Guide to Photographing Northern Lights in Iceland

Hunting for the spectacular Northern Lights in Iceland is an experience that every photography and nature lover should experience at least once in their life.. These luminous flashes in the night sky offer a spectacle that awakens the imagination and becomes a challenge for photographers who want to capture their unique essence.. In this article, We provide you with a complete guide to help you successfully photograph the Northern Lights in the stunning land of Iceland..

1. Essential Equipment:

The first step to achieving stunning Northern Lights photos is to make sure you have the right equipment.. Here is a list of the essential items you should carry with you:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera: Opt for a camera that allows you to manually control exposure, diaphragm aperture and shutter speed.

• Luminous lenses: Use lenses with a wide aperture, like f/2.8 or larger, to allow in the maximum amount of light.

• Tough tripod: You'll need a solid tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposures.

• Remote control the timer: Using a remote control or timer will help you avoid unwanted vibrations when shooting.

2. Camera Settings:

• Manual mode: Set your camera to manual mode (M) to have full control over exposure.

• ISO: Maintains a low ISO value, generally between 400 y 800, to minimize noise in your photos.

• Diaphragm aperture: Open the diaphragm to the maximum (f/2.8 or lower) to allow the maximum amount of light to enter.

• Exhibithion time: Experiment with exposure times 5 a 30 seconds, since the Northern Lights are changeable and can vary in intensity.

3. Focus and Composition:

• manual focus: Set the focus to infinity to ensure stars and auroras are sharp in your photos.
• Composition: Add earth elements to your shots to provide context and depth to your images. Mountains, waterfalls or buildings can be excellent elements to give balance to your photographs.

4. Preparation:

• Place and time: Research the ideal locations and time of year to spot the Northern Lights in Iceland. Clear winter nights are usually the most favorable.

• Outfit: Icelandic nights are cold, so be prepared with warm and comfortable clothes. Don't forget to wear gloves to keep your hands warm while adjusting the camera.

5. Patience and Observation:

• Look at the sky: Keep an eye on the sky and look for signs of the Northern Lights. It may look like a slight speck on the horizon or a diffuse arc that develops over time.

• Adjust and Experiment: The perfect exposure for Auroras can vary depending on the intensity of the light. Feel free to adjust your camera settings and experiment with different exposures to achieve the best results..

6. Advanced Aurora Photography Techniques:

• Image Stacking: Consider image stacking to reduce noise and improve the quality of your photographs.

• Longer shutter time: To capture sharper details in the Northern Lights, use longer exposures and use an interval meter to take a series of photos that you can stack later.

Photographing the Northern Lights in Iceland is an exciting and rewarding challenge. With proper preparation and patience, you can capture stunning images that will remind you of the unique beauty of this natural phenomenon. Follow this guide and enjoy the opportunity to marvel at the Northern Lights in the Icelandic sky.

Remember that although the Northern Lights are unpredictable, with proper preparation and proper photography techniques, you are one step closer to capturing this wonder on your camera. Good luck on your search for the Northern Lights in Iceland from Boreal Expedition!