Northern lights pictures are some of the most magical photos you will ever see as these glowing lights in the sky which are also called aurora borealis look like colorful waves dancing above the earth as people travel to cold places like Finland, Norway and Iceland just to capture pictures of the aurora lights and in this guide, we will explore some of the best northern lights photos, learn how they are taken and understand why they look so special.
What Are Northern Lights and Why Do They Look Amazing in Pictures
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are colorful lights that appear in the night sky near the North Pole and they happen when tiny particles from the Sun hit the air in Earth’s atmosphere and create bright colors like green, pink and purple.
These lights look amazing in pictures because they move in waves and patterns that look magical as the dark sky makes the colors shine even more as Photographers use special cameras to capture these beautiful lights at the perfect time.
People love looking at northern lights pictures because they show nature’s beauty in a way that feels calm and exciting as every picture is unique which makes it feel like you’re seeing something from another world!
How Aurora Borealis Creates Beautiful Sky Colors
The reason northern lights pictures look so amazing is because of how the aurora borealis paints the sky with colors and in pictures of aurora borealis, pictures of aurora lights or pictures of the aurora, you can see green, red, purple and pink lights dancing in the night sky.
This happens when tiny particles from the Sun hit gases like oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s atmosphere as oxygen makes green and red colors, while nitrogen creates blue and purple lights.
In northern lights photography the dark sky helps the colors shine brightly and that’s why northern lights photos look so magical as the moving lights and shapes make the pictures of the aurora lights even more beautiful.
These lights don’t appear every day, so when photographers capture them then the pictures of aurora borealis feel extra special as it’s like the sky is showing off its own light show!
Every time you see these beautiful northern lights pictures you’re watching a stunning dance between the Sun and Earth!
Different Types of Northern Lights You Can Capture
When you look at northern lights pictures then you’ll see that they are not all the same as there are different types of aurora lights you can capture with your camera so Let’s learn about them!
- Arcs – These are long, curved lines of light in the sky and in pictures of aurora borealis arcs look like ribbons floating across the dark sky and they are aslo one of the most common types of northern lights photos.
- Curtains – Curtains look like waves of light hanging in the sky and in pictures of the aurora, they look soft and flowing like colorful drapes that move with the wind. Photographers love capturing these shapes.
- Spirals – Sometimes the lights twist into spiral shapes and in pictures of aurora lights spirals look like magical swirls dancing above the mountains or lakes.
- Patches – These are smaller, scattered areas of light and in pictures of the aurora lights, patches look like clouds of color floating separately across the sky.
- Coronas – These are the brightest and most dramatic types of northern lights as in northern lights photography, coronas appear right above you which spreads out like a glowing crown and these are rare and exciting to capture in northern lights pictures.
Each type of light gives photographers a new way to express the beauty of the aurora and that’s why northern lights photos are so popular as every photo tells a different story about the sky’s beautiful dance!
So next time you see amazing pictures of aurora borealis or pictures of aurora lights, remember – there are many shapes and colors to explore!
Best Places to See and Photograph the Aurora
If you want to take the best northern lights pictures then you need to go to the right places as some spots give you a perfect view of the sky full of colors. Here are the best places to see and photograph the aurora:
1. Tromsø, Norway: Tromsø is the best destination for the northern lights photographs as it is very easy to capture great photos of aurora here and dark skies and clear nights offer a chance to photograph colored lights in the air.
2. Abisko, Sweden: This place has little cloud cover which makes it great for pictures of aurora borealis as many photographers go here to take sharp and beautiful northern lights pictures.
3. Rovaniemi, Finland: Rovaniemi is a famous spot in Finland where you can see and click lovely pictures of aurora lights and the snowy forests and lakes add extra beauty to your northern lights photos.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland: In Iceland you can easily find dark spots far from city lights as this helps you click clearer pictures of the aurora and the mountains, waterfalls and lakes make your northern lights pictures look even more amazing.
5. Yukon, Canada: This area is perfect for capturing bright pictures of aurora borealis as the cold and clear skies create beautiful lights that dance in patterns you can freeze in your northern lights photos.
6. Fairbanks, Alaska: Alaska enjoys long winter nights, and therefore there are numerous opportunities that you have to capture great northern lights photos. Your white snowy fields are your perfect scene for your aurora light photography.
7. Kiruna, Sweden: Kiruna is where it becomes the perfect spot to take northern lights photographs. You have open skies and minimal cloud cover, and therefore you get to capture clearer aurora photos.
No matter where you go, make sure to pick a dark and clear place for the best northern lights pictures as these spots will help you click breathtaking pictures of aurora lights that you will remember forever!
Best Time of Year to Take Stunning Northern Lights Pictures
The best time to take stunning northern lights pictures is from late September to early April as during these months the nights are long and dark which makes it easier to capture beautiful pictures of the aurora borealis.
Winter months like December to February are perfect because the sky is clearer and darker and October and March are also good if the weather is nice so for the best pictures of the aurora lights, choose nights with little or no moonlight.
You can also use apps to check when the aurora is active and with the right time you’ll get amazing pictures of the aurora and perfect northern lights photography. Plan well and enjoy capturing the magical colors of the sky!
How to Capture Stunning Pictures of Aurora Lights
Taking beautiful northern lights pictures or pictures of the aurora is all about the right tools, settings and a little patience and Follow these steps to capture the best pictures of aurora borealis and aurora lights.
Essential Gear
| Gear | Why It Helps |
| Camera (DSLR/Mirrorless) | Lets you adjust settings for aurora lights |
| Tripod | Keeps the camera steady for clear shots |
| Wide-angle lens | Captures more of the sky and colors |
| Extra batteries | Cold weather can drain them quickly |
Best Settings for Northern Lights Photography
- Shutter Speed: 5–25 seconds – lets more light in to capture bright aurora lights
- Aperture: f/2.8 or wider – gathers more light for sharp aurora photos
- ISO: 800–3200 – helps brighten dark skies but avoid too much grain
- Focus: Manual – set to infinity for sharp pictures of the aurora
Where to Take the Best Aurora Pictures
- Away from city lights
- Open areas with clear skies
- Cold, dry nights give sharper aurora borealis pictures
- Check aurora forecasts to know when it’s best to shoot pictures of the aurora lights
Tips to Get the Best Pictures of the Aurora
- Turn off the flash – it can wash out the sky colors
- Shoot in RAW – makes editing easier and colors look better
- Experiment with settings – every night and location is different
- Be patient – the aurora may appear anytime, so stay ready
- Dress warmly – you’ll be outside for hours capturing aurora borealis photos!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Photographing the Aurora
- Not using a tripod
- Using the wrong camera settings
- Forgetting to turn off the flash
- Shooting near city lights
- Not checking the weather or aurora forecast
- Ignoring focus settings
- Giving up too soon
How to Stay Safe While Photographing the Northern Lights
Staying safe while capturing northern lights pictures is very important so Here are a few tips you should always keep in mind:
- Dressing in warm layers: It can get cold at places where you see aurora borealis. Wear thick jackets, mittens, and caps.
- Weather check-up: Snowstorm or gusts of wind might be dangerous so always check the weather in advance before going out.
- Avoid slippery or icy surfaces: Be careful walking along frozen rivers or snow tracks. Use shoes with rubber soles.
- Have phone and emergency numbers at hand: In case of issues, have your phone fully charged and a second to use in case of an emergency.
- Avoid single effort: It is better to photograph aurora lights with buddies or a guide, particularly when in isolated areas.
- Keep spare batteries: Batteries are consumed very fast when it is chilly and keep spare batteries in a pocket to keep them warm.
- Be gentle with nature and wildlife: Take official routes and don’t disturb wildlife as nature is beautiful but fragile.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy taking northern lights photos while keeping yourself safe and sound.
Capturing the Magic: Final Tips for Northern Lights Pictures
Capturing the Northern Lights is truly magical and by learning how the aurora borealis works, picking the best time, best place and avoiding common mistakes so you can take amazing northern lights pictures.
Always stay safe, be patient and enjoy the moment as much as the photo as with care and practice your pictures of aurora lights will perfectly capture the colors, movement and wonder of this incredible natural show.
