How to photograph the Northern Lights📸

Seeing the Northern Lights is a once in a lifetime experience for many people who come to Finnish Lapland. Nowadays the newest versions of IPhone and Android can take pretty good pics of the Northern Lights. But capturing this special moment on digital camera isn’t easy though.

If you’re looking for tips on how to take great photos on camera then you are in the right place:

• First, you will need to find a place where there is little light pollution (meaning light from cities, cars etc.) If Aurora Borealis is strong enough sometimes you can photograph it in the city, but this happens quite rarely.

• You will need a tripod and it is essential since you will need to do a long exposure.

• Camera (surprisingly, huh?).

• Wide angle lens. For example 16-35mm equivalent or 24-70mm equivalent. If you’re more serious about photography you can get prime lenses such as 14mm, 20mm or 24mm fixed lenses.

• Setting the focus manually on the stars or on the landscape if you have an interesting foreground. You can also use a flashlight to illuminate your subject to get the focus just right.

• Long exposure settings. For example Aperture f/2.8, Shutter 4-6 sec, ISO 800. You might need a slower shutter or adjust the ISO a bit higher if needed. Try to take some sample shots once you’ve set yourself up to make sure you are ready for when the lights appear.

• Before going outside to take pictures of Aurora Borealis please check the weather forecast. The weather is unpredictable in Lapland and can change very quickly within each day. The best weather forecast can be found at the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s site . Please check it several times a day to make sure you’ll get a clear night sky to photograph the Northern Lights.

• Don’t forget to wear right clothes when you going out to take pictures. You can find tips on how to dress up in Lapland here.

Check out my Lapland map to find more amazing spots to shoot around Rovaniemi, Levi, Kilpisjärvi, Inari, Luosto and other places. I have found the best Aurora spots all over Lapland.