out the highlights .
4. Adjust your white balance to 3500k
In Northern Lights photography, you should always establish a manual White Balance.
A good starting point is setting your Northern Lights white balance around 3500 Kelvin, when the aurora borealis exhibit a more natural hue
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This is particularly crucial when the Aurora Borealis spans the night sky and you aim to capture a panoramic shot of the Northern Lights.
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5. Focus manually on a distant light
To avoid commonly mistaking focus, I propose following these steps to perfectly focus on images of the Northern Lights:
- To focus at night, configure the live view mode on your camera, magnify a distant light source like the moon or a bright star, and manipulate the focus ring of your lens manually until you identify the sharpest point.
Some cameras can automatically focus at night, but most struggle with this, so I always advise manually adjusting the focus in low-light conditions.
Important note: Regardless of the focusing process, after setting the concentration, maintain manual focus mode, and don’t move the focusing ring during your entire Northern Lights session unless adjusting your lens or optical characteristics.
Another crucial tip for focusing in Northern Lights photography is to view the captured image on the LCD screen and magnify the stars to check the accuracy of focus.
I try doing this from time to time during an Aurora session, particularly when transferring from one location to another since you can accidentally move the focus ring. This represents one of the best tips for focusing in photography.
Many photographers advise focusing at the hyperfocal distance, but if you want to ensure that your stars are perfectly sharp, I don’t propose this method.
6. Set the general camera settings for Northern Lights
The general camera configurations for Northern Lights are not very different from the common long exposure night photography settings. Before capturing images of the Northern Lights utilizing a Mirrorless or DSLR camera, I always advise adjusting the following configurations:
- Display brightness: First, decrease your LCD display brightness. That way, you’ll see a more realistic preview and avoid underexposing your Aurora shots.
- Capture pictures in RAW format: Doing this allows maximum information to be retained, both in the highlights and shadows. This is fundamental for modifying photographs of Northern Lights afterwards.
- Long exposure noise reduction: Turn off this setting. This will slow down your camera, and you can’t miss a moment while following the Aurora. You can decrease the noise in post-processing utilizing Denoise AI or another software which is more effective than the in-camera functionality. .
7. Select a shutter delay of 2 seconds
To capture the sharpest photographs, be certain your camera is placed on a steady tripod and establish a shutter delay of 2 seconds. If it`s breezy, you can change the delay to 5 seconds to avoid any possible vibrations when you press the shutter button.
The internal shutter delay feature could also be utilized when capturing the Northern Lights. However, an intervalometer is generally employed for creating time-lapse videos of the aurora borealis. Both a shutter release and intervalometer allow photographing the dynamic Aurora by enabling the camera to be repositioned according to their shifting motions in the sky.
8. Check your Northern Lights histogram
To verify that your settings are suitable for capturing Northern Lights images, always review the image on the back of your camera.
Zoom in on the stars in Northern Lights photos and check for focus. Also, inspect the histogram on the image. You can gain knowledge about interpreting the histogram here.
The camera brightness, external lights, and general lighting conditions can trick the eye when checking the Aurora images on your camera display, so the best way to take Northern Lights pictures while ensuring that the exposure is correct is by examining the histogram.
The histogram would be better positioned leaning towards the left side, but shouldn`t cut off the darkest colors. It`s extremely important to verify that you aren`t clipping the brightest parts, which frequently happens when Aurora activity increases.
As is evident, capturing the Aurora is not difficult if you understand the essentials. This is a brief summary of all the steps necessary to photograph the Northern Lights:
However, in Northern Lights photography, there are additional factors to consider beyond the standard camera adjustments. Below, we’ll delve into other fundamentals that will set you up for success when pursuing the Northern Lights.
- Highest quality camera devices for Northern Lights photography
- Photographic composition techniques for capturing the Northern Lights
- Additional recommendations for successfully photographing the Aurora Borealis
- How to capture pictures of the Northern Lights using a mobile phone
Best camera Gear for Northern Lights photography
Having the appropriate photographic equipment for Northern Lights photography is essential to obtain the best possible images.
CAMERAS FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS
Regarding camera comparisons, full-frame models differ greatly from cameras utilizing smaller sensors. While the Northern Lights can be photographed using a GoPro, compact camera or even an iPhone, the same quality level should not be anticipated.
Full-frame digital cameras have the advantage because they contain bigger light-sensitive regions allowing the image sensor to gather more light. In this range of equipment, cameras with fewer megapixels perform better for viewing the Northern Lights. (Additional details on this topic can be found in our article about camera sensor magnitude).
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LENSES FOR AURORA PHOTOGRAPHY
Camera lenses are equally as vital (or perhaps more so) than the camera. The simplest and most operative technique to photograph the Aurora is by utilizing a rapid wide-angle lens.
Any focal length between 12mm and 24mm will allow you to capture a reasonable area of the night sky as well as the ground. Prime lenses are usually faster and lighter than zoom lenses, but zoom lenses offer more flexibility than prime lenses. This is a matter of personal preference; zoom lenses make photography composition easier, while prime lenses will provide the best quality, especially those with an aperture of f/1.8 or below.
You can find a complete listing of the best models in my article on the top lenses for Northern lights in 2023.
Other pieces of gear for the Northern Lights
Some other devices that you’ll necessity are the essentials for any type of night capturing, like a tripod,headlight, timer, and so on.
I strongly advise carrying some photography gloves to stay warm during your shooting session. Capturing the Aurora at high latitudes can pose challenges, particularly in winter. In my own experience, I always wear the Heat 3 Smart photography gloves from The Heat Company.
Good advice related to camera equipment for viewing the Northern Lights is to rent a camera or lens for your trip, as high-end gear is expensive and renting may make sense, especially for a first experience capturing the Aurora when future use is uncertain.
In my own experience, I consistently choose to evaluate new camera lenses and equipment throughout my Northern Lights photography expeditions, renting from Lensrentals. Operating within the United States, they offer a 15% discount using the promo code ATLAS 15 .
Composition for Northern Lights pictures
Once the basics of capturing the Northern Lights are known, the most regularly observed mistake I`ve seen involves not giving enough importance to composition.
The preliminary reaction, particularly if it’s your first time photographing the Northern Lights, is to aim your camera toward the sky and start snapping shots.
At times, the Northern Lights are so vividly bright and colorful that merely a photographic skyscape depicting the Aurora can be beautiful. However, generally speaking, the best approach for photographing the Northern Lights involves constructing a composition as if capturing a routine night scene, considering not just the celestial view but also the terrestrial landscape.
Although you can find the best photography configuration rules in this article, here are a few pointers on Northern Lights photography configuration:
- Observe the night sky while also remembering to look where your feet fall.
- Try to include components that can reflect the Aurora, like water, snow, or ice.
- Be flexible and look for compositions based on the motion of the Aurora.
- Employ vertical photo arrangements when the Aurora forms the famous “Northern Lights crown.”
- Develop panoramic pictures when the Northern Lights “dance” across the entire sky.
- If you can record a reflection picture, position the midpoint of the frame.
- Utilize human presences to give some sense of proportion.
Other tips on how to photograph the Northern Lights
At this point, you now have knowledge of how to photograph the Northern Lights like an expert, but here are a few tips for shooting the Aurora that will help you take your images to a higher level:
1. Plan your Northern Lights photos
In landscape photography, all quality shots commence from good planning, and when we’re talking about the Northern Lights, it’s even more crucial.
Be certain to intend your trip to the Arctic with the ideal time to see the Northern Lights. Also, find the ideal places to see the Northern Lights at your destination. In the following articles we have written, you will find more in-depth information:
- Details about when and where to see the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Information regarding when and where to observe the Northern Lights display in Norway.
- Information on when and where to witness the Northern Lights phenomenon in Canada.
- When and where to see the Northern Lights in Alaska
- Information regarding when and where individuals can experience the phenomenon of the Northern Lights in Finland.
- Step 3: If you want to spend time in Athens fly to Athens, then take a boat to Santorini.
- When and where to see the Northern Lights in Michigan
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2. Learn how to read the Northern Lights forecast
If you previously comprehend what causes the Northern Lights, you will be accustomed with the KP index, which will establish the chances of observing the Aurora at your latitude and how extreme the lights will be.
If a major solar storm occurs, the KP index will be high, which presents the best conditions for photographing the Northern Lights.
To assess solar and geomagnetic activity, check out websites such as the notable Space Weather Live or NOAA. We have written specifically about how to read the Northern Light forecast.
If predictions are optimistic, be prepared!
3. Look for clear skies to photograph the Northern Lights
It may provide the grandest Northern Lights display of the year, but you’ll miss it if the skies are clouded over. Try to go to an area with potential clear skies before photographing the Aurora.
My favorite weather projection sites for the Aurora, dependent on your location, are:
- Windy – General – Any location
- Vedur – Iceland
- YR – Norway
- Weather GC – Canada
- SAA – Finland
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4. Use the best app to photograph the Northern Lights
Even if the forecast isn`t promising, the Auroras are unpredictable and may suddenly appear. For the best chance to witness the display, I advise downloading the top-rated Northern Lights application,“My Aurora forecast.” It`s free of charge, and also includes alerts and notifications should there be an abrupt increase in auroral activity where you are.
Also, this app for photographing the Northern Lights will indicate the Aurora forecast by minute, hour, and day and the cloud coverage in your location. For me, it is one of the most effective and simple Aurora apps.
5. Shoot a Northern Lights time-lapse
If taking pictures of the Northern Lights is stimulating, imagine capturing the lights dancing in the sky. The only way to record this movement with the highest quality is by shooting a time-lapse of the Northern Lights.
To do this, use a timer function and set intervals of 1 second. Simply factor in the camera settings for Northern Lights photography explained earlier.
Plan to capture at least 100 to 300 shots to depict the movement of the Aurora. Then, combine them using the LRTimelapsesoftware. The outcome will leave you in awe!
6. Get inspired by the best Northern Lights images
In need of inspiration for photographing the Northern Lights? Check out this collection of the best Northern Lights photographs!
These images will demonstrate how some of the premier landscape photographers compose and capture pictures of the finest Aurora phenomena worldwide in locations like Finland, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Alaska, and even the UK.
7. Join me on my next Northern Lights CAPTURE THE ATLAS PHOTO TOUR
You may already be familiar with the ideal camera settings for Northern Lights photography, but you’ll encounter many challenges when in the field.
If photography is your passion and you want to learn from experts in photographing the Northern Lights, I suggest joining one of our specialised photo tours! We would be pleased to welcome you on our Aurora photography tour in Iceland or our photography expedition to the Lofoten Islands in Norway. These tours focus on finding and capturing the Northern Lights with a small group of dedicated photographers.
Additionally, in our Northern Lights photographic excursions, we’ll photograph some of Earth`s most extraordinary landscapes. Would you care to join us ?
How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Smartphone
Before concluding, it is beneficial to cover how to capture pictures of the Northern Lights using a smartphone.
Camera technology in smartphones has improved tremendously each year, and most mobile devices today can capture magnificent photos of the Northern Lights. While the image quality may not equal that of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, if you`re looking for an effortless way to photograph the Northern Lights and share with others, chances are your phone can take lovely shots of the aurora borealis.
Learning to take quality photographs of the Northern Lights using a smartphone follows straightforward steps outlined here that are sure to impress with stellar results!
- Open your camera app on the phone
- Set the camera app to night mode. Some devices, like iPhones, automatically switch to night mode when they detect low light in the scene.
- Direct the phone towards where you want to capture the Northern Lights photograph.
- Secure the phone with both hands and press the shutter button.
- Remain stationary for 3 seconds. Focus your attention on a fixed point within the frame to hold your position.
- Check your Northern Lights photo.
Additionally, if you have a tripod with a phone adapter, you can mount your phone to the tripod to take even longer exposures, like 10 seconds. In high-end phones, you can use manual mode, and follow an identical configuration for aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance as mentioned above for cameras.
These are some examples of Northern Lights photographs taken with smartphones to inspire you:
Conclusion
Northern Lights photography is probably one of the most complicated types of photography to learn and perfect. There are many factors beyond your control, such as the Aurora activity level or cloud coverage.
However, if you have knowledge of your camera equipment, understand the ideal camera configurations for Northern Lights photography, and how to compose intriguing shots, your chances of capturing beautiful Aurora images will increase dramatically.
I hope this guide about Northern Lights photography aids you in achieving success during your Aurora shooting experience, and allows you to return home with spectacular Aurora photographs.
Smooth travels and clear skies to you!
