Best Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography (with Real Examples)

Capturing the northern lights is a dream for many photographers — but without the right camera settings, it’s easy to miss the magic. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to photograph the northern lights, from setting your camera to the perfect ISO and aperture, to choosing the best locations and gear. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, these tips will help you bring home aurora shots that truly glow.

Camera settings for Northern Lights Photography

1. Manual Mode & RAW Format: Ideal Camera Settings for Northern Lights

• Use manual mode (M) to control ISO, aperture, and shutter speed independently.

• Shoot in RAW format to retain maximum image data, allowing better adjustments of exposure, color, and noise in post-processing.

2. Focus

• Set your focus to infinity manually. It’s best to do this during daylight and mark the focus position on your lens to avoid hunting in the dark. Use Live View and zoom in on a bright star to fine-tune focus at night, since mechanical infinity marks aren’t always perfect on modern lenses.

3. Aperture

• Use the widest aperture your lens allows (lowest f-number) to let in as much light as possible, typically between f/1.4 to f/2.8.

• If you want sharper images or to include foreground elements, you might stop down slightly to around f/2.8 to f/4.

4. ISO

• Start with an ISO between 1600 and 3200.

• For brighter or fast-moving auroras, you can lower ISO to reduce noise.

• For weaker or dimmer auroras, increase ISO up to 6400 if your camera handles noise well. ISO up to 6400 only if your camera has excellent high-ISO performance (modern full-frame cameras).

5. Shutter Speed

• Shutter speed depends on the aurora’s movement:
  • For slow-moving or faint auroras, use longer exposures of 15 to 30 seconds.
  • For fast-moving or bright auroras, shorten shutter speed to 1 to 10 seconds to avoid blurring the aurora’s shapes.

• A typical starting point is around 10 seconds, then adjust based on test shots.

• To avoid star trails, use the 500 rule: 500 ÷ focal length = max shutter time in seconds (for example, 500 ÷ 20mm ≈ 25 seconds). Adjust lower for high-resolution sensors.

6. White Balance

• Use manual white balance with a Kelvin value between 3000K and 5000K to closely match what you see. Around 2800K to 4000K for a more natural look; higher temps (4000–5000K) may add a warmer cast depending on ambient light.

• Alternatively, start with auto white balance and adjust in post-processing if shooting RAW.

7. Additional Tips

• Use a tripod to keep the camera stable during long exposures. Turn off in-body (IBIS) or lens stabilization when on a tripod.

• Use a remote shutter release or the camera’s self-timer (2-3 seconds) to avoid camera shake.

• Avoid light pollution by shooting in dark locations away from city lights.

• Be prepared to adjust ISO and shutter speed dynamically as the aurora’s brightness and movement change during the night.

• Take test shots frequently and tweak settings accordingly.

• Consider including a person or foreground element softly lit for scale and creative effect, but remember they must stay still during long exposures to avoid motion blur.

Camera Settings Cheat Sheets for Northern Lights Photography

Setting	Recommended Range	Notes
Mode	Manual (M)	Full control over exposure
File Format	RAW	Best for post-processing flexibility
Focus	Manual, set to infinity	Set during daylight for accuracy
Aperture (f-stop)	f/1.4 to f/2.8 (or up to f/4)	Wide aperture to maximize light intake
ISO	1600 to 3200 (up to 6400 if needed)	Adjust based on brightness and noise tolerance
Shutter Speed	1 to 30 seconds	Shorter for fast auroras, longer for faint
White Balance	3000K to 5000K or Auto	Adjust for natural colors
Stabilization	Off (use tripod)	Prevent blur from camera shake

By starting with these settings and adjusting ISO and shutter speed based on the aurora’s brightness and speed, you can capture stunning northern lights photos. Shooting in RAW and manual mode gives you the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and bring out the best colors and details in post-processing.

Real Photo Examples: Camera Settings for Northern Lights

Essential Gear and Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography

Camera

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with full manual control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO is essential. Full-frame cameras are preferred for better low-light performance and less noise, but crop sensor cameras can also work.

Lens

A fast wide-angle lens with a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is recommended to capture broad landscapes and maximize light intake. Focal lengths between 14mm and 30mm for full-frame cameras, or 10mm to 25mm for crop sensors, are ideal.

Tripod

A sturdy tripod, preferably carbon fiber to reduce vibration, is necessary to keep the camera stable during long exposures.

Remote Shutter Release or Timer

To avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button, use a remote shutter release or the camera’s timer function (e.g., 5-second delay).

Extra Batteries

Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, so bring at least 3-5 extra batteries.

Memory Cards

Have sufficient memory cards for multiple long-exposure shots. Use high-speed, high-capacity cards (e.g., UHS-II SD cards).

Optional Accessories

• Lens heater to prevent condensation.

• Hand warmers to keep your hands and batteries warm.

• Headlamp with red light mode to preserve night vision while adjusting settings.

• Microfiber cloth for cleaning lenses

Best Locations to Photograph the Northern Lights

Iceland:

• The Westfjords region (e.g., Bolafjall mountain near Ísafjörður) offers long nights, low light pollution, and clear skies.

• Iconic photo spots include Jokulsarlon Ice Lagoon and Kirkjufell mountain.

Alaska, USA:

• Fairbanks is a prime location under the auroral oval with minimal light pollution.

• Nearby lodges like Aurora Borealis Lodge and Chena Hot Springs Resort provide comfort and viewing opportunities.

Sweden:

• Abisko National Park has a unique “blue hole” microclimate with frequent clear skies and excellent aurora visibility.

• STF Aurora Sky Station and Abisko Guesthouse are good bases.

Canada:

• Yellowknife in Northwest Territories offers a 98% chance of seeing the aurora with minimal light pollution.

• Aurora Village provides teepee accommodations for an immersive experience.

Norway:

• Tromsø is a popular city for northern lights tours and viewing from September to April.

• Svalbard offers polar night conditions for extended viewing.

Greenland:

• Kangerlussuaq is known for stable weather, minimal light pollution, and about 300 clear sky days annually.

Other notable locations: Orkney Islands in Scotland and various remote northern areas with dark skies and low light pollution.

Best Time to capture northern lights

Season: Late August to mid-April is the general northern lights season. The lights are not visible during the bright summer months (May to July) due to sunlight.

Peak Viewing Months:

• Late September to March offers the best combination of darkness and aurora activity.

• November through February provides the longest, darkest nights for maximum viewing time.

Time of Night:

• The strongest aurora activity usually occurs between 9 PM and 2 AM, with the best sightings often between 11 PM and midnight.

Weather Considerations:

• Clear, cloudless skies are crucial.

• Locations with stable weather and microclimates (e.g., Abisko) improve chances.

• Spring and autumn equinoxes tend to have increased aurora activity.

The journey doesn’t end after you capture the perfect aurora. Let your photos live on in a professional gallery.  With Zno Gallery™, you can easily create a personalized photography site to showcase your work — whether it’s a one-time adventure or part of your portfolio.

From shooting under arctic skies to presenting your work professionally, every step matters. So grab your gear, adjust your settings, and get ready to chase the lights.

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