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Keahotels is one of the largest hotel chains in Iceland operating ten hotels. Together the hotels provide over 800 rooms and service travelers, local and foreign, all year round.

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Capturing the Northern Lights: A Guide to Photographing Aurora Borealis

Seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a dream for many travelers to Iceland. Capturing this natural phenomenon in a photograph can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. This guide will help you understand how to set up your camera or phone to get the best pictures of the Northern Lights.

When is the best time to see the northern lights?

The Northern Lights are best viewed from late September to early April, during the dark, clear nights of winter.

Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography

  1. Use a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: While smartphones can capture the Northern Lights, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you better results.
  2. Tripod: Essential for keeping the camera steady during long exposures.
  3. Manual Mode: Set your camera to manual mode to have full control over settings.
  4. ISO: Start with an ISO of 800 to 1600. Higher ISO settings make the sensor more sensitive to light, but can also introduce noise. Adjust based on light conditions and your camera's performance.
  5. Aperture: Use the widest aperture (smallest f-number) your lens allows, typically f/2.8 to f/4. This lets in as much light as possible.
  6. Shutter Speed: Start with an exposure time of 10 to 20 seconds. Too short, and the lights might be too dim; too long, and they may blur due to their movement.
  7. Focus: Manually focus your lens to infinity. Autofocus often struggles in low light. Use live view and zoom in on a bright star or distant light to focus accurately.
  8. White Balance: Set it to daylight or auto. You can adjust this in post-processing if necessary.
  9. RAW Format: Shoot in RAW format to retain the most detail and allow for greater flexibility in editing.

Tips for Smartphone Photography

  1. Pro Mode: If your smartphone has a pro mode, use it to manually adjust settings.
  2. Tripod and Mount: Use a small tripod and mount for stability.
  3. ISO and Shutter Speed: Similar to a DSLR, set the ISO between 800 and 1600 and the shutter speed to 10 to 20 seconds.
  4. Focus: Set the focus to infinity. If this isn't possible, tap on the distant horizon or a bright star to focus.
  5. Apps: Use camera apps designed for night photography, like Camera FV-5 for Android or NightCap Camera for iOS.

Good luck chasing the lights

Photographing the Northern Lights can be very challenging. With the right equipment, camera settings, and techniques, you can capture stunning images of this natural wonder. Plan your trip during the best viewing months, find a dark location, and be patient.