How to Capture the Northern Lights: Your Complete Guide to an Unforgettable Aurora Adventure

This year is special for Northern Lights seekers! The magnetic storms are stronger than ever, making 2024/25 an incredible year for spotting the Aurora Borealis. Trust me—seeing the Northern Lights in person is magical. In this guide, I'll share everything you need to know to make the most of your Northern Lights adventure, including tips on where to see them, how to capture them on camera, and a handy checklist to ensure you're fully prepared.

What is the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's magnetic field, producing stunning light displays. Depending on the molecules involved, the lights take on different colors, creating breathtaking scenes across Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Best Time and Place to See the Northern Lights

To maximize your chance of seeing the Northern Lights, follow these guidelines for timing and location:

Timing

The best months for Northern Lights sightings are September through April, when nights are longer and skies are darker. For the most vibrant viewing, aim for nights around the New Moon when the sky is darker. The less light the better. You can still see them when there's light, but it's still a difference on how strong you'll see them.

While ideal conditions include a clear, dark, and cold night, it’s rare for everything to line up perfectly. Patience is key. Waiting for nature’s grand show can be challenging, but trust me that it’s worth it. It's not that easy to be at the right time at the right place, but you'll manage. 

Location

Choose a spot away from towns and light pollution; the darker the sky, the more vibrant the aurora. Wide, open spaces with unobstructed views of the horizon—free from trees or buildings—are best. 

Tip: Dress in layers and stay warm! Cold temperatures can drain camera batteries quickly, so pack extra batteries and a power bank. A headlamp is useful for adjusting camera settings hands-free and finding your path at night. Bring snacks and a hot drink to make it more comfortable during the wait. 

Tip: Consider the Foreground: Including mountains, monuments, trees, or reflections from lakes can enhance shots. Lakes might even mirror the lights. 

 

Northern Lights Photography Guide

Capturing the Northern Lights can be a bit technical, but don’t worry—these tips will make it easier.

Recommended Camera Equipment

• Camera: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with good low-light performance.
• Lens: A wide-angle lens (14-24mm), to be able to capture as much of the sky as possible, with an aperture (f/2.8 or lower) 
• Tripod: Essential for keeping your camera stable during long exposures.
• Remote Shutter Release or Timer: Prevents camera shake during shots.

Camera Settings for Stunning Aurora Shots

1. ISO: Start around 800-3400, adjusting based on the brightness of the aurora and moonlight. Adjust it depending on the light, of course you can go higher in the ISO, just remember that it gets more blurry. 
2. Shutter Speed: Use a range of 5-25 seconds; The shutter speed is the time for how long the lens lets light in. The slower the speed, the more light your camera captures( > 5sec). Adjust based on the movement and brightness of the aurora.
3. Aperture: Set to the lowest setting available (f/1.4-f/4), allowing the most light into the camera. It sets the circle in the camera, how wide it opens. 
4. Focus: Set to infinity and manually adjust by focusing on a bright star or distant light. If you have mountains or a building in the photo, focus on that.
5. Timer: Use a timer so you won't have to touch the camera and accidently shake it. 

Tip: Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to find the best balance for brightness and detail. Nothing is set in stone. The Aurora borealis is different every time, which makes it so special and this is just a guideline for you.

 

How to Capture the Northern Lights with Your Phone

If you’re using a smartphone, you can still capture the Northern Lights! Here’s how:

1. Night Mode: Activate your phone’s night mode, which extends exposure for low-light settings.
2. Tripod: Stabilize your phone on a tripod for clarity.
3. Timer or Interval Setting: Use a timer or interval shooting feature to reduce movement and capture multiple shots.

Editing Tips

Editing can help bring out the colors and details in your aurora photos. I personally use Lightroom which is free for mobile editing. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and highlights to enhance your images.

 

Top Apps for Northern Lights Forecasts

Stay informed with apps that alert you when aurora activity is high, so you don’t miss out on a great show. Also shows you the weather and how high the possibility is to actually see them.

The app I use is called "My Aurora Forecast" or called "Polarlicht" – Reliable notifications and detailed aurora predictions.

Northern Lights Trip Planning Essentials

Since the best aurora views are often in remote areas, plan your trip carefully:

• Safety First: Tell someone where you’re going, and make sure you have a way to stay connected.
• Pack Snacks and Hot Drinks: Waiting in the cold can be long and tiring, so bring something to warm you up and stay hydrated.
• Check the Weather and Aurora Forecasts: Confirm that skies will be clear, and aurora activity will be high before heading out. There's no sense in just running around randomly at night searching for them.

Quick Checklist for Your Aurora Adventure

Here’s a handy Northern Lights Checklist you can screenshot and take with you.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing the Northern Lights and experiencing one of nature’s most incredible displays. Happy aurora hunting!