Explaining the Northern Lights and photography
Understanding the Aurora Borealis
Often referred to as the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis is a mesmerising natural phenomenon gracing the northern hemisphere's night skies. This spectacle is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a dance of lights across the sky. Capturing this celestial ballet requires more than just a good camera; it demands understanding the science behind the phenomenon, and this way, you can get the most beautiful captures of it!
Northern Lights, Aurora borealis in Syöte, South Lapland ©Janne Autere
The Aurora Borealis is most commonly seen in northern regions around the Arctic. However, its appearance is not guaranteed, as it depends on solar activity and bright sky conditions. This unpredictability is part of its charm and excitement, making each experience unique. For those interested in venturing out to capture its brilliance, understanding the optimal conditions and planning the photography session is essential.
Best locations for the Northern Lights
When it comes to Northern Lights photography, location is key. While Rovaniemi and Northern Lapland are popular destinations for Aurora enthusiasts, the regions of South Lapland offer equally enchanting experiences with a fraction of the crowd. Nestled within Pudasjärvi, Ranua, and Posio, these areas provide a serene backdrop of untouched wilderness and cultural heritage. For example, you can find many interesting Instagram feeds about the Aurora photography from these areas like: https://www.instagram.com/j.autere/
Bus stop under the Northern lights in South Lapland ©Janne Autere
During our nature and landscape photography tours and workshops it is more than usual that between the bird, whale or mammal photography in Northern territories you have great opportunities for capturing the Northern lights.
Pudasjärvi, Taivalkoski, Kuhmo, and Suomussalmi are ideal for those seeking tranquility and different kinds of photography opportunities. Here, the absence of light pollution enhances the visibility of the night sky, making it a perfect spot for capturing the Northern Lights. We, for example, offer Arctic Wolf & Auroras - an active photography tour where you can enjoy the auroras, stargazing, and wildlife on the same tour. Moreover, the regions boast vibrant cultural offerings, from traditional Finnish food to historical landmarks, adding depth to your travel experience.
By positioning the South Lapland or Kainuu area, as we call the Arctic Lakeland, as complementary destinations to Lapland, travellers are encouraged to explore these hidden gems in Eastern Finland, where they can enjoy the magic of the Aurora Borealis amidst a stunning natural backdrop.
Essential camera gear for capturing the Northern Lights
To embark on a successful Northern Lights photography adventure, having the right camera gear is crucial. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings capability is recommended, as these allow for greater control over exposure, ISO, and aperture. A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower) is ideal for capturing expansive sky scenes and maximizing light intake.
Investing in a high-quality tripod is non-negotiable, as stability is essential for the long exposure shots needed to capture the Aurora. Additionally, consider bringing extra batteries and memory cards, as cold temperatures can drain battery life, and you'll want ample storage for your night sky photography endeavours.
Camera, wide-angle objective, and a tripod on the night photography trip ©Janne Autere
A remote shutter release or a two-second delayed shutter release can also be beneficial, preventing camera shake during exposure and allowing for time-lapse sequences of the Aurora Borealis. You can control the two-second shutter release more easily than the five or ten-second delay. Ensuring your gear is well-equipped for the unique challenges of night photography will enhance your chances of capturing stunning images. We are ready to help you get your best pictures of the Northern lights.
Camera settings for Northern Lights photography
Choosing the best camera settings for Northern Lights photography is integral to capturing the phenomenon's vibrant colors and intricate details. Start by setting your camera to manual mode to have complete control over your settings. Set the ISO between 2500 and 3200, depending on the brightness of the Aurora and ambient light conditions. A higher ISO increases sensitivity to light, but be cautious of introducing noise.
Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to allow maximum light through the lens, and set your shutter speed between 3 and 15 seconds. The optimal shutter speed will vary based on the intensity and movement of the Aurora; faster movement may require shorter exposures to avoid blurring the lights.
A lady under Auroras in Syöte Finland ©Janne Autere
Focus your lens manually to infinity, and use live view mode to fine-tune the focus on a bright star or distant light source. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance for your specific conditions, and remember to review your shots periodically to make necessary adjustments.
Techniques for capturing stunning Aurora photos
Beyond camera settings, several techniques can elevate your Aurora photography. Composition is key; include natural elements like trees, mountains, or lakes in the foreground to add depth and context to your images. These elements not only anchor the scene but also provide a sense of scale against the vastness of the sky.
Northern Lights reflects from the Lake in Finland ©Janne Autere
Experiment with various perspectives and angles to create dynamic compositions. Leading lines, such as a winding river or a road, can draw the viewer's eye towards the Aurora, making for a more interesting image. Be patient and ready to adapt because the Aurora's movement and intensity can change quite quickly.
Consider using a time-lapse technique to capture the Aurora's movement over time. This involves taking multiple exposures over a period and combining them into a short video, allowing you to showcase the dynamic dance of the lights uniquely.
Post-processing for Northern Lights images
Post-processing is an essential step in refining your Aurora Borealis images. By using software like On1 Photo Raw https://www.on1.com/products/photo-raw/ like I use, it is easy to adjust exposure, contrast, and colour balance. Enhancing these aspects can bring out the vivid hues and details of the Northern lights.
Be cautious not to over-process; maintaining the natural beauty of the Aurora should be the goal. Use noise-reduction, which is built, for example, inside the On1 Photo Raw, to minimize the noise introduced by high ISO settings, and consider adjusting the clarity and sharpness to enhance the overall image quality. The noise reduction also makes your photos sharper in any case.
Finally, crop and straighten your images to improve composition and remove any distractions from the frame. With thoughtful post-processing, your Northern Lights photos can transform from simple captures into stunning works of art that beautifully convey the magic of the Aurora Borealis.