How to Photograph Northern Lights

Have you ever dreamed of witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights in person? If you're a photography enthusiast looking to capture this natural wonder through your lens, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we will provide you with expert tips on how to photograph the Northern Lights like a pro.

Understanding the Phenomenon

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions. This phenomenon is caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth's magnetic field. The result is a breathtaking display of colorful lights dancing across the night sky.

Choosing the Right Equipment

When photographing the Northern Lights, it's essential to have the right gear. A sturdy tripod is a must to keep your camera steady during long exposure shots. A wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or wider) will help you capture more of the sky and allow more light into your camera.

Camera Settings

To capture the Northern Lights effectively, set your camera to manual mode. Start with an ISO of around 800 to 1600 to capture the faint lights. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) and a shutter speed of 15-30 seconds to let in enough light. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance.

Location and Timing

Choose a location away from light pollution with a clear view of the northern horizon. The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months when the nights are long and dark. Check the weather forecast and the aurora forecast to increase your chances of witnessing this spectacular event.

Post-Processing

Once you've captured your images, post-processing can help enhance the colors and details of the Northern Lights. Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to adjust the exposure, contrast, and colors to make your photos truly stand out.

Delve into the world of analog photography with the Jollylook Pinhole Zoom Instant Mini film Camera, the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern eco-friendliness. 

Jollylook Pinhole Zoom Instant Mini film Camera with variable focal length (40mm-110mm), enabling wide-angle and telephoto pinhole images to be taken. Pinhole cameras do not require focusing, and moving the pinhole away from the film reduces the field of view and increases the effective F stop. Jollylook Pinhole develops the images with the Jollylook manual development unit.

Pre - assembled Pinhole Instant Mini Film Camera - Jollylook

With these expert tips in mind, you're ready to embark on your Northern Lights photography adventure. Remember to be patient and persistent, as capturing this natural wonder can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Happy shooting!

Back to blog