How to Photograph the Northern Lights: Practical Tips for Travelers and Aspiring Photographers

The Joy of Photographing the Aurora

I will be the first to admit I am not a professional photographer.

But I love the challenge of trying to capture those fleeting, magical moments that make travel unforgettable. These tips come from trusted sources, expert photographers, and seasoned aurora chasers, and I look forward to practicing them myself on a future Arctic journey.

The Northern Lights have captivated travelers for centuries. There is something surreal about watching ribbons of green, pink, and violet light sweep across a frozen landscape. And while it may look effortless when captured on a postcard, photographing the aurora requires patience, preparation, and just a little know-how.

Understanding the Northern Lights

Before diving into how to photograph the Northern Lights, it helps to understand what you are actually seeing. The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, producing brilliant colors that dance across the sky. The effect is strongest near the magnetic poles, which is why destinations above the Arctic Circle, such as Norway, Finland, and Iceland, are ideal viewing locations.

The lights are most visible between September and March, when nights are long and skies are dark. However, they are unpredictable. You might see a soft, silvery glow one night and a spectacular curtain of color the next. One little-known fact is that the camera often picks up colors that the human eye cannot detect. While we may see pale green or white light, a long-exposure image can reveal intense purples, reds, and even pinks.

General Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

Whether you are using a smartphone or a DSLR, a few simple steps can dramatically improve your results.

• Dress warmly and stay patient. Gloves, boots, and layers will keep you comfortable for long exposures.

• Scout your location early. Choose a dark area away from streetlights or buildings.

• Use a tripod or stable surface. Even the smallest movement will blur your shot. A tripod is essential for both phone and camera photography.

• Turn off your flash. Flash will only brighten nearby snow and wash out the sky.

• Check the aurora forecast. Apps such as My Aurora Forecast or SpaceWeatherLive can alert you when solar activity increases.

• Practice before you travel. Test your settings at home during night photography to become familiar with your camera’s controls.

And perhaps most importantly, remember to enjoy the show.

Capture a few frames, then set the camera aside and simply look up.

Some moments are meant to be experienced, not just recorded.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Phone

Modern smartphones are capable of impressive low-light photography, but a few manual adjustments will help you get the best results.

• Use your phone’s Night Mode or Pro Mode if available.

• Stabilize your phone with a small tripod or rest it on a rock, railing, or backpack.

• Lower the ISO (try 800–1600) to avoid excess grain.

• Increase exposure time to about 5–10 seconds.

• Use a timer or remote shutter to prevent motion blur.

• Turn off flash and HDR. Both can distort colors in low light.

• Consider apps such as NightCap Camera for iPhone or ProCam X for Android for better manual control.

Patience pays off. The longer you can hold the shot steady, the sharper and more colorful your image will be.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Camera

If you are using a digital camera, these beginner-friendly settings are a great starting point.

• Tripod: absolutely essential. Long exposures require complete stillness.

• Lens: a wide-angle (14–24mm) captures more of the sky and landscape.

• Aperture: between f/2.8 and f/4.

• ISO: 800–1600, adjusted for brightness and color.

• Shutter speed: 5–15 seconds depending on how fast the aurora is moving.

• Manual focus: set to infinity and fine-tune if needed.

• Shoot in RAW format to allow easy color correction later.

• Bring spare batteries and keep them close to your body. Cold temperatures drain them quickly.

Aurora Photography Myths and Facts

• Myth: You need professional gear to photograph the aurora.

  
  

  Truth: Even smartphones can capture incredible shots with stability and the right settings.

• Myth: The full moon ruins your aurora photos.

  
  

  Truth: A little moonlight can actually enhance the shot, softly lighting the landscape without overpowering the sky.

Luxury Touches While Chasing the Aurora

When you travel with Milestones & Mondays Travel, photographing the Northern Lights becomes part of a seamless, comfortable adventure. Many of the premium expedition and small luxury cruise partners we work with offer thoughtful details that make aurora viewing effortless.

You might find:

• Aurora monitoring by lodge or ship crews, who gently alert guests when the lights appear.

• Warm-viewing pods or glass-roofed lounges, allowing you to stay cozy while enjoying the show.

• Guided night photography sessions, often led by professional photographers eager to share techniques.

• Warm beverages and local treats served as you watch the colors unfold.

Some of these experiences are offered in Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Canada’s Arctic regions, and each combines natural wonder with refined hospitality.

Common Questions and Lesser-Known Facts

• Can the aurora make sound? Rarely, but faint crackling or hissing has been reported during intense solar activity.

• Why do colors vary? Green is most common, but altitude and gases affect color. Red and purple appear at higher altitudes, blue lower down.

• Can I see the Northern Lights from inside a city? It is possible, but darker skies dramatically improve visibility.

• When is the best time? Peak season is December through February, though displays can occur from late September through March.

Traveling with Milestones & Mondays

When you partner with Milestones & Mondays Travel, you are not just planning a trip, you are crafting a memorable experience. Our Virtuoso partnerships connect you with boutique lodges, small expedition ships, and curated small-group tours across the Arctic, where aurora photography opportunities are as comfortable as they are extraordinary.

Together, we can match you to the ideal experience, from a cozy Scandinavian lodge with nightly aurora wake-up calls to a coastal voyage through Norway’s fjords or a guided photography expedition under the polar night sky.

Ready to capture your memories as you photograph the northern lights?

📞 Schedule a Discovery Call to start planning your Northern Lights photography adventure today.

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I’m Rebecca, founder of Milestones & Mondays Travel, where I transform wanderlust into extraordinary adventures. If you love getting away from the crowds and deeper into the destination, I curate exceptional experiences through expedition cruises, small luxury cruises, river cruises, and small group active vacations—designed for those who seek something beyond the ordinary.

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When you work with me, you receive a fully customized itinerary tailored to your style and desires, plus a trusted advocate handling all the details—before, during, and after your journey. I take the guesswork out of planning and connect you with immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences, so all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Explore my Featured Trips page to discover extraordinary journeys waiting for you.

Rebecca Fitzpatrick-Yancey

Milestones & Mondays Travel | www.MilestonesMondays.com

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