Northern Lights Photography – An Experts’ Guide with Top Tips

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 travelers to the Nordic countries in the hopes of witnessing this natural wonder. Among those drawn to this phenomenon is Virgil Reglioni, an accomplished photographer who has made it his mission to capture the magic of the Northern Lights through his lens. 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.

The Quest for the Perfect Location. Why choosing Scoresbysund in Greenland?

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. Eastern 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 Eastern Greenland lies Scoresby Sund, a location that holds unique coordinates conducive to capturing the Northern Lights’ magic. Even during periods of low activity, these 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. It’s here that Virgil hosts his photography workshops, drawn by the promise of colossal icebergs, dramatic mountain formations, and optimal lighting conditions, particularly during September. While the auroras don’t grace the skies 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. Eastern Greenland offers the perfect amalgamation of aurora chasing and capturing  the stark beauty of the polar landscape, both of which are Virgil’s areas of expertise.

Crucial Camera Settings for Capturing the Northern Lights

In the realm of photography, capturing the Northern Lights under the cover of night requires a blend of technical mastery and artistic ingenuity. The night time introduces its challenges and rewards, demanding an understanding of camera settings to translate the lights into visual narratives. It becomes important to know the essential camera settings: exposure time, aperture, and ISO. Mastering these parameters is paramount to encapsulating the ethereal essence of the Northern Lights.

Mastering Exposure Time for Nighttime Magic

The Northern Lights demand patience and precision to be successfully captured in their full splendor. Given the scarcity of natural light during nighttime, long exposure times become a cornerstone of Northern Lights photography. The choice of exposure duration can significantly influence the final image, allowing the camera’s sensor to accumulate the subtle nuances of color and movement inherent in the phenomenon.

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 and detailed apparent vertical magnetic lines. Experience has shown that intervals of 8 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. 

Quite often when their movement is very fast, the exposure time can be decreased to 1 second or even less. It is a tough balance to understand, and this requires a huge amount of patience, countless hours of practice in cold temperatures, but also a perfect understanding of the camera settings, the camera body capacity, and the lens aperture.

The Aperture: Illuminating the Night

In the realm of 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 that conveys the lights’ beauty. 

Opting for the lowest feasible f-stop value, such as F3.5 or 2.8, is the crux of mastering aperture settings. This decision serves to create a wider aperture, allowing an optimal amount of light to pass through the lens and reach the camera’s sensor. By doing so, the resulting image gains vibrancy, sharpness, and clarity – a true representation of the aurora painting the night sky. The Northern Lights, with their intricate interplay of colors and luminosity, come alive when captured through a lens with a wide aperture, lending an air of magic to the scene.

ISO: Balancing Sensitivity and Quality

Within the photographer’s toolkit, the ISO setting plays a great role to a conductor, orchestrating the harmony between light sensitivity and image quality. In the pursuit of 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, becomes a preferred choice for those aiming to capture the Northern Lights’ mystique. This choice allows for darker but richer images, where colors remain true and noise is kept at bay. As the ISO value increases, the image grows brighter, but the potential for noise amplifies, potentially detracting from the overall quality of the photograph. Achieving equilibrium between brightness and clarity hinges on understanding the limitations of one’s camera and the desired aesthetic outcome.

Harmonizing the Trio

As a great tip, Virgil will always choose to set his aperture first, and then just his exposure time according to the vibrance and movement of light. Following these two phases, the adjustment of the ISO will come last to be able to compensate the final exposure of the image and control its noise. The quest to capture the Northern Lights through photography is a journey of skillful orchestration, where exposure time, aperture, and ISO harmoniously interact to bring the celestial spectacle to life. Each setting contributes a vital component to the visual symphony – a balance between preserving the beauty of the auroras and crafting an image that resonates with the observer.

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. Through calculated exposure times, precisely chosen apertures, and judicious ISO values, photographers can translate the dance of the Northern Lights into a visual narrative.

The Arctic Elements: Preparation for Northern Lights Photography

Embarking on a journey to capture the dance of the Northern Lights is a venture that invites an intimate connection with nature’s raw beauty. As you step into the frigid Arctic environment, adequate preparation becomes not only a necessity but a pathway to a successful and comfortable photography experience. In the heart of the Arctic wilderness, the right equipment and attire hold the key to battling the elements. Virgil emphasises the significance of proper preparation – a vital lesson he’s learned through his immersive experiences in 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. Waterproof attire stands as a formidable defence, allowing you to remain focused on capturing the Northern Lights without succumbing to the elements.

Battling the Chill: Insulated Gloves and Snug Hats

In a world 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: they keep your hands functional for intricate camera adjustments and protect against frostbite that can jeopardise your well-being. 

A snug and warm hat is more than a fashion accessory – it’s a 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.

Woolen 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. These boots become your conduit to the Arctic landscape, providing traction on icy terrains while safeguarding your feet from the cold and dampness that can seep through conventional footwear.

Creating a Comfortable Canvas for Creativity 

In the realm of Northern Lights photography, personal comfort is paramount. Proper preparation ensures that the photographer’s focus remains on capturing the ethereal lights rather than battling the elements. With merino wool clothing ensuring warmth, waterproof attire guarding against moisture, insulated gloves and snug hats preserving extremities, and woolen socks coupled with winter footwear securing comfort from toe to heel, you’re equipped to navigate the Arctic terrain  with confidence. 

Through Virgil’s insightful guidance, photographers are reminded that preparation extends beyond the technical realm into the realm of personal well-being. By embracing the right attire and equipment, you’re not merely battling the elements – you’re creating a comfortable canvas for creativity, allowing your lens to capture the Northern Lights’ magic without distraction. As you stand beneath the Arctic sky, enveloped in warmth, you’re ready to capture the dance that has captivated souls for generations.

The Pathway to Success: Patience, Persistence, and Creativity 

For those who are drawn to the art of photography, the Northern Lights offer a matchless canvas for both passion and profession. Virgil’s journey through Norwegian winters beneath the luminous auroras has been an education in technique and composition. The enigmatic nature of the Northern Lights, beyond human control, underscores their inherent magic. In the pursuit of capturing these lights, patience, persistence, and creativity emerge as guiding principles. 

Landscape photography is an artistic endeavor that demands innovative thinking. The fusion of the Northern Lights with Greenland’s towering mountains, colossal icebergs, and narrow fjords provides an unparalleled creative playground. Yet, mastering this art requires technical proficiency alongside adaptability to the sometimes fierce weather conditions of the Arctic.

Virgil’s Signature Approach and Equipment 

Virgil’s photographic journey is linked to the equipment he wields and the approach he honed over time. Armed with a Sony A7RII camera body, paired with a 15mm full-frame wide-angle lens at F2.0, 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. Additionally, a 3-stop ND filter from Tyffen adds finesse to his captures.

However, Virgil’s process extends beyond equipment. He dedicates considerable time to studying his chosen locations, meticulously plotting routes and analyzing topography and orientations. Utilizing topographic maps and digital applications, he delves into the intricacies of valleys, mountains, and their respective inclinations. 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 methodology evolves to adapt to diverse terrains and climates, a  testament to his dedication to the craft.

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 that allows Virgil to analyse the Aurora forecast in advance, ensuring that every shot taken is a masterpiece guided by precision.

Unfortunately it can never be a 100% success with Northern lights. This analytical process isn’t merely an exercise in anticipation; it’s a methodical attempt to align the chosen locations with the projected path of the Northern Lights. By doing so, Virgil elevates his photography from a mere capture to a choreographed masterpiece, where the auroras take center stage against a backdrop chosen with artistic intent.  This approach also extends to capturing the intricate choreography of sunsets, sunrises, and moonrises – an approach that amplifies his photographic prowess.

Harmonising with Sunsets, Sunrises, and Moonrises 

The story isn’t limited to the nighttime spectacle alone. Virgil understands that phenomena like sunsets, sunrises, and moonrises are as important to build up a powerful portfolio. These moments of transition and juxtaposition infuse his work with depth and emotion, elevating his work range. 

With the same strategic acumen that guides his aurora-seeking expeditions, Virgil aligns his chosen locations with the timings of these events. He 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, his 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 polar region. Virgil’s journey unfolds as a captivating narrative 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 magic of our polar region’s darkest times.

If you are interested in photographing the Northern Lights yourself please check out Virgil’s Northern Lights in Scoresby Sund Photo Tour.