How to Take a Photo of the Northern Lights: Camera Settings for Success

Learn how to how to take a photo of the northern lights with these camera settings and tips for capturing breathtaking shots of the aurora borealis.

Capturing the beauty of the northern lights has been a dream for many photographers from around the globe. There is something truly mesmerizing about the natural phenomenon as it dances across the polar skies. Yet, photographing the aurora borealis presents some of the most unique challenges in the hobby. After all, the elusive lights are notoriously difficult to capture. And, when it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights, it’s important to remember that taking photographs in lowlight conditions can be difficult even for a seasoned photographer. Creating truly memorable images demands meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of the settings on your camera.

Essential Equipment for Northern Lights Photography

When it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights and getting amazing resuts, you will need a lot more than just a camera. Having the right accessories can make all the difference between a blurry snapshot and a breathtaking masterpiece.

Must-Have Tools

Camera with Manual Controls

For starters, you need a camera that provides you with full manual controls over the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

Sturdy Tripod

As you will be taking long exposure shots, you need the stability of a sturdy and weather-resistant tripod.

Wide-Angle Lens with a Large Aperture

In order to capture the vastness of the northern lights, you will also need a lens that has a wide field of view, as well as a fast aperture of f/2 .8 or lower.

Remote Shutter Release or Intervalometer

Once you set up your camera, you need to minimize the chance of vibrations during the long exposures, so using a remote shutter release or intervalometer is essential.

Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

Of course, don’t forget that the colder temperatures will quickly drain out your batteries. And, the RAW image files will consume a lot of memory.

Top 5 Cameras for Night Photography

When it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights, choosing the right camera is essential, remember that you’re dealing with low light conditions, which means you need excellent ISO performance, a dynamic range, and the ability to capture fine details without noise. Let’s take a closer look at the five best cameras for capturing the aurora borealis.

Nikon D850

• Sensor Type: Full-frame (FX) 45.7MP CMOS
• ISO Range: 64-25,600 (expandable to 102,400)
• Dynamic Range: One of the highest among DSLRs
• Key Feature: Backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor

This high-resolution 45.7-megapixel full-frame camera is a powerhouse when it comes to night photography. It is a top choice for aurora chasers thanks to its backside illuminated sensor which allows more light to reach the pixels. The Nikon D850 features exceptional ISO performance with minimal noise.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

• Sensor Type: Full-frame 30.4MP CMOS
• ISO Range: 100-32,000 (expandable to 102,400)
• Low-Light Autofocus: Performs well even in near-dark conditions
• Key Feature: Dual Pixel RAW for better post-processing flexibility

The EOS 5D is one of the most widely used cameras for astrophotography. This is due to its exceptional low-light performance and its outstanding ISO sensitivity. It features a 30.4-megapixel sensor that provides you with high-resolution images with very little noise. And, thanks to its Dual Pixel RAW technology, photographers can fine-tune their focus and sharpness postprocessing.

Sony A7S II

• Sensor Type: Full-frame 12.2MP CMOS
• ISO Range: 100-102,400 (expandable to 409,600)
• Low-Light Performance: Industry-leading high ISO capabilities
• Key Feature: High sensitivity with minimal noise

When it comes to lowlight performance, the A7S II is unmatched. It is a favorite among astrophotographers thanks to the ISO range that can be expanded up to 409,600. Simply put, this 12.2-megapixel camera can capture auroras even in the darkest conditions. And, its mirrorless design makes it lighter and more compact than a traditional DSLR.

Pentax K-1 Mark II

• Sensor Type: Full-frame 36.4MP CMOS
• ISO Range: 100-819,200
• Built-in Image Stabilization: 5-axis shake reduction
• Key Feature: Astrotracer function for long-exposure night sky shots

You may be surprised to hear that the Pentax K-1 Mark II is a hidden gem in astrophotography. This particular camera features a patented Astrotracer function which syncs with the camera’s GPS to compensate for the Earth’s rotation during long exposure shots. This creates sharper stars and aurora details. Plus, the 36.4-megapixel sensor provides you with one of the most stunning resolutions imaginable.

Nikon D750

• Sensor Type: Full-frame 24.3MP CMOS
• ISO Range: 100-12,800 (expandable to 51,200)
• Autofocus Sensitivity: Performs well in low-light conditions
• Key Feature: Excellent high-ISO performance for an older model

Although it’s an older option, the D750 is still an extremely reliable and budget-friendly option for astrophotography. Not only does it perform well in low light conditions, but it offers high ISO performance with a full frame 24.3-megapixel sensor. Of course, you won’t have all of the cutting-edge features found in newer models, but you can save a lot of money on the purchase.

Top 5 Tripods for High-ISO Photography

When it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights and create clear, sharp images of the aurora borealis, you need to have a sturdy tripod. Long exposures require perfect stability in order to prevent motion blur. Let us take a closer look at some of the best tripods for night photography.

Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminum Tripod

• Key Features: Adjustable center column, durable aluminum construction
• Best For: Versatility and stability on uneven ground

At the top of our list is the Manfroto 190XPRO. This lightweight yet sturdy tripod features a multi-angle center column. This will allow you to make minor adjustments when taking photos of the northern lights. And, its quick-release leg locks make it more efficient when working in colder temperatures.

Gitzo Series 3 Systematic Tripod

• Key Features: Carbon fiber design, heavy-duty load capacity
• Best For: Professional-grade stability in extreme conditions

If you are looking for something a little more high-tech, then why not choose something that’s built entirely out of carbon fiber? Not only does this tripod offer you excellent stability, it is also one of the lightest weight tripods available on the market today.

Benro Mach3 TMA37C Carbon Fiber Tripod

• Key Features: Strong build, smooth adjustments
• Best For: Long-exposure photography

One of the biggest features of the Mach3, is the smooth ball head. This allows you to fine-tune the camera’s position and achieve that perfect shot.

Induro Alloy 8M AT214 Tripod

• Key Features: Affordable, stable aluminum construction
• Best For: Budget-conscious photographers who still need reliability

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly aluminum tripod, then look no further than the Induro. This particular tripod offers you input impressive stability at an affordable price. It is a perfect option for those who want sturdy support without having to break the bank.

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB

• Key Features: Multi-angle center column, lightweight design
• Best For: Flexibility and ease of use

Frame your aurora shots from unique perspectives thanks to the multi-angle center column. This popular lightweight tripod is perfect for traveling to more remote destinations.

Additional Must-Have Tools for Aurora Photography

Of course, there are plenty of other things that you’re going to need other than a camera and tripod. Here are some of the most important accessories you need to take with you when it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights.

Lens Heater or Hand Warmers

• Why It’s Essential: Cold temperatures can cause the lenses to fog up which can ruin long exposure shots.
• Solution: A lens heater can be wrapped around the lens to prevent condensation, and hand warmers will keep your fingertips agile.

Headlamp with Red Light Mode

• Why It’s Essential: white light can adversely affect your natural night vision.
• Solution: Instead, you need a red light that will allow you to adjust the settings on your camera without affecting your ability to see in lowlight conditions.

Weatherproof Camera Bag

• Why It’s Essential: how in the Arctic, you will have to deal with snow, ice, and moisture which can damage your gear.
• Solution: A weather-sealed camera bag will keep your equipment protected.

Portable Power Bank

• Why It’s Essential: the colder temperatures can quickly drain your camera’s battery.
• Solution: Always remember to carry a power Bank in order to recharge your batteries and other electronic devices out in the field.

Aurora Forecast Apps

• Why It’s Essential: The northern lights can be unpredictable, so having real-time data at your fingertips is crucial.
• Recommended Apps:
  • My Aurora Forecast – Provides real-time aurora activity updates.
  • NOAA Aurora Forecast – Government-backed forecasts based on solar activity.
  • Aurora Alerts – Custom notifications for aurora activity based on your location.

Camera Settings for How To Take A Photo Of The Northern Lights

Photographing the northern lights can be a truly exhilarating experience. But, if you don’t have the right camera settings, even one of the most breathtaking aurora displays imaginable can result in a blurry and underexposed image. When it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights, remember that auroras are an ever-changing phenomenon that requires real-time adjustments to ISO, shutter speed, aperture, focus, and white balance.

ISO Sensitivity: Finding the Right Balance

Your ISO will determine how sensitive your camera sensor is to light. In the low light conditions that you will shoot the northern lights in, you need a higher ISO to capture the image. However, with higher ISO values, comes higher digital noise.

Start with ISO 800-1600

• An ISO range of 800 to 1600 provides you with a good balance between light sensitivity and noise control.
• It will ensure that the auroras bright enough in the image without introducing any excessive grain.
• Different cameras will handle the higher ISOs differently, so take time to experiment with your camera before heading out onto the tundra.

Adjust as Needed

• In the event that the Aurora is visible, but not quite bright enough to capture, you can always increase your ISO up to 3200 or 6400.
• If the Aurora is very bright, you can also reduce your ISO down to 400 or 800.
• Always remember to check your camera’s ability to handle noise, and experiment with different ISO values before heading out.

Pro Tip: If your camera has a dual ISO setting, use a higher native ISO to achieve cleaner, less noisy images.

Shutter Speed: Capturing the Movement of the Aurora

Your shutter speed will determine how long your camera sensor is exposed to the light. When it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights, you will need to adjust your shutter speed to match their speed and intensity.

Begin with 5-15 Seconds

• Start with a shorter shutter speed of 5 to 7 seconds for faster-moving auroras.
• However, if you are looking for a dreamier more ethereal appearance, increase your shutter speed to 10 to 15 seconds.

Monitor Aurora Movement

• Always remember to monitor the aurora movement. With faster auroras, you will need a shutter speed that’s only about 2 to 7 seconds long.
• With slower auroras, you can increase the shutter speed up to 10 to 15 seconds.
• If the auroras are very slow, and not moving at all, you can even experiment with exposures up to 20 seconds long.

Pro Tip: Remember to use a two-second timer or a remote shutter release in order to avoid any vibrations when you press the shutter button.

Aperture: Maximizing Light Intake

When it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights, you need to have a lens with a wider aperture and a lower f-stop number.

Use a Wide Aperture (f/2.8 – f/4)

• An f/2.8 or lower is perfect for capturing the most amount of light in dark environments.
• Pay close attention to your lens choice as many lenses only go down to f/4.

Find the Sweet Spot

• Although an f/2.8 would be perfect for light intake, you will find that certain lenses will produce sharper images when they are slightly stepped down.
• Always test your lens for sharpness at different apertures before heading out into the field.

Pro Tip: Although it may be tempting to use extremely wide apertures, you should avoid these unless absolutely necessary as they will create softer images with a reduced depth of field.

Focus: Achieving Sharpness in Low Light

When it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights, never use autofocus. Your autofocus will struggle in dark conditions. Instead, for amazing aurora photography, use manual focus instead.

Switch to Manual Focus

• Start by setting your lens to manual focus to avoid autofocus hunting.
• In some mirrorless cameras, you may have the option to use focus peaking which is perfect for highlighting the in-focus areas.

Use Live View and Zoom In

• Don’t forget to activate your live view mode.
• Start by zooming in on a bright star using your digital magnification.
• Then rotate the focus ring until the star appears sharp and well-defined.

Set to Infinity and Adjust Slightly

• Most lenses will have an infinity focus marker.
• Do not rely on this marker as it is often not calibrated.
• Instead, always fine-tune your lens manually to get the sharpest result.

Pro Tip: For lenses that have a hard stop at infinity, all you need to do is turn in slightly backward for best results.

White Balance: Enhancing Aurora Colors

Your white balance setting will affect your color accuracy. As the northern lights have dominant green, blue, and purple hues, you need to use the correct white balance setting to prevent the colors from getting washed out.

Set to 3500K-4500K (Cooler Tones)

• To enhance the natural green to include tones, choose a white balance of 3500K to 4500K.
• Never use auto the white balance feature as it will introduce yellow and reddish tints.

Alternative White Balance Settings:

• 3000K-3500K − Cooler, more bluish tones
• 4500K-5000K − Warmer, slightly neutral tones

Shoot in RAW for Post-Processing Flexibility

• Always use RAW format in order to preserve the color data, and fine-tune white balance in post-processing.
• Remember, JPEG files limit your ability to adjust colors later.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure, try taking a few test shots using different white balance settings to see which one looks best on your particular camera.

Practical Tips on How to Take A Photo of The Northern Lights

If you are looking for practical tips on how to take a photo of the northern lights, then look no further.

Choose the Right Location

• Drive at least 30 miles outside of the city limits
• National Park should offer the best conditions
• Always use weather apps to check for cloud coverage

Timing is Everything

• Photograph the northern lights between September and March
• Peak aurora activity is between 10 PM and 2 AM
• Always use forecast apps to plan your shoot

Composition Matters

• Include mountains, trees, lakes, or ice in your foreground to add depth
• Position the auroras off-center for a more balanced image
• Use the reflection of a lake or river to create more stunning images

Use a Remote Shutter Release

• Reduces camera shake for sharper images
• When unavailable using 2 to 5 second timer

Take Multiple Shots

• Shoot in bursts to capture the best formations
• Experiment with different shutter speeds

Common How to Take A Photo of The Northern Lights Mistakes

Even the most experienced photographers can run into pitfalls from time to time. After all, capturing the northern lights can be very challenging due to its unpredictable, moving nature. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common mistakes in how to take a photo of the northern lights and how to correct them.

Relying on Autofocus

Never rely on the autofocus when it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights.

The Problem

• Digital camera autofocus system struggle in low light conditions
• If there is a bright foreground object, the auroras will be out of focus
• Out of focus images are often soft and blurry and cannot be fixed postprocessing

The Solution

• Always use the manual focus and switch your lens to MF to prevent it from hunting
• Focus on a bright star or distant light source using the live view mode
• Try using the affinity focus market, and then adjust until the star is crisp and sharp
• Use the focus peaking setting if it is available on your mirrorless camera

Pro Tip: If you have difficulty focusing, try shining a flashlight on a distant object, focus on it, and then lock the focus in before turning the light off

Underexposing or Overexposing the Aurora

Experimenting with your ISO and aperture is crucial when it comes to how to take a photo of the northern lights.

The Problem

• Underexposure result in dark and weak images that lacks vibrancy
• Overexposure results in bright, washed out images
• Your camera’s LCD screen can be misleading

The Solution

• Always adjust the shutter speed and ISO carefully
• Start with an ISO of 800 to 1600 and a shutter speed of 5 to 15 seconds
• Adjust as needed
• Check the histogram instead of relying on your camera screen
• Your histogram should curve in the middle without being clicked on the ends
• If the histogram is too far left, increase ISO and shutter length
• If the histogram is too far right, decreased ISO and shutter length
• Always capture multiple shots at different exposure levels

Pro Tip: Always take a few test shots then adjust the settings based on the conditions of the aurora.

Shaky Images Due to Wind or Camera Movement

Shaky hands or wind can cause blurry images.

The Problem

• Long exposure photography is a sensitive to movement
• Lightweight tripod shake too much in windy conditions
• Handheld shooting is impossible for long exposures

The Solution

• Always use a sturdy heavy-duty tripod made of carbon fiber or aluminum
• Add weights to the tripod like your camera bag to keep it from shifting
• Use a remote shutter release or timer rather than pressing the button manually
• Enable image stabilization if it’s available

Pro Tip: In extremely windy conditions, lower the tripod height to increase its stability when deciding how to take a photo of the northern lights.

Forgetting to Adjust White Balance

Auto white balance can wash out your images.

The Problem

• Auto white balance can misinterpret the colors of the aurora
• Incorrect white balance settings can reduce the accuracy of the colors
• The colors of the aurora will appear less vibrant

The Solution

• Always set the white balance manually
• Choose a setting between 3500K and 4500K
• Never choose a setting above 5000K
• Always shoot in RAW format to retain the full-color data

Pro Tip: If you are unsure of how to take a photo of the northern lights, take multiple test shots with different settings and then compare them later.

Not Dressing Warmly Enough

Cold fingers are stiff and produce less precise images

The Problem

• Hunting for the auroras means standing in freezing temperatures of four hours
• Cold fingers often struggle with adjusting camera settings
• The colder weather will drain the battery faster
• Hypothermia and frostbite are a potential risk

The Solution

• Always wear multiple layers of clothing
• Use a touch sensitive gloves to adjust the camera settings
• Wear waterproof boots and insulated socks
• Chemical warmers are perfect for keeping your hands warm
• Once your focus is set, you can wrap the lens and body to keep them warm

Pro Tip: Always keep extra camera batteries inside your jacket and close to your body to prolong their life in colder conditions.

Conclusion: Embrace Experimentation and Patience

Ultimately, photographing the northern lights can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Becoming a master of your camera’s settings, and choosing the right environment can mean the difference between mediocre images and vibrant displays being captured with vivid detail. Remember, the answer how to take a photo of the northern lights, is that you need to have patience because the auroras are unpredictable and conditions can change in the blink of an eye. And, take the time to experiment with the settings, embrace the adventure, and enjoy the magical experience.