How to Photograph the Northern Lights Like a Pro

There's nothing quite like witnessing the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky. But capturing that magic in a photograph? That takes some preparation. After years of chasing the northern lights across Iceland, Norway, and Finland, here's everything I've learned about photographing this celestial spectacle.

Essential Gear

Camera Body

You'll need a camera that performs well in low light. Full-frame DSLRs or mirrorless cameras are ideal, but modern APS-C sensors can also produce excellent results. The key is having manual control over your settings.

Lenses

Wide-angle lens (14-24mm): Essential for capturing expansive aurora displays
Fast aperture (f/2.8 or faster): Allows more light to reach your sensor
Manual focus capability: Autofocus won't work in the dark

Other Essentials

Sturdy tripod (critical for long exposures)
Extra batteries (cold drains them fast)
Headlamp with red light mode
Lens heating band (prevents frost)

Camera Settings Explained

Here's a starting point for your settings:

Aperture: As wide as your lens allows (f/2.8 or wider)
ISO: Start at 1600-3200, adjust based on aurora intensity
Shutter Speed: 8-15 seconds for slower auroras, 2-6 seconds for active displays
Focus: Manual focus set to infinity (verify with test shots)
White Balance: 3500-4000K (or auto, adjust in post)

Important: Bright, fast-moving auroras need shorter exposures to capture definition. Faint, slow auroras benefit from longer exposures.

Composition Tips

Include Foreground Interest

A pure sky shot can be beautiful, but adding landscape elements creates depth and context. Look for:

Reflections in still water
Snow-covered trees
Mountains or glaciers
Interesting rock formations
Even people (silhouettes work great!)

The Rule of Thirds

Position the horizon in the lower third when the aurora is spectacular, or higher when you have compelling foreground elements.

Panoramas

Consider shooting multiple frames to stitch together a panorama. The aurora often spans a huge portion of the sky.

Best Locations

Iceland

Thingvellir National Park
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Norway

Tromsø (the "Gateway to the Arctic")
Lofoten Islands
Senja Island

Finland

Lapland (Rovaniemi, Inari)
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (famous glass igloos)

The Forecast Factor

Monitor aurora forecasts using apps like My Aurora Forecast or websites like NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. The KP index indicates geomagnetic activity—higher numbers mean stronger auroras visible further south.

Post-Processing Tips

Shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility
Adjust white balance to taste (cooler tones often look more natural)
Use noise reduction carefully to preserve star detail
Enhance greens and magentas subtly
Don't over-saturate—natural aurora colors are stunning enough

My Secret Spots

After hundreds of nights chasing auroras, here are a few lesser-known locations:

Vestrahorn, Iceland: The aurora reflecting off the black sand beach with the dramatic mountain backdrop creates otherworldly images
Ersfjordbotn, Norway: A quiet fjord just 20 minutes from Tromsø with minimal light pollution
Kilpisjärvi, Finland: Right on the Norwegian border, this remote village offers pristine dark skies

Final Advice

Don't spend your entire aurora experience behind the camera. Take time to simply watch, appreciate, and let the wonder sink in. Some of my best memories are from putting the camera down and just experiencing nature's light show with my own eyes.

Ready to capture the aurora yourself? Join our Iceland Northern Lights tour where we'll take you to the best spots and help you master your aurora photography.