How do you photograph the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful and magical natural phenomena out there. And for many photographers a dream to capture. That's why we tell you the best way to do that, and what you can pay attention to to take the perfect photo.

The Northern Lights

How do the Northern Lights actually form? This is due to electrically charged particles from the sun entering the earth through the atmosphere. These protons and electrons from the sun are thrown into space during a solar storm or explosion. Because the particles come into contact with the terrestrial gases, the northern lights appear in all kinds of colors and shapes. You are most likely to see this phenomenon in northern countries near the poles.

Tips for capturing the Northern Lights

– The darker the better. For this it is best to photograph in the winter with the new moon. You also don't want any light pollution behind the northern lights, so the intensity decreases.

– Take the photo as far north as possible and towards the north. You have the best chance of seeing the northern lights well without disturbing elements in the background.

– Choose a good location with a landscape or water in the foreground. That way you get more depth in the photo or a nice reflection in the water.

– Good preparation is half the battle. Being a natural phenomenon, it remains unique and unpredictable. It is therefore never exactly the same twice. Make sure you are at your location on time, because the Northern Lights can also be gone in no time.

– The Northern Lights always move from east to west. Since the light is quite active at times and moves quickly through the air, a faster shutter speed is better when capturing. If not, a slower shutter speed is recommended.

Good to know

For a good preparation, there are also a number of apps that can come in handy. First of all, an app that displays the KP index, in other words the activity of the northern lights due to the sun explosions in space. That way you know where it can be seen and to what extent.

If you want to make sure that there is no light pollution in the area, an app like Light Pollution Map is very useful. This map shows where there is the most light pollution, something you want as little as possible when photographing the northern lights. In addition, a weather app is always useful to see if it will be very cloudy, because clouds make the northern lights less bright.

Photography Trip Northern Lights Lofoten & Senja

Would you like to photograph the Northern Lights? You are most welcome on our photo tour!

Please take a look at our photography trip Lofoten and our photo tour Senja

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