How to photograph the Northern Lights

Updated by: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 25th July 2025

While the Northern Lights (or aurora borealis) can be seen with the naked eye, you'll yield far better results with a camera, as the images captured are often far brighter than our eyes can see.

We asked Andy Green (astronomer and photographer) and fellow Explorers to share their expert and practical tips on capturing the perfect shots of this magical night sky.

1. What camera do I need to photograph the Northern Lights?
2. What camera equipment do I need to photograph the Northern Lights?
3. Do the Northern Lights appear at certain times of the night?
4. When are the best times to see the Northern Lights?
5. What are some top tips for spotting the Northern Lights?
6. Best Northern Lights photography destinations

"A camera with a manual (M) setting is ideal but not essential so you can slow down the shutter speed – either a DSLR or mirrorless. The Northern Lights are often not entirely visible to the naked eye, and so you need to slow your shutter speed on your camera to capture them.

If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera you'll want a wide-angle lens so you can capture as much of the Northern Lights in your shot as possible, and the landscape around you, too, if you want to include it in the photograph.

A lot of small compact cameras and bridge cameras have a night time setting which can be used to slow down the shutter speed, and even some phones have cameras worth trying." - Andy Green

What camera mode is best for the Northern Lights?

By using the manual (M) mode, you'll have full control over the exposure settings – particularly important for night photography. Use a higher ISO for brighter auroras or darker skies, and you can use a RAW image format for maximum editing flexibility. You'll want to use a shorter shutter speed for fast-moving auroras, or a longer shutter speed for faint ones.

What's the best way to photograph the Northern Lights?

Witnessing these natural illuminations is a magical experience, and getting great photographs requires a mix of preparation, technique and the right gear. Firstly, you'll want to find an area with minimal light pollution – a dark location away from city lights. Clear skies are also essential. Take test shots and adjust the settings based on brightness and movement, and you can use a live view or zoom in to focus on specific details, light a bright star or distant light. 

Can I use an iPhone to photograph the Northern Lights?

"I used my iPhone.  Put it in night mode and adjust the exposure to get it a long as possible. Even if you only see a hint of green, point and push anyway as the iPhone's camera picks up so much more than the naked eye. Keep as still as possible while taking the shot. For the actual location, obviously go somewhere with minimal light pollution." - Ali Butler

Lenses

The lens you choose is just as important as the camera. Wide-angle lens captures more of the sky and landscape; an ideal focal length is 14mm to 24mm on full-frame. For low distortion and sharpness, look for lenses with good edge-to-edge sharpness an minimal coma (star distortion). 

Tripods

"It’s great to have a tripod, but if you forget don’t worry. You can use a rucksack or jumper to steady the camera, and using the camera’s self-timer (usually 2 or 10 second delay) can help to avoid any shaking from pressing the button affecting your pictures and give you decent results." - Andy Green

The costs of cameras, equipment and accessories can quickly add up – so why not consider renting the items you need for your unforgettable trip? Hire A Camera is a leading UK camera rental provider, with models by Nikon, Sony and more, as well as any necessary accessories like tripods and lenses.

The best places to photograph the Northern Lights are in the far reaches of the Northern Hemisphere. Countries like Norway, Greenland and Iceland have a higher altitude and lower levels of light pollution, offering ideal conditions. These far northern regions lie within or near the Auroral Oval or Auroral Zone: a ring-shaped region around the Earth's magnetic pole, where auroral activity is most frequent and intense.

As this zone passes over the northernmost parts of countries like Iceland, Canada and Finland, this makes them prime destinations for viewing (and photographing) the Northern Lights.

Iceland: Where the night sky dances above ice and fire

Come winter, the days are shorter and the nights even longer. With this perfect setup, join our Iceland adventure to set up your shot, where you can adorn the frame with pockets of classic Icelandic landscapes, like a thundering waterfall, or focus on capturing the best swirls from the convenience (and great vantage point) of your hotel. 

Norway: Chase the wild, capture the lights

Head to the northern stretches of Norway for the best chances – this Polar expedition voyages through the North Cape (Europe's northernmost point) and Tromsø, both gateways to the Northern Lights. Whilst onboard, listen to an engaging presentation by an astronomer, providing you with insight into the captivating phenomena of the aurora borealis. 

Canada: Where the night skies glow

Canada is also situated within the auroral zone, and while this photo adventure tour focuses on Churchill's Polar Bears, you're also in a perfect location for witnessing more Mother Nature at play. You're joined by an expert photographer who will prep you with tips and advice, and as soon as the night skies are clear enough you'll switch your focus to capturing the aurora borealis on camera.

Arctic: Brave the edge

An Arctic odyssey is just the ticket for unique photography spot. Maximise your chances of seeing swirls of colour dance across the night sky as the midnight sun ends in the Autumn season. Onboard the M/V Sylvia Earle you'll take one-of-a-kind photographs while at sea on an unparalleled adventure.

Finland: Beyond the forests

120km north of the Arctic Circle lies Inari, a village nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland. It's one of the most sparsely populated places in Europe. You know what that means: minimal light pollution and optimal aurora viewing. Our winter adventure includes an evening snowshoe aurora trek in relatively easy search of them.