Capturing the northern lights

Capturing the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, requires patience, preparation, and the right equipment. Here are some tips to help you photograph this natural phenomenon:

1. Location: Choose a dark, clear sky away from light pollution for optimal viewing and photography. Research locations with minimal ambient light and unobstructed views of the northern horizon. At the beginning of darkness the view to north-east is where you will likely see the lights first.

2. Timing: Monitor aurora forecasts to increase your chances of witnessing a strong display. The best times to photograph the Northern Lights are during the late evening and early morning hours when the sky is darkest. The most challenging is always the cloud free spot.

3. Camera Settings: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls for greater flexibility. Set your camera to manual mode and adjust the following settings:

   • Lens: Bring a wide angle lens in the range of 12-24mm for best shots.

   • ISO: Start with a low ISO (e.g., ISO 400) to reduce noise, then increase if needed to capture faint auroras. But you might end up somewhere between ISO 1600 - 3200 on most days.

   • Aperture: Choose a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8 or lower) to let in more light and enhance visibility of the auroras. Aperture of f/1.4 is perfect.

   • Shutter Speed: Experiment with shutter speeds between 5 to 30 seconds to capture the movement and color of the Northern Lights.

4. Focus: Set your lens to manual focus and adjust it to infinity (∞) or use the autofocus to focus on a distant light source. Check your focus periodically, especially if conditions change.

5. Stability: Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposures and prevent blur. A remote shutter release or self-timer can further minimize camera shake.

6. Composition: Experiment with different compositions, including landscapes with foreground elements such as trees, mountains, or bodies of water to add depth and interest to your photos.

7. Patience: Be prepared to wait for the auroras to appear, as they can be unpredictable. Stay patient and vigilant, and be ready to adjust your camera settings as needed to capture the best shots. If aurora is fading away it doesn't mean, that it is not worth waiting to see if it is coming back.

8. Practice: Take multiple exposures at varying settings to increase your chances of capturing stunning images. Review your photos regularly and make adjustments to improve your technique.