Aurora Photography Tips

It is important to note that both professional and amateur photographers can get amazing results when photographing the aurora. However, both cellphones and DSLRs have their advantages and disadvantages for aurora photography. Cellphones offer convenience, ease of use, and immediate sharing capabilities, making them suitable for casual photographers or those new to aurora hunting. DSLRs provide superior image quality, greater control, and better performance in low-light conditions, making them ideal for serious photographers who want to capture the best possible images of the auroras. The choice ultimately depends on your photography goals, experience level, and willingness to invest in equipment.

The most important thing when photographing the majestic lights is to experiment with different camera settings to see what works best for you and take your time, have fun and enjoy the experience of witnessing and capturing one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Using professional equipment for photographing nothern lights

1. Choose the Right Equipment

• Camera: Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings for the best results.
• Lens: A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a large aperture (f/2.8 or lower) is ideal.
• Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential to keep your camera steady during long exposures.
• Remote or Timed Shutter Release: This helps to avoid camera shake when taking long exposures.

2. Find the Perfect Location

• Away from Light Pollution: Choose a dark location far from city lights to see the auroras clearly.
• Clear Skies: Check the weather forecast for clear skies. Clouds can obscure the auroras.
• Foreground Interest: Look for interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or water to add depth to your photos.

3. Camera Settings

• ISO: Start with an ISO setting of 800-1600. Adjust based on the brightness of the auroras and your camera’s noise performance.
• Aperture: Set your aperture to the widest setting (e.g., f/2.8) to allow maximum light into the camera.
• Shutter Speed: Use a shutter speed of 5-25 seconds. Experiment to find the best exposure for the auroras' movement and brightness.
• Focus: Manually focus your lens to infinity. You can also use live view and zoom in on a bright star to fine-tune your focus.

4. Composition

• Rule of Thirds: Use the rule of thirds to compose your shot. Place the horizon in the lower third of the frame to capture more of the sky.
• Include Foreground: Incorporate foreground elements to create a sense of scale and context.
• Panorama Shots: Consider shooting panoramas to capture the vastness of the aurora display.

5. Adjusting White Balance

• Kelvin Setting: Set your white balance to a Kelvin temperature between 2800K and 4000K to capture the natural colours of the auroras.
• Auto White Balance: If unsure, you can start with auto white balance and adjust in post-processing.

6. Post-Processing

• RAW Format: Shoot in RAW format to have more flexibility in post-processing.
• Editing Software: Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust exposure, contrast, and colour balance.
• Noise Reduction: Apply noise reduction to reduce grain in your photos, especially if using high ISO settings.

7. Be Prepared

• Dress Warmly: Northern and Southern Lights are often seen in cold environments. Dress in layers and bring warm clothing.
• Stay Safe: Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're shooting near water or on uneven terrain.
• Patience: The auroras can be unpredictable. Be patient and ready to capture the moment when they appear.

8. Experiment and Enjoy

• Try Different Settings: Experiment with different camera settings to see what works best for your style and conditions.
• Have Fun: Enjoy the experience of witnessing and capturing one of nature’s most stunning displays.

Using a cellphone for photographing the aurora borealis

The following are some specific tips to consider when using a cellphone to capture the splendor and beauty of the magical northern lights. Many of the tips for using professional equipment, such as a DSLR, still apply though there may be some subtle differences.

1. Use a Tripod or Stable Surface

• Stability: Since you'll be using long exposure times, keeping your phone stable is crucial to avoid blurry images.
• Tripod: Use a small phone tripod or place your phone on a stable surface.

2. Camera Settings

• Manual Mode: If your phone has a manual or pro mode, switch to it to control settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus.
• ISO: Start with a higher ISO (e.g., 800-3200) to capture more light, but be mindful of noise.
• Shutter Speed: Set a longer exposure time, usually between 5-20 seconds, depending on the brightness of the auroras.
• Focus: Manually set the focus to infinity. If your phone doesn't have this option, try tapping on a distant light to help it focus.

3. Use an App

• Camera Apps: Download a camera app that allows manual control of settings. Popular options include Camera FV-5 (Android) and ProCam (iOS).
• Night Mode: Some phones have a night mode or long exposure feature. Use these modes to enhance low-light performance.

4. Optimize Your Phone Settings

• Resolution: Use the highest resolution setting available for better image quality.
• HDR Mode: Try using HDR mode if your phone supports it, as it can help balance the bright auroras and dark surroundings.

5. Use a Remote Shutter or Timer

• Avoid Shake: Use a remote shutter or set a timer (2-10 seconds) to minimize camera shake when taking the shot.

6. Post-Processing

• Editing Apps: Use editing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to enhance your photos.
• Adjustments: Adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows. Apply noise reduction to minimize graininess.