Northern Lights Photography Guide

The northern lights, a celestial dance of lights across the Arctic skies, hold a special place in the hearts of adventurers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts worldwide. These captivating lights, scientifically known as the aurora borealis, have attracted countless travellers to the Nordic countries in the hopes of witnessing this natural wonder. 

Among those drawn to this phenomenon is Virgil Reglioni, an acclaimed photographer who has made it his mission to capture the magic of the northern lights through his camera lens. His perseverance, skill, and artistry have seen him become a superstar of northern lights photography.

Here, through a collection of awe-inspiring images and invaluable insights, Virgil unveils the secrets behind his craft and imparts advice on how to immortalise these elusive and breathtaking moments. Here are his top northern lights photography tips.

Why choose Scoresbysund for northern lights photography?

To gaze upon the northern lights is to witness the universe’s brushstrokes of light and colour across the night canvas. Yet, these celestial dancers are not omnipresent; they favour the north, casting their glow from the northeast to the northwest. 

As one ventures further northward, the likelihood of encountering the northern lights increases, provided the skies are clear and unobstructed by clouds. East Greenland emerges as a haven for aurora enthusiasts, with its latitude of around 69 degrees making it a hotspot for observing the green dancers. 

Within the landscape of East Greenland lies Scoresbysund. It’s here that Virgil hosts his northern lights photography tours. Guests are drawn by the promise of colossal icebergs, dramatic mountain formations, and optimal lighting conditions for the aurora, particularly during September. 

Even during periods of low activity, the lights paint the northern horizon with their emerald hues. Virgil emphasises the importance of also scanning the eastern and western horizons during moments of heightened activity, as the lights may manifest there as well. 

While the aurora doesn’t grace the sky every single night, Virgil’s philosophy revolves around tenacity – continuously attempting to photograph them until the skies clear and the green dancers perform their ballet. 

Crucial camera settings for northern lights photography

Mastering shutter speed for northern lights photography

The northern lights demand patience and precision to be successfully captured in their full splendour. Given the scarcity of natural light at night, long exposure times are a cornerstone of northern lights photography. The correct choice of shutter speed duration allows the camera sensor to capture the subtle nuances of colour and movement.

The intensity of the aurora determines the optimal exposure time. A balance must be struck between preserving the lights’ delicate hues and preventing overexposure that can wash out the vibrancy. 

Experience has shown that intervals of eight to 10 seconds are often sufficient to craft a compelling image that encapsulates the majestic dance of the northern lights. This range provides a delicate equilibrium when the lights are not so strong, allowing them to paint the sky while ensuring the image remains sharp and free from blurriness. 

When their movement is very fast, the exposure time can be decreased to one second or even less. 

It is a tough balance to master and requires patience, hours of practice, and a strong understanding of your camera settings, the camera body capacity, and the lens aperture.

Aperture: illuminating the night

In photography, aperture serves as the gateway through which light flows into the camera. When chasing the northern lights’ brilliance, the choice of aperture, measured by the f-stop (f/), becomes a pivotal determinant of image quality and narrative depth. A well-selected aperture has the power to transform a photograph from a representation into a work of art.

Opting for the lowest feasible f-stop value, such as f/3.5 or 2.8, is the crux of mastering aperture settings. This creates a wider aperture, allowing an optimal amount of light to pass through the lens and reach the camera sensor. By doing so, the resulting image gains vibrancy, sharpness, and clarity – a true representation of the aurora painting the night sky. 

ISO: balancing sensitivity and quality

Within the photographer’s toolkit, the ISO setting plays a similar role to a conductor in an orchestra. It conducts the harmony between light sensitivity and image quality. 

In northern lights photography, where darkness prevails, achieving the right balance is of paramount importance. ISO values dictate the camera’s responsiveness to available light; however, this sensitivity comes with a trade-off between brightness and image noise. 

A lower ISO value, in the vicinity of 800 or 1600, is the preferred choice for those aiming to capture the northern lights’ mystique. This allows for darker but richer images, where colours remain true and noise is kept at bay. 

Harmonising the trio

As a rule, Virgil will always choose to set his aperture first, then adjust his exposure time according to the vibrancy and movement of light. Following these two phases, he will adjust the ISO to compensate for the final exposure of the image and control its noise. 

The quest to capture the northern lights through photography is a journey of skilful orchestration, where exposure time, aperture, and ISO harmoniously interact to bring the celestial spectacle to life. 

Ultimately, the mastery of these settings is an art that evolves with experience and experimentation. While general guidelines provide a foundation, the true magic unfolds through hands-on engagement with the camera and the ethereal lights that grace the night sky. 

Weathering the Arctic elements: preparation for northern lights photography

The power of Merino wool and beyond

When the Arctic chill bites, one’s choice of clothing becomes more than just a fashion statement – it becomes a means of survival and comfort. 

Virgil advocates for clothing crafted from Merino wool, a natural wonder renowned for its remarkable heat retention properties and unparalleled breathability. Merino wool attire acts as an effective insulator, ensuring that the body’s precious warmth is preserved, even in the harshest of Arctic gusts. 

Staying warm and dry in the face of sub-zero temperatures is paramount. Investing in waterproof clothing becomes a shield against the capricious nature of Arctic weather. This is one of Virgil's top aurora photography tips.

Battling the chill: insulated gloves and snug hats

In an environment where temperatures plummet to low levels, the extremities need special care and attention. Insulated gloves emerge as indispensable companions. These gloves serve a dual purpose: not only do they protect against frostbite, they keep your hands functional for intricate camera adjustments. 

A snug and warm hat is another lifeline. Heat has a tendency to escape through the head, making a well-insulated hat a critical element in retaining body warmth. As you train your lens on the luminous dance above, your hat acts as a guardian against the cold, ensuring your focus remains on your craft.

Woollen socks and winter footwear 

Neglecting your feet is a folly in the world of Arctic exploration. Traditional cotton socks, when met with icy moisture, can transform into frigid dampness that chills you to the bone. Woolen socks, on the other hand, are renowned for their moisture-wicking properties, keeping your feet dry and comfortable even in the most demanding conditions.

Winter footwear that’s both insulated and waterproof completes the ensemble. Bring boots that provide traction on icy terrain while safeguarding your feet from the cold and damp.

Northern lights photography: gear, patience, and creativity 

Virgil’s signature approach and equipment 

Virgil’s photographic journey is linked to the equipment he wields and the approach he has honed over time. 

Armed with a Sony A7RII camera body, paired with a 15mm full-frame wide-angle lens at f/2, he captures the essence of the northern lights. A Rollei tripod stands as an essential companion for his night shots and landscape photography, ensuring stability and precision.

However, Virgil’s process extends beyond equipment. He dedicates considerable time to studying his chosen locations, meticulously plotting routes and analysing topography and orientations. 

Utilising topographic maps and digital applications, he delves into the intricacies of valleys, mountains, and their respective inclines. Each expedition becomes an exploration of uncharted territories, leading to the discovery of new vistas and concepts to share with his workshop participants and clients. 

Virgil’s approach to location and forecast analysis

In the world of northern lights photography, Virgil Reglioni stands as a master strategist, meticulously crafting a blueprint for capturing the auroras. 

His method involves curating an extensive list of diverse locations, each offering distinct orientations that play a pivotal role in the dance of light and shadow. This selection isn’t happenstance; it’s a calculated move informed by Virgil’s analysis of the aurora forecast in advance.

Of course, nothing is ever guaranteed in northern lights photography. But Virgil’s analytical process attempts to align his list of locations with the projected path of the northern lights. 

Harmonising with sunsets, sunrises, and moonrises 

The last point in our northern lights photography guide relates to capturing the intricate choreography of sunsets, sunrises, and moonrises. With the same strategic approach that guides his aurora-seeking expeditions, Virgil aligns his chosen locations with the timings of these events. 

Virgil recognises the power of a glowing sunrise casting its warm embrace on a frozen landscape, or a gentle moonrise painting the Arctic expanse in silver hues. These interplays of light and shadow enrich his compositions, making them resonate with an audience that can feel the magic of these moments.

For those who seek to follow in his footsteps, Virgil’s methodology offers not just a glimpse into the polar landscapes but an invitation to become a composer of captivating narratives illuminated by the green dance above the Arctic. 

Virgil’s philosophy is a captivating marriage of exploration, patience, and mastery. His insights and experiences become a guiding light for aspiring photographers seeking to capture the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis. 

Through technical finesse, personal preparedness, and a profound connection to the natural world, Virgil’s approach reflects the true essence of northern lights photography – an art form that celebrates the Arctic’s magical light in the darkness.