Photographing the spectacular Aurora Borealis (commonly known as the Northern Ligthts), isn't as simple as you think. Here at Charlotte Travel, our Northern Lights Travel Specialists experienced shooting these lights dancing across the sky late last year. Here are 10 simple, easy and non-technical tips for you to capture this beautiful natural phenomena. 

  1. Wrap up warm! You could be waiting in the cold for a while before you see the lights.
  2. Use a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR).
  3. Make sure you use a tripod. You won't capture the lights nicely without one!
  4. Batteries run out super quickly in the cold so make sure you've got at least one fully charged battery for your camera.
  5. Use a wide angle 10mm to 10mm lens, and even fish eye lens
  6. Set Auto Flash Off
  7. Set ‘White balance’ to ‘daylight’
  8. Set the ISO value to between 1600 and 3200
  9. Turn to the largest Aperture
  10. Set exposure time to 4 to 10 seconds

The Northern Lights are truly a once in a lifetime experience and we want to make sure you visit the best places to see the strongest lights. We recommend at least 3 nights when hunting the lights to increase your chances of seeing them. 

The top destinations to see the Northern Lights are Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada and Alaska

The best months to see the Northern Lights are September to April 

Planning your next vacation? Let us know and we will create a memorable journey for you!

Enquire to be inspired!