Tips for Photographing the Aurora
Capturing the aurora on camera, isn’t difficult, here are some practical tips for photographing the northern lights:
Use a sturdy tripod: Because aurora photography involves long exposures of several seconds, a stable tripod is imperative to keep the camera still. You want to avoid any shake or movement during the shot. Set up on solid ground and shield your tripod from wind gusts if possible.
Camera and lens settings: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls is ideal. Choose a wide-angle lens (in the 14–24 mm range) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower) to capture as much light as possible. In manual mode, open your aperture to f/2.8 (or the widest your lens allows) and set a to your native ISO sensitivity, typically ISO800 for Sony cameras, ISO640 for Nikon. Use a shutter speed of a few seconds: about 5-10 seconds is a good first guess but adjust on the fly. If the aurora is bright and moving quickly, a shorter exposure (1-3 seconds) will prevent the patterns from blurring, while very dim auroras might require 10–15 seconds. It is a balancing act: you need a long enough exposure to light up the scene, but not so long that the aurora smears out.
Focus and shooting techniques: Switch to manual focus and pre-focus your lens at infinity (on a distant city light or star), the dark sky will confuse auto-focus. To avoid bumping the camera, use a remote shutter release or the camera’s 2-second timer when taking shots. This prevents any jostle when you press the button. Also, shoot in RAW format if available, as it gives more flexibility in post-processing to bring out the aurora’s colors. Take a few test shots and check your exposure and focus by reviewing the images and histogram, then fine-tune settings as needed.
Be prepared for conditions: Aurora hunting often means long hours outside at night, so dress warmly! In colder months, remember that batteries drain faster in cold temperatures, it is wise to bring a spare battery or two in a warm pocket. Choose a dark viewing spot (Emigration Canyon’s higher elevations are great for this) away from city glow. Including some foreground interest (like trees, mountains, or the Salt Lake City skyline in the distance) can make your photos more compelling but be sure to scout your composition in daylight or early evening. Patience is key, auroras can brighten or fade unpredictably, so keep watching the sky and be ready to adjust your settings if the intensity changes.