The Northern Lights, with their vibrant colors dancing across the night sky, are a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Capturing their beauty is not an easy task and requires a certain technique. Whether you’re an avid photography enthusiast or a professional looking for perfection, these three pro tips will guide you in capturing the Northern Lights in the most dazzling way. Get your camera ready and let’s dive into the fascinating world of night photography.
Prepare a trip to observe and capture the Northern Lights
The first step to successfully photographing the aurora borealis is choosing your destination carefully. Opt for countries where this phenomenon is common, such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada or Iceland. September to March are the best months to observe the aurora borealis in these regions. Here are some tips for preparing your trip:
- Choose a time when the nights are long and the sky is clear.
- Ask about solar activity expected during your stay.
- Choose accommodation outside the cities, away from sources of light pollution.
What equipment to take to photograph the aurora borealis?
To capture these magical moments, it is essential to have the right equipment. Here’s our pick of the essentials:
- SLR or hybrid camera with manual mode.
- Wide-angle lens with maximum aperture (f/2.8 or greater).
- A stable and robust tripod that prevents vibration and blur when moving.
- Extra battery and large capacity memory card.
- Warm waterproof clothing that will protect you from cold and moisture.
Setting up your camera to photograph the aurora borealis
Photographing the aurora borealis requires specific settings. Here are the main parameters to adjust:
- Focus: Adjust the focus manually to infinity or use the live view function to focus on the stars.
- Opening: To capture maximum light, use maximum aperture (f/2.8 or higher).
- Shutter speed: Adjust the exposure time to the intensity of the aurora, usually between 5 and 30 seconds.
- ISO sensitivity: Set the sensitivity between ISO 800 and 3200, being careful not to degrade image quality with excessive digital noise.
Find the right time and place to photograph the Northern Lights
To maximize your chances of seeing and photographing the aurora borealis, it’s important to choose the right time and place. Here are some tips:
- Check local weather forecasts and solar activity alerts regularly.
- Go to areas away from sources of light pollution.
- Prefer cloudless nights with a weak moon for darker skies.
Compose and enhance your Northern Lights photos
In addition to technical adjustments, the composition and processing of your images is also crucial to obtaining successful images:
- Integrate features of interest into the foreground (lake, mountain, tree, etc.) to add depth to your images.
- Use natural guide lines (river, road, coast, etc.) to guide the viewer’s gaze.
- Process your photos in post-production to adjust white balance, improve sharpness or reduce digital noise.
With these pro tips in your pocket, you’re now ready to go on an adventure and capture the Northern Lights. Good luck, and above all, make the most of these magical moments!