How to Photograph the Northern Lights

Securing a great photo of the Northern Lights takes a bit of forward planning, and in this article we’re going to cover some of the things you’ll need to think about before you set out to capture the aurora. From the equipment you’ll need to the settings to use, if you’re keen to photograph the Northern Lights with a camera as opposed to a smartphone, this is what you need to know.

Scope out suitable locations while it’s still daylight

While you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights the moment you step outside the Black Sand Hotel, there’s much to be said for choosing a suitable location up front. Ideally, you’ll need an uninterrupted view to the north, but there are a number of other considerations too, not least making sure wherever you opt for will be easily and safely accessible.

For instance, the site you choose needs to have adequate parking – it’s not sensible to pull over at the side of a road, no matter how quiet you think the road might be. It should also be somewhere that you won’t be troubled by light pollution which can wash out the colours and make it harder to see the display with the naked eye. Even tucking yourself behind an object to block out a light can help.

Is a smartphone enough?

If you have an up to date smartphone then you can capture some pretty good shots of the Northern Lights with it, but for the best images it pays to have a decent camera with you. This gives you full control over the settings, enabling you to adapt to changing conditions. Manual focusing will also be possible, so you can ensure any foreground image is sharp. It really depends on how serious you are about photography and the kind of image you are hoping to achieve.

Nevertheless, don’t leave your smartphone behind, as its large screen can be rather useful in determining what you are seeing. If the aurora is faint it can be hard to figure out if that’s what you are experiencing; often it just appears like grey swirls in the sky to the naked eye. So before you set up your gear, it’s useful to point a smartphone upwards to find out.

Know your camera

It’s not enough just to have a decent camera with you – though this will sound obvious, you need to know how to use it. If photography is a new hobby, join your local camera club. If you have limited experience capturing shots at night, rectify that by taking the camera out for an evening while you’re at home – even in your back yard – to play around with the settings. You don’t have to photograph the Northern Lights; even light trails on a nearby road will do.

Experiment with different exposures until you get a feel for what kind of images you produce with which settings. Knowing your way around the screens, buttons and dials without having to look too closely will also save time when you’re on your aurora hunt – displays can be fleeting and you won’t want to miss out because you’re fumbling for a torch or flicking through endless menus.

Pack the right tripod

Next, pack a tripod. South Iceland can be windy, particularly by the coast, so it’s wise to consider a heavier model as these tend to be sturdier. You need to balance portability with being able to cut out camera shake which will ruin your images. Think about how far you are likely to need to carry it

Opting for a camera with image stabilisation capabilities will also help, as will twistable kit such as a GorillaPod which can be attached to a fence. Alternatively, consider tucking yourself into a sheltered spot where you’re out of the wind. If you plan to set up a tripod on gravel, or if there’s a potential for conditions to be snowy or icy, then a tripod with spikes is a bonus.

Shutter release

Pressing down on the shutter with your finger can jolt the camera, no matter how careful you try to be. When you blow up the images to full size, you could find this has impacted the focus of your shot. A shutter release is a cheap and easy fix – simply plug the cable into the camera and press the button on the remote control at the other end. Cable-free options are also out there, but remember cold weather drains batteries of any kind.

An alternative is to use the camera’s in-built timer. Once you’ve set up your shot, you can set the timer for a few seconds to give yourself time to go hands-free. In either case, make sure that the camera will remain steady throughout the exposure, particularly if it’s a gusty night.

Other gear

There are a few other things that are worth taking out with you. Most importantly is a fully charged spare battery for your camera, stored somewhere that it will be protected from the cold. Often Northern Lights excursions last for several hours and you’ll be outside for most of it. Likewise, a power bank for keeping your smartphone functional is also a good idea.

Carrying a small torch is also a boon. To ensure you’re free from the challenges of light pollution, the site you’ll choose will be dark and so it helps immensely as you pick your way along a countryside trail or set up your gear once you arrive. If you’re out with others, be mindful of dazzle and ensure you switch off your torch whenever it isn’t needed to avoid spoiling their shots.

Be prepared for rain. Even though you’ll check the weather forecast for the clear skies necessary to see the aurora at its best, conditions can change rapidly in Iceland. Be sure to carry a soft cloth and lens wipes to keep your lens clean. Carry a waterproof bag and rain cover to keep your gear dry should the worst happen.

Technical considerations for setting up your shot

For starters, you’ll ideally want to switch to RAW mode to enable you to process your images later on. Make sure you ditch the telephoto lens in favour of a wider angle which will enable you to shoot the aurora display across more of the night sky. Turn on manual focusing and set it to infinity (∞). Focus on a distant subject (a church, tree or other fixed object for instance).

Your ISO setting is also a consideration; it determines how sensitive the sensor in your camera is to light. Try 1600 to begin with but if you are blessed with a vibrant display be prepared to turn it down; if they are dim, the converse is true. Experiment at the location until you achieve a result you’re happy with but be prepared to change the settings as the night progresses.

Aperture control enables us to alter the amount of light that is entering the camera. Start with a low f-number such as f/2.8 or f/4 and check the result. If the shot is too washed out, increase the f-number; if it’s too dark, do the exact opposite. Use this in conjunction with the shutter speed, which might vary from 10 seconds upwards to perhaps 30 depending on what the aurora is doing and how active it is.