Seeing the Northern Lights… is a wish many still have on their bucket list. The aurora borealis is one of the most mysterious and enchanting phenomena on Earth. When you get to witness it firsthand during one of our trips to Northern Norway, you’ll naturally want nothing more than to capture it with your camera. How do you go about it?
Photography Tip 1: Use a camera where you can set everything yourself (you can use the auto option for other photogenic moments)
To see the Northern Lights, it must be dark. In the Tromsø region, you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights between 8 PM and 2 AM. Since you need light for photography, you’ll have to get the most out of your camera to capture as much light as possible.
That means: a large aperture (for example, f2.8), a long shutter speed (at least 15 seconds, so a tripod or sturdy surface is a must), and a manually chosen ISO value. Try to keep the ISO as low as possible to prevent grainy images (with the auto function, your camera will set it sky high). But perhaps you’d prefer a little grain over no image at all, so play with your settings until you find the optimal mix.
Photography Tip 2: Choose your spot well
Naturally, during our Northern Lights trips, we look for the best places to see the aurora borealis. That’s why we head to the far north in early spring and sail to places where you have an unobstructed view of the sky. Once there, you’ll find a good spot yourself to get a beautiful composition.
The green, dancing light alone is magical, of course, but with a boat, lighthouse, or cabin in the foreground, your photo becomes a bit more exciting or interesting. Photographing the Northern Lights therefore starts with a series of photos where the light isn’t even visible yet. Purely to try out your composition (and settings).
Photography Tip 3: Be kind to your camera
You’ve probably put on a thick coat, with a cool hat and matching gloves. All bundled up to wait for the Northern Lights outside in the dark. Take it from us: your camera is cold too. Due to low temperatures, your camera’s battery drains twice as fast. So bring a large glove or a fleece scarf to keep your camera nice and warm while waiting. And an extra – fully charged – battery is certainly not an unnecessary luxury.
During our Northern Lights photography trip, photographer David will give you even more tips (and answer all your questions) in an exclusive Northern Lights workshop to capture the most beautiful photos of the aurora borealis.
More tips and travel inspiration? Sign up for our magazine and immediately receive the booklet 12 Must-See Tips for Your Unforgettable Trip as a gift.
Photographing in Lofoten and Vesterålen? The Northern Lights or wildlife?
The following photo trips from Tromsø are planned for 2020:
Join our Northern Lights Photography Sailing Expedition?
Or would you prefer the Wildlife Photography Trip Northern Norway?
Are you interested? Let us know. Email us for more information, travel descriptions, and dates.
