How to Photograph the Aurora Borealis

The Aurora Borealis, sometimes referred to as the Northern Lights, is the lights which appear in the northern night sky in the northern hemisphere. The Aurora Borealis is one of nature's most astonishing wonders and if you get the chance to see it, you might want to photograph it. You'll want to take some steps to make sure the photographs come out nicely though.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate the Aurora Borealis. Before you can photograph the Northern Lights, you'll need to find it. It's best seen in the far northern hemisphere, close to the Arctic. The lights are brightest around the spring and fall equinoxes, approximately March 21 and September 21.
2. Pick the right moonlighting situation. A full moon dulls the intensity of the lights. However, you may need some moonlight to cast light on the landscape, especially if it's covered with snow. Snow reflects the light from the Aurora Borealis.
3. Choose a spot in the daytime to take the photograph. Find a secluded spot away from city lights during the day when you can see the landscape. Locating a good spot in the day can help you get around in the dark when you go back.
4. Return to your spot between 10 pm and 2 am. The Aurora Borealis varies in intensity throughout the night, but remains the brightest during this time.
5. Set up a tripod. Because you must use a long exposure to capture the full effect of the lights, a tripod is necessary. Without a tripod, your photograph will be blurry.
6. Set your shutter speed to about 10 seconds.
7. Photograph the Aurora Borealis at an ISO of around 400. An ISO of 400 allows good detail and low noise. Try somewhat higher and lower ISO settings to get a good range of photographs.