Photographing the Northern Lights in Norway
Capturing the Northern Lights is an experience that feels almost otherworldly. If you're heading to the far reaches of the globe, where the magical auroras dance across the sky, you'll want to ensure you capture the moment. After all, witnessing the Northern Lights is one of the most unforgettable experiences, and capturing them on camera ensures that memory lasts forever. But, as breathtaking as they are, photographing the auroras comes with its own set of challenges. So, let's break it down step-by-step: how to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, and then, how to capture them like a pro.
Choose the Right Location
The Northern Lights are most visible in the polar regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland but can also be seen in Iceland, the northernmost parts of Canada, and Alaska. In Norway, some of the top spots to photograph the lights include:
Tromsø: Known as the gateway to the Arctic, Tromsø sits right under the Aurora Oval, offering some of the best chances to witness the lights.
Lofoten Islands: Known for dramatic landscapes, the Lofoten Islands are a popular spot for Aurora hunters.
Alta: Known as the "City of the Northern Lights," Alta offers great conditions for photography.
Svalbard: Located far north, it offers stunning views of the Aurora in a wild and remote setting.
Senja: The scenic Senja Island is less touristy but offers a great opportunity to shoot the lights with beautiful surroundings.
Pick the Right Time of Night
The Northern Lights are most commonly visible between 9 PM and 2 AM, but if you're serious about capturing them at their most vibrant, aim for the darkest hours, typically between midnight and 2 AM. This is when the sky is usually at its clearest and the aurora activity often ramps up.
But remember, the aurora doesn't run on a fixed schedule; it's driven by solar activity, which means timing can be unpredictable. That's why checking a reliable Aurora forecast is key. We personally use the My Aurora Forecast app (but there are plenty of good ones!) to track the KP index, cloud cover, and solar wind conditions, all crucial factors in your aurora-chasing game.
In general, the best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to March, when nights are long and dark in the Northern Hemisphere. But here's some exciting news: 2025 and 2026 are expected to be prime years for aurora activity, thanks to the approaching solar maximum, the peak of the sun's 11-year cycle, when geomagnetic storms are more frequent and intense.
So, if you've ever dreamed of seeing, or photographing, the aurora, now is the time to start planning.
Dress for Aurora Success
Let's be honest, you might be standing in the Arctic cold for hours, in the middle of the night, waiting for the sky to light up. And while the Northern Lights are pure magic, frostbite isn't. If you're not dressed properly, your aurora adventure could quickly turn into a miserable, shivery regret.
The only way you're going to stay focused (and take great photos) is by dressing smart, and that means layering like a pro. Here's what you'll need:
Base Layer (Thermal Underwear): Think moisture-wicking and heat-retaining. Merino wool or high-quality synthetic thermals are best. Avoid cotton—it holds moisture and will make you colder.
Mid Layer (Insulation): A thick fleece, down jacket, or insulated puffer coat will trap heat and keep your core warm.
Outer Layer (Shell): A waterproof and windproof shell jacket and pants are essential—especially in places like Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands where the weather can change fast.
Socks: Go for thermal or wool socks. And double up if your boots have room. Don't forget to keep a spare dry pair in your bag—just in case.
Boots: Insulated, waterproof winter boots with good grip (icy trails are no joke).
Hat + Gloves + Neck Warmer: Wear a fleece-lined hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves (or glove liners under mittens), and a neck gaiter or balaclava to keep the wind off your face.
Optional (But Game-Changers): Hand and toe warmers—toss them in your gloves and boots. Headlamp with red light mode—essential for adjusting camera settings without blinding yourself.
Use the Right Camera Settings
Now let’s get into the detail. Capturing the Northern Lights requires manual control over your camera. Auto settings won't cut it for this kind of low-light, long-exposure photography. Here's what you'll need to do:
Camera:
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: You need a camera that allows you to adjust settings manually. Ideally, it should have a wide-angle lens and the ability to shoot in RAW format.
Phone: You can also use your phone, should that be the only thing you have. You should use a tripod, and try to set it for 10 second exposures. We used our phone to film great timelapse’s as opposed to photographs.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for long exposure shots. The Northern Lights will not be visible in a regular shot without a long exposure.
Settings:
Aperture: Set your aperture as wide as possible (e.g., f/2.8, f/4) to let in as much light as possible. A wider aperture also helps with capturing the moving lights.
Shutter Speed: The exposure time will depend on how bright the Aurora is and how fast it's moving. Typically, you want a shutter speed of about 5 to 15 seconds. Shorter speeds (5-7 seconds) work well when the lights are intense, while longer exposures (10-15 seconds) are better when the lights are faint.
TIP: The 500 Rule: This is a helpful formula to calculate an ideal shutter speed based on your focal length. To avoid star trails (when stars or the Aurora appear as streaks), divide 500 by the focal length of your lens. For example, with a 24mm lens, 500 ÷ 24 = 20.83 seconds (which you can round down to 20 seconds). The formula ensures you don't capture star trails, but you might need to adjust based on how the Northern Lights appear.
ISO: Set your ISO between 800 and 1600. Going higher will introduce noise, so adjust based on how bright the lights are. If you're shooting long exposures, try to keep it on the lower side (800-1000).
White Balance: The Northern Lights naturally have a mix of green, purple, pink, and sometimes even red hues, depending on the level of solar activity. Setting the white balance properly will ensure the colors remain true to what you see. Set to daylight (5000K-6000K): Start with a Daylight white balance setting, which typically ranges from 5000K to 6000K. If your photos have a blue tint, slightly adjust the white balance to tune it. If your image looks too warm (too orange) or too cold (too blue), adjust the Kelvin value. A cooler setting (around 4000K) will help the greens and purples pop. Warmer settings can bring out reds and more natural hues.
Focus: Manually focus your lens to infinity or use the Live View function and zoom in to focus on a distant light (such as a star) to ensure sharpness.
Shoot in RAW format to have more control over your image in post-processing.
Test and Adjust: When you first set up, take a few test shots and review them on your camera. Make sure you're not overexposing (blown-out highlights) or underexposing (too dark).
Composition Tips for Stunning Aurora Photos
The Northern Lights themselves are amazing, but composing your shots is key to making them truly stand out. Here are some tips:
Include foreground elements: The Aurora looks stunning on its own, but adding interesting foreground elements like mountains, fjords, trees, or a cabin can make the image more dynamic and immersive.
Look for reflections: If you're near a body of water, try to capture the Aurora's reflection in the water for a striking double-image effect.
Experiment with different angles: Don't be afraid to experiment with compositions, shooting horizontally, vertically, or even from low to the ground for a unique perspective.
Balance the light: Make sure your foreground isn't too dark. You can do this by slightly increasing the exposure time or using a flashlight to illuminate the landscape just before taking the photo.
Use a Remote Shutter or Timer
To avoid camera shake, use a remote shutter release or set your camera's self-timer to avoid any wobbling when pressing the shutter button. A remote shutter is ideal for long exposures because it gives you more precise control.
Editing Your Northern Lights Photos
Once you've taken your shots, editing can help bring out the best in your images.
Adjust exposure: Fine-tune the exposure to enhance the brightness of the Northern Lights without overexposing the surrounding landscape.
White balance: The Aurora can appear in different colors, so adjust the white balance to avoid making the sky look too blue or too green.
Increase contrast and sharpness: To make the lights pop, increase contrast and sharpen the image a little bit.
Noise reduction: If you had to use a high ISO setting, there might be some noise. Use noise reduction tools in editing software (like Adobe Lightroom) to clean it up.
Stay Patient and Be Ready for the Magic
Lastly, patience is key when photographing the Northern Lights. Sometimes they appear as faint glows, while other times, they'll erupt in vibrant colors and dramatic movements. It may take a few hours of waiting, but the moment the lights show up, you'll be ready to capture them at their peak.
Also, be prepared for some unpredictability. Weather in Norway, especially in the far north, can change quickly. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and Aurora forecast apps.