How to Capture the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness and photograph the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. With its dark winter skies, minimal light pollution, and stunning landscapes, the country provides a perfect setting for capturing this breathtaking natural phenomenon. However, photographing the Northern Lights requires some preparation, patience, and the right techniques.
Choose the Right Location
The best locations for photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland are areas far from city lights, where the sky is dark and clear. Our guides have experience of choosing locations and taking the groups to a spot with optimal conditions for viewing and photographing the lights.
Before selecting a location, the guide will thoroughly review the Northern Lights activity, weather forecast, road, and cloud conditions. We base our decision about location on long experience of hunting the Northern Lights and we us data from the Icelandic Meteorological Office that provide real-time updates on aurora activity and cloud cover.
Photographing the Northern Lights
Photography is essential to our Northern Lights Tours. Professional cameras help us spot the Lights before they become visible to the naked eye. The camera aids in locating and waiting for the activity to flare up, which fluctuates periodically.
With a combination of good location choice and luck, everyone on the tour will have photos with the Northern Lights in the background. We aim for cool backgrounds to enhance our photos.
Bring your own camera on the tour and don’t hesitate to use your phones because many of them have good cameras.
How to Adjust Your Phone Camera for Northern Lights Photography?
Capturing the Northern Lights with a phone requires manual adjustments. Use a tripod to keep your phone steady. Switch to Pro Mode or Manual Mode if available. Set the ISO to 800-3200 for better light sensitivity. Adjust the shutter speed to 5-15 seconds to capture more light. Set the focus to infinite for sharpness. Turn off the flash and use a self-timer to prevent shaking. If available, use a dedicated night mode. Experiment with settings based on brightness. Editing apps can enhance colors for a more vibrant result.
Adjusting your camara for Northern Lights
Bring a good camera if you have one.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is essential for Northern Lights photography. Here are the ideal settings:
Lens: A wide-angle lens (preferably f/2.8 or faster) to capture more of the sky.
ISO: Start with ISO 800 to 3200, adjusting based on brightness.
Aperture: Set to the lowest f-number (widest aperture) to allow maximum light.
Shutter Speed: Start with 5-15 seconds; adjust depending on the aurora’s movement.
Focus: Use manual focus, set to infinity, and fine-tune using live view.
White Balance: Adjust between 3500K and 4500K for a natural look.
Use a Tripod and Remote Shutter Release
Since long exposure is required for capturing the Northern Lights, a sturdy tripod is essential to keep your camera steady. A remote shutter release or the camera’s built-in timer will help prevent any movement that could blur the image.
Our camera setup
Our equipment includes Sony cameras, Viltrox 16 mm lenses and Sony G master 14mm.
Composition and Framing
Incorporate foreground elements such as mountains, glaciers, or unique Icelandic landscapes to add depth to your composition. A frozen lake or a still body of water can create stunning reflections of the aurora. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to make your shots more dynamic.
Dress Warmly and Be Patient
Photographing the Northern Lights often requires standing outside in freezing temperatures for long periods. Wear warm layers, gloves, and thermal clothing to stay comfortable. Be patient, as the aurora can appear unexpectedly and last for only a few minutes or several hours.
Your Photos – how will I get my photos?
After the tour the travelers will get access to folders with the photos. We provide photos in PNG format. For those seeking professional editing options, photos are also available for downloading in RAW format.
Understanding the Northern Lights
There is no real difference between "Northern Lights" and "Aurora Borealis” they both refer to the same natural phenomenon. However, "Northern Lights" is the common, everyday term, while "Aurora Borealis" is the scientific name.
The term "Aurora Borealis" comes from Latin, where aurora means "dawn" and borealis means "northern." The counterpart in the Southern Hemisphere is called the "Aurora Australis", or "Southern Lights."
Why do we have Northern Lights?
Northern Lights occur due to interactions between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun. When the Sun emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind, these particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions produce the colorful displays of light seen in the sky. The different colors of the aurora are caused by different gases and altitudes. Oxygen at higher altitudes produces red auroras, while at lower altitudes, it emits green. Nitrogen contributes to blue and purple hues. The intensity and visibility of the Northern Lights depend on solar activity, atmospheric conditions, and the Earth's magnetic field.
Let's get out there and join us for Northern Lights hunt.
Capturing the Northern Lights in Iceland is an unforgettable experience. Northen Lights tour requires planning, the right equipment, and a bit of luck. The guide must select the right location, use proper camera settings, and interpret the weather forecast accurately.
ICETREK tour operator offer:
Open departure small group tours
Super jeep experience
Privat tours
Custom made multiday tours, South Coast tour and Highland Tours
