Photographing the northern lights successfully requires the right camera settings, timing, location, and equipment working together. Manual mode is essential for controlling exposure, while understanding aurora patterns and positioning yourself away from light pollution dramatically improves results. The key is preparation and patience to capture these magical displays, known as revontulet in Finnish.

What camera settings work best for northern lights photography?

Manual mode with ISO 1600–3200, an aperture of f/2.8 or wider, and shutter speeds between 5–15 seconds produces the best northern lights photos. These settings capture the aurora’s movement while maintaining sharp stars and proper exposure. Auto mode fails because cameras struggle with the extremely low-light conditions.

ISO settings between 1600 and 3200 provide the optimal balance between light sensitivity and image quality. Higher ISOs like 6400 can work for faint aurora, but introduce more noise. Modern cameras handle ISO 3200 well, producing clean images with vibrant colours.

Your aperture should be as wide as possible, ideally f/2.8 or wider, such as f/1.4. Wide apertures gather maximum light and create sharp foreground elements when focused properly. This is crucial because the northern lights often appear dimmer to cameras than to your eyes.

Shutter speed requires careful consideration of aurora activity. For slow-moving revontulet, use 10–15 seconds to capture smooth, flowing curtains. For fast-dancing aurora, shorter exposures of 5–8 seconds freeze the movement and show detailed structure. Exposures longer than 20 seconds typically result in star trails and blurred aurora.

White balance should be set to daylight (around 5200K) or slightly cooler to preserve the natural green and purple colours. Auto white balance often produces unnatural orange tints that don’t represent the true aurora colours.

When is the best time to photograph the northern lights?

Northern lights photography is best during aurora season from September to March, particularly around the equinoxes in late September and March. Clear, dark nights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. offer optimal conditions, with new moon phases providing the darkest skies for maximum contrast.

Aurora season runs from late September through early April, but October through February offers the most reliable activity. The equinoxes in late September and March see increased geomagnetic activity, making these months particularly productive for photography.

Moon phases significantly impact your results. New moon periods provide the darkest skies, making faint aurora more visible and allowing longer exposures without overexposing the landscape. However, a thin crescent moon can add subtle foreground illumination without overwhelming the aurora.

Weather conditions are crucial for success. Clear skies are essential, as even thin clouds can obscure the aurora. Cold, stable high-pressure systems often bring the clearest conditions. Check weather forecasts and choose nights with minimal cloud cover.

Aurora forecasting tools help you plan successful sessions. The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity, with Kp 3 or higher indicating good aurora potential for northern regions. Apps like Aurora Forecast and websites such as SpaceWeatherLive provide real-time predictions and alerts.

Optimal viewing hours typically occur between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when the sky is darkest. However, revontulet can appear anytime during astronomical darkness. Arrive early to set up your equipment and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Where should you position yourself for the best northern lights photos?

Position yourself away from cities and towns to minimise light pollution, ideally more than 30 kilometres from major light sources. Choose locations with clear northern horizons and interesting foreground elements like trees, lakes, or mountains. Safety considerations in wilderness areas require proper planning and equipment.

Light pollution dramatically reduces aurora visibility and photographic quality. Urban areas wash out faint aurora colours and reduce contrast. Rural locations with minimal artificial lighting reveal the full spectrum and intensity of northern lights displays.

Foreground composition elevates your northern lights photography from snapshots to compelling images. Lakes provide perfect reflections that double the visual impact. Silhouetted trees create natural frames and add scale to the aurora. Snow-covered landscapes reflect available light and create beautiful contrast.

Geographic location affects aurora visibility significantly. Higher latitudes see aurora more frequently and at higher elevations in the sky. The aurora oval shifts with geomagnetic activity, sometimes bringing displays further south during strong storms.

Safety factors become critical in wilderness areas during winter conditions. Inform others of your plans and expected return time. Carry emergency supplies, including extra food, water, and warm clothing. Temperatures can drop rapidly during the clear nights that are ideal for aurora photography.

Scouting locations during daylight helps you identify the best vantage points and potential hazards. Look for areas with unobstructed northern views and safe access in darkness. Consider how the foreground will appear in your compositions and plan multiple shooting positions.

What equipment do you actually need for northern lights photography?

Essential northern lights photography equipment includes a camera capable of manual settings, a wide-angle lens (14–24mm), a sturdy tripod, and spare batteries. An intervalometer for time-lapse sequences and a headlamp with a red filter complete the basic setup. Expensive extras aren’t necessary for excellent results.

Camera body requirements focus on low-light performance rather than megapixel count. Full-frame sensors gather more light and produce cleaner high-ISO images, but modern crop sensors work well too. Manual mode capability is absolutely essential for controlling exposure settings.

Lens selection prioritises wide apertures over focal length. A 14–24mm f/2.8 lens captures expansive aurora displays with sharp stars. Prime lenses like a 20mm f/1.4 offer even better low-light performance. Avoid slow zoom lenses with maximum apertures of f/4 or narrower.

Tripod specifications require stability in windy conditions and sub-zero temperatures. Carbon-fibre tripods resist cold better than aluminium and weigh less for hiking. Ensure the tripod can support your camera-and-lens combination without vibration during long exposures.

Additional accessories enhance your shooting experience without breaking the budget. Intervalometers enable hands-free time-lapse sequences and reduce camera shake from pressing the shutter. Extra batteries are crucial because cold temperatures drain power rapidly.

Battery management becomes critical in freezing conditions. Lithium batteries perform better than alkaline in cold weather. Keep spare batteries warm in inside pockets and rotate them regularly. Some photographers use external battery packs for extended shooting sessions.

Successfully photographing revontulet requires patience and preparation more than expensive equipment. Understanding your camera’s capabilities and the aurora’s behaviour leads to more compelling images than any gear upgrade. Practise these techniques during clear nights, and you’ll be ready when the northern lights dance across the sky.