How to
photograph the aurora borealis
with a digital camera
updated 3/22/2008
 Common green color caused by oxygen gasses. Brooks mountain range, Alaska. © Patrick J. Endres For many, the opportunity to photograph the aurora borealis is an exciting thought - just to see the aurora is mysterious and awe inspiring. Before the advent of the digital camera, photographing the aurora with slide or print film was complicated and often involved a good deal of experimenting. Something not always available to the vacationer or one-time visitor to see the aurora. However, if you have a reasonable digital SLR, and a good lens, it is very likely that should the aurora show up for you, you can get some very satisfactory images.
This article is intended to give you the necessary information to maximize your chance at getting some good photos with your camera. While much of what is written below is general in nature and applies to most all digital cameras, the many, many brands and models have their own uniqueness. I will focus on Canon digital SLR’s, since that is what i shoot. It is divided into
four sections:
- Where and when to view the aurora
- How to dress and deal with cold weather photography
- What kind of camera & gear you need
- File format, exposures & histograms
1) Where and when to view the aurora:
 Mount Sukakpak in the Brooks range, with a moon halo formed by ice crystals. Having the moon directly in a photo or the aurora can create some interesting images. However, if you want lots of stars in the black of night, pick a night with a less prominent moon presence. © Patrick J. Endres I live in Fairbanks, about 65 degrees latitude, which is geographically
well situated for aurora viewing. Besides the issue of latitude,
one should select a specific photographic location that is
free
of light pollution, far from city lights
or airports. Unless the aurora displays are very active, most of the shooting orientation will be between the northwest and southeast sky. With this in mind, you are better positioned if any light sources (towns or cities) are to your south, where you will most likely not be pointing your camera. When solar storms are very strong and hit the earth's atmosphere with strength, both the northern and southern sky will contain the aurora, and often in some wild colors.
 Moon rise over the Chandalar shelf at midnight, Brooks range, Alaska. © Patrick J. Endres When is the best time of year?
Aurora
activity is directly connected with solar storm activity on
the surface of the sun. Therefore, being aware
of this will help determine the optimal times for viewing the
most active aurora displays. The Spring and Vernal equinoxes have been noted as especially good times (March 21/Sept 21 - approximately) However, I've seen amazing aurora during all times of the year. If you are checking aurora forecast websites, keep in mind that low activity can still be very acceptable for photography, particularly in the northern regions. A few web sites offer forecasts
of aurora activity:
Is moonlight good or bad for aurora photography?
While
moonlight does brighten the sky, and thereby potentially minimize
the intensity
of the aurora, I personally prefer some moonlight for the express
reason that it illuminates the foreground landscape.
A snowy landscape that reflects the light
is a big help as well. When the moon is not visible in the night sky, it is a great opportunity for extended exposures enhancing star trails, and silhouetting mountains behind a starry night. Additionally, very stable, or slow moving aurora make good opportunities for longer exposures as well.
What time of night is best
for viewing the aurora?
First of all, stake
out a location preferably in the daytime to know what kind of "stuff" is in the landscape. Then after checking out an aurora forecast--go out and wait. That way you will be prepared when the action happens -- which can
vary in duration, sometimes hours, sometimes only minutes so
you want to be ready to catch the aurora when they appear. My experience suggests
that generally from 10:0pm to 2:00am seems to be the timeframe
most conducive to aurora
activity.
This has also been verified scientifically as the time during which auroras are most active. However,
it varies widely. If action happens early in the evening when
a little bit of light remains in the western sky from sunset,
one can capture some amazing sky color along with the aurora.
2) How to dress, what to wear:
 This is what happens to a normally pliable shutter release cord in minus 40 degrees below zero. One need not photograph the aurora in such cold temps, but be advised that all things rubber and vinyl become very rigid. Be careful with your gear. © Hugh Rose
- Dressing warm is essential. And get yourself mentally prepared to wait out the night.
- Good winter
boots
are critical. Make sure they do not fit tight. Many types of pac boots are available at outdoor clothing stores.
- A pair of wool insoles inside the bottom of the boot add additional insulation, especially since one ends up standing and waiting for long periods.
- First layer clothing: This is important! Do not wear cotton as the first layer against your skin. Use either polypropylene, fleece, or a soft Moreno wool.
- A warm parka: The conventional wisdom of "layering" is not so true when you are
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