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Photographing the Aurora Borealis: A Beginner's Guide

Ian Dawson

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most mesmerizing natural phenomena you can witness. Capturing this stunning display on camera can be a rewarding experience.


This October I'm travelling as Photo Ambassador onboard Ponant's hybrid icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot, to Northern Norway, Svalbard and Lofoten and, while it can never be guaranteed, I'm hoping for the opportunity to document the lights at these stunning locations. With this in mind, whether you're using a smartphone or a camera, here's a short guide to help you get started.


(Aurora borealis, helideck of Le Commandant Charcot, Greenland - Ian Dawson)


Understanding the Basics


The Aurora Borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in vivid displays of light. These lights are best viewed in high-latitude regions like Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska. The best time to view the Northern Lights is during the winter months (October to March) when the nights are longer and darker.


There are several smartphone apps that forecast when activity is likely, many that will alert you when at its peak. In particular have a look at Aurora Alerts, Aurora Forecast and Aurora Pro. Of course, if you are on Le Commandant Charcot, the bridge will wake you at any point during the night!


Photographing with a Smartphone



Capturing the Aurora Borealis with a smartphone has become increasingly feasible with advancements in mobile technology. Modern smartphones often come equipped with a night mode, which is essential for low-light photography. To photograph the aurora, use your widest lens, enable night mode on your phone, which will automatically adjust settings for optimal low-light capture. Newer models will automatically activate 'night mode' when conditions are dark enough. Mount your smartphone on a small phone tripod to keep it stable, as any movement can blur the image. Additionally, use a remote shutter or timer to minimize camera shake (eg. your Apple watch can trigger the iphone camera). With these adjustments, your smartphone can effectively capture the vibrant colours and patterns of the aurora.


Tips - Keep your phone as still as possible.- Use a remote shutter or timer to avoid shake.

Mini Tripod Recommendations - Joby GripTightâ„¢ Action Kit - Manfrotto Pixi



Photographing with a Camera from Land


Capturing the Aurora Borealis with a DSLR or mirrorless camera allows for more control and higher quality images. Start with essential equipment: a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable, a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 but I've happily used apertures up to f7.1), and a remote shutter release or inbuilt timer to minimize camera shake.


Set your camera to manual mode to have full control over the settings. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/4.5) to let in as much light as possible, a long shutter speed (5-30 seconds) to capture the movement of the lights, and an ISO setting starting at 1600 to increase sensitivity to light. Manually focus your lens to infinity to ensure sharpness. Keep your spare batteries warm in your pocket to prevent the cold weather from discharging them too quickly. When you're ready, begin to take test shots at different shutter speeds to fine-tune the exposure of your images as the aurora's intensity changes. I set my focus, my aperture and ISO first and then experiment with different shutter speeds in 2 second increments until i find the exposure I am happy with.


Essential Equipment -


Camera (A DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual settings) I use the Fujifiolm XH2

Lenses -`(A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a fast aperture. i use either a FUJINON XF14mmF2.8 R or FUJINON XF10-24mmF4 R OIS WR

Tripod - My preference is the Gitzo Systematic 4 Section Tripod but there are many options at different price points avaiiable - test their stability when purchasing with your camera attached


Settings -


Manual Mode: Switch to manual mode to gain full control of your settings.

Aperture: Set a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/6.4).

Shutter Speed: Use a long shutter speed (5-30 seconds).

ISO: Start with ISO 1600 and adjust as needed.

Focus: Set your focus to infinity.


Tips-


Use a remote shutter or a 2-second timer to minimize shake. Take test shots and adjust settings based on the results - you have plenty of time to get it right. Keep your spare batteries warm to prevent them from losing power too quickly (choose Lithium Ion batteries for best cold weather performance).



Photographing from a Ship


Capturing the Aurora Borealis from a ship presents unique challenges due to constant movement and vibration. To achieve the best results, equip yourself, as before, with a sturdy tripod with vibration reduction features, and use a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 to f/6.4) on your DSLR or mirrorless camera. Set your camera to manual mode to control all settings precisely. Use a higher ISO (3200-6400) than on land to shorten the exposure time and reduce the risk of motion blur of the surrounding landscape, and keep the aperture wide open (f/2.8) to maximize light intake. Choose a shorter shutter speed (1-5 seconds) to further minimize motion blur caused by the ship's movement. Find a sheltered, stable spot on the ship, and brace yourself and your camera against a solid surface to reduce vibrations. Use a remote shutter release or a 2-second timer to avoid camera shake. These adjustments and equipment will help you capture the breathtaking aurora displays even amidst the challenges of shooting from a moving ship.



Challenges


Movement:The ship’s movement can cause blurriness in your photos.

Stability: Finding a stable spot to set up your camera can be difficult.


Settings


Higher ISO - Increase your ISO (3200-6400) to shorten the exposure time.

Shutter Speed - Use a shorter shutter speed (1-5 seconds) to minimize motion blur.

Aperture - Keep your aperture wide (f/2.8).


Tips


Find a sheltered spot on the ship to reduce wind impact.

Use a tripod with vibration reduction if possible.

Brace yourself and the camera against a solid surface to reduce movement.



Composition


When photographing the Aurora, mastering composition will distinguish between an ordinary image and something more memorable. Utilizing a wide field of view allows you to encompass the expansive sky, the landscape and the intricate patterns of the Northern Lights. Consider incorporating elements like reflections in bodies of water or foreground subjects such as snow-covered landscapes or silhouetted trees to add depth and context to your composition. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Positioning these elements strategically can create compelling images that highlight the contrast between the luminous aurora and the stark Arctic environment.



Practicalities - Clothing for Arctic Photography


When preparing for Arctic photography, dressing appropriately is crucial to stay warm and comfortable in extreme cold conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to manage sweat (merino wool is by far the best), followed by an insulating mid-layers such as a fleece and down jacket to retain body heat. For outerwear, opt for a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants to protect against harsh Arctic elements. Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction are essential to keep your feet warm and stable on icy terrain. The message being go 'too warm', when standing around in the cold you are not generating much heat. With this in mind, walking around, stamping your feet and swinging your arms can all help in keeping you warm - be proactive!


I recommend wearing touchscreen-compatible gloves, inside a thick windproof outer pair of gloves or even warmer mitts, Remove your hand from the outer glove to operate your camera or phone without exposing your bare hands to the cold, and consider using hand warmers for added comfort. A warm hat that covers your ears and a scarf or neck gaiter to shield your face and neck from wind chill are also vital. Layering allows you to adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. By wearing appropriate clothing and gear, you can focus on capturing stunning Arctic landscapes and the elusive aurora without compromising your comfort or safety.


Tip - A warm, sweet drink in a flask makes a big difference to you level of comfort in the cold, Avoid caffeine drinks and alcohol



Conclusion


Photographing the Aurora Borealis at night, and in the cold, can be a challenging and magical experience, whether you're using a smartphone, a camera on land, or from a ship. By understanding the right settings, using the appropriate equipment, and dressing correctly, you can capture stunning images of this natural wonder. Remember to experiment with different settings and compositions and be patient – the perfect shot is worth the wait. As always, this is an introductory guide, should you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy shooting!

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Copyright - Ian Dawson
 

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