Some people ask me how to take the northern lights pictures, I certainly had quite of few experiences. So here is the list that you need for shooting aurora:
• Camera – of course
• Wide Angle Lens – yes, as wide as you can get
• Tripod – because you need to use the Bulb Shutter, so the tripod is necessary
• Shutter Release Cable – to keep the camera and tripod steady when you press the shutter
• A Mug Of Coffee – or some hot drinks. I am not joking because mostly the northern lights appear in cold seasons, you need something to keep yourself warm
That is basically it. And when everything is prepared, here are the exposure suggestions:
• ISO/ 100, Shutter Spped/ 1 minute, Aperture f/ 2.8
• ISO/ 200, Shutter Spped/ 1 minute, Aperture f/ 4
• ISO/ 400, Shutter Spped/ 4 to 6 seconds, Aperture f/ 1.4
• ISO/ 400, Shutter Spped/ 40 seconds, Aperture f/ 4
• ISO/ 800, Shutter Spped/ 20 seconds, Aperture f/ 4
• ISO/ 1600, Shutter Spped/ 10 seconds, Aperture f/ 4
The above suggestions are meant only for reference to get you close to the well-suited exposure. Remember there is no precise photographic exposure setting because the northern lights vary considerably in brightness and stability. I’ve experienced a very glary aurora in the Kings Park about two years ago (check the GALLERY section). Normally, I will suggest do not expose longer than 1 minute because the northern lights stay no still, they move and sometimes move very fast. So if you exposed too long you will only get the pictures with the green sky.
Now you know how to shoot the aurora borealis, but where and when you can see the northern lights? Well, first of all, make sure you are living in the high or middle latitudes. And then here are couple websites that you should follow; the aurora forecast site Space Weather predicts when the northern lights appear, but the accuracy is just like your local weather forecast (oh, I didn’t say anything). The K-index shows how strong is the geomagnetic storm in every three hours, and then check the Aurora Sentry see if your areas are covering in the visible auroral oval.
That’s it! So next time when you see the northern lights, try to take some pictures.
