Witnessing the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, dance across the night sky is an unforgettable experience. Capturing this celestial phenomenon in a photograph allows you to relive the magic and share it with the world. Inspired by my own journey photographing the Aurora Australis, I’ve put together this guide to help you master the art of aurora borealis photography.
To successfully photograph the Northern Lights, understanding the science behind them and predicting their appearance is crucial. Auroras, whether boreal or australis, are caused by solar winds – massive bursts of energy and particles from the sun. When these solar winds reach Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetic field. This interaction causes charged particles to collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light, which we see as the aurora borealis.
Websites like spaceweather.com are invaluable resources for aurora forecasting. Additionally, social media groups dedicated to aurora enthusiasts in your region can provide real-time updates and sightings. Proactive monitoring is key; don’t wait for notifications. Being informed about space weather and local conditions dramatically increases your chances of capturing the aurora. Checking weather forecasts for clear, cloudless nights and being aware of moon phases (less moonlight is better) are also essential for optimal viewing and photography conditions.
Clear skies are paramount for aurora viewing and photography. Clouds act as a barrier, obscuring the lights. However, don’t be completely discouraged by a little cloud cover. Sometimes, clouds can add an interesting element to your composition, creating a dramatic backdrop for the aurora.
Many aurora photographs feature stunning skies but lack an engaging foreground. To elevate your aurora shots, think about landscape composition. Choose a scene that would be visually appealing even without the aurora. When the Northern Lights appear, they will enhance an already beautiful landscape, resulting in a truly spectacular image. Scouting locations during the day is highly recommended. Identify interesting foreground elements and compositions beforehand, so you can quickly set up when the aurora appears, instead of fumbling around in the dark.
Essential Gear for Aurora Photography
Having the right equipment is vital for capturing high-quality aurora photos. Here’s a list of gear you should include in your camera bag:
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DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: You don’t need the most expensive camera body, but it must have manual mode and the ability to take long exposure photographs. Cameras with good high ISO performance will also be beneficial for capturing more light.
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Sturdy Tripod: A tripod is non-negotiable for long exposures. While budget tripods exist, investing in a more stable one, especially if you often shoot in windy conditions, will make a significant difference in image sharpness.
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Memory Cards: Bring ample storage. You’ll likely be taking many shots, especially when experimenting with settings and compositions.
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Batteries: Cold weather drains batteries quickly, and long exposures are power-intensive. Carry at least two or three fully charged batteries. Missing a fantastic aurora display due to a dead battery is a frustrating experience you want to avoid.
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Remote Shutter Release: Using a remote shutter release or a wireless remote minimizes camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button directly, ensuring sharper images during long exposures. Many photographers use continuous shooting mode with a remote, allowing them to capture a sequence of images while enjoying the aurora. Alternatively, the camera’s self-timer (2-second delay) can also serve this purpose.
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Warm Clothing: Comfort is key when photographing the aurora. Being warm and dry will allow you to focus on your photography and enjoy the experience. Dress in layers, including thermals, a warm coat, beanie, and gloves. Being cold and miserable will negatively impact your focus and potentially your photos.
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Headlamp or Flashlight: Navigating in the dark requires a light source. A headlamp or flashlight is essential for setting up your gear, adjusting camera settings, and for light painting foreground elements if desired. It also allows you to see your camera dials and controls.
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Prepared Gear: Always have your gear ready to go, with batteries charged and memory cards empty. Nothing is worse than missing an aurora display because you’re stuck at home charging batteries or preparing equipment.
Camera Settings for Capturing the Aurora Borealis
Mastering manual camera settings is essential for aurora photography. Here are the key settings to adjust:
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Shooting Mode: Manual (M): Manual mode gives you complete control over aperture and shutter speed, which are crucial for night sky photography.
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Tripod and Remote Shutter: Ensure your camera is mounted on a stable tripod, and use your remote shutter release or self-timer to minimize camera shake.
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Shoot in RAW: Always shoot in RAW format. RAW files retain much more image data than JPEGs, providing greater flexibility for post-processing and extracting details from the aurora.
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Lens Choice: Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is highly recommended. It allows you to capture a broader expanse of the sky, encompassing more of the aurora and the surrounding landscape.
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Aperture: Widest Possible: To maximize light intake, use the widest aperture your lens allows (lowest f-number). Typically, this will be between f/2.8 and f/4. Some prime lenses offer even wider apertures, such as f/1.4, which are excellent for aurora photography.
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ISO: Adjust for Noise and Light: ISO sensitivity determines how sensitive your camera sensor is to light. For aurora photography, you’ll need to use a higher ISO to capture the faint light. Start with ISO 1600-3200 and adjust based on your camera’s noise performance and the brightness of the aurora and any moonlight. Less moonlight allows for higher ISOs to capture fainter aurora.
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Shutter Speed: Balance Detail and Light: The aurora is constantly moving, so shutter speed affects how much detail you capture. Faster shutter speeds freeze the aurora’s movement, showing more detail, while longer shutter speeds gather more light but can blur the aurora and potentially cause star trailing. Start with 10-15 seconds and adjust depending on your lens and the aurora’s activity. Longer exposures (15-30 seconds) might be necessary with narrower aperture lenses or fainter auroras, but be mindful of potential star trailing and loss of aurora detail.
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Focus: Manual Focus to Infinity: Set both your camera body and lens to manual focus. Focusing on infinity is generally the best starting point for night sky photography. Most lenses have an infinity symbol (∞) on the focus ring. If there’s a bright object like the moon or a distant star, use live view, zoom in 10x, and manually adjust focus until it’s sharp.
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White Balance: Personal Preference: White balance is subjective in aurora photography, as the aurora’s color isn’t always apparent to the naked eye. Set it to your personal preference. A Kelvin temperature of around 3850K often produces a balanced color rendition, capturing both the greens and reds of the aurora realistically. Lower Kelvin values can appear too cold, while higher values can look too warm. Experiment to find your preferred look.
Finally, always prioritize safety. Inform someone of your location and expected return time. Consider shooting with a friend for company and safety in numbers.
Remember, the aurora borealis won’t appear if you’re sitting at home. Venture out into the night, be prepared, and embrace the experience. Many unforgettable memories are made on dark, cold nights under the aurora. Witnessing the Northern Lights is a breathtaking experience that will leave you wanting to see them again and again.
Inspired by the aurora photography of Jason Stephens, a landscape photographer from Tasmania.
