Photographing the Aurora Borealis is one of the most rewarding challenges in outdoor photography. Here is our field-tested guide to capturing the dancing lights in Iceland and northern Norway.
Essential Camera Settings
Switch your camera to full manual mode. Set your aperture as wide as possible (f/1.4 to f/2.8), ISO between 1600 and 3200 depending on moonlight, and shutter speed between 4 and 15 seconds. If the aurora is moving quickly, keep exposure under 6 seconds to capture sharp ribbons.
Lens Selection & Focusing in the Dark
A fast, ultra-wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm full-frame equivalent) is indispensable. Use manual focus and set your lens to infinity using live-view magnification on a bright distant star or city light before shooting.
