How to Photograph the Northern Lights in Iceland

Picture yourself under a wide Icelandic sky where the mystical Northern Lights—a jaw-dropping natural phenomenon—light up the night in a burst of psychedelic colors. For photographers and nature lovers, seeing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland isn’t just a dream come true; it gives you a chance to snap one of nature’s most incredible shows in its full glory. This in-depth guide gives you all the info and advice you need to take top-notch photos of the Northern Lights in Iceland, so that you can come back with amazing pictures ,unforgettable memories and a happy heart.

What Are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, put on an amazing light show in the sky. You’ll see them in areas close to the North and South Poles. This light show happens when sun particles hit gasses high up in the Earth’s atmosphere. These hits make the gasses light up. The colors you see – green, pink, purple, and red – depend on the gas type and how high up the hits happen. Oxygen makes green and yellow lights, while nitrogen can cause red, violet, and blue ones.

Why Iceland Tops the List for Northern Lights Photos

Iceland’s position near the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places in the world to see and snap pictures of the Northern Lights. The country has very little light pollution resulting in clear views of the sky. Plus, Iceland’s varied landscapes, like rugged coasts, big glaciers, volcanic mountains, and quiet lagoons, create beautiful backgrounds that can make your Aurora photographs even more striking.

Getting Ready for Your Aurora Trip: How to Photograph Northern Lights

To catch the Northern Lights on camera, you need to plan and prepare. Here are the main steps to make sure you’re set for this special photographic expedition:

Timing is Key

You can spot the Northern Lights in Iceland from early September to late April. The darkest winter months give you the best chance to see them. The aurora gets most active around midnight, so late hours work best for taking photos. When you plan your trip, try to go during new moon phases or when there’s little moonlight. This helps you see the magical lights better.

Where to Go

Picking the right spot plays a pivotal part in getting good Aurora photos. You can often see the lights near towns, but you’ll get the best views far from city lights and other bright spots. Here are some of the top places in Iceland for taking Northern Lights pictures:

• Kirkjufell Mountain: Kirkjufell stands out as one of Iceland’s most snapped mountains due to its eye-catching balanced form. The mountain’s distinct shape serves as a striking backdrop to capture the aurora.
• Skógafoss Waterfall: This grand waterfall on the Skógá River offers a jaw-dropping setting to photograph the Northern Lights when the lights illuminate the falls.
• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: The calm waters of Jökulsárlón dotted with drifting icebergs, can mirror the aurora resulting in dazzling balanced images.

Check the Weather and Aurora Forecasts

Clear skies play a crucial role in seeing the Northern Lights. The weather in Iceland can change so you need to watch the forecast and make plans based on it. The Icelandic Meteorological Office gives out Aurora forecasts that show how likely you are to see the lights. They use a Kp-index scale from 0 to 9. When the Kp-index hits 3 or more, you have a good shot at seeing the aurora. Higher numbers mean the display might be even more impressive.

Essential Gear to Capture the Magic: Photograph the Northern Lights

To take professional shots of the Northern Lights, you need the right tools. Here’s what you should pack:

Camera

A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls works best to photograph the Northern Lights. These cameras let you change settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which you need for taking pictures in low light. Make sure your camera performs well in dim conditions and has weather sealing to guard against Iceland’s often tough weather.

Tripod

You can’t do without a solid tripod for long-exposure photography, which you need to capture the faint lights without it getting blurry. A light, travel-ready tripod that’s sturdy will keep your camera steady even when it’s windy.

Wide-Angle Lens

A wide-angle lens has a crucial role in capturing large sky views and letting more light into the camera. You’ll want one with a quick aperture (f/2.8 or lower). This lens helps you get both the aurora and the surroundings in one shot showing how big and impressive the scene is.

Remote Shutter Release

A remote shutter release keeps your camera still, which leads to crisp clear pictures. It’s helpful for long exposures where even tiny movements can make the photo blurry.

Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

Cold temperatures drain camera batteries fast so bring extras. Also, pack multiple memory cards to make sure you don’t run out of storage space when the aurora is active, letting you take as many photos as you can.

Mastering Your Camera: Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography

The right camera settings are key to capturing the fine details and bright colors of the Northern Lights. Here’s a guide to the main settings:

Aperture

Set your lens to its widest aperture (the lowest f-stop number) to let in the most light. This setting is essential in low-light conditions, as it allows more light to reach the camera sensor making your images clearer and brighter.

Shutter Speed

Begin with a shutter speed of 15-20 seconds. This time allows you to capture enough light to brighten the aurora without making the sky too bright. You might need to change the shutter speed based on how strong the aurora is and how much light is around (like moonlight). If you keep the shutter open longer, you can see star trails and blurry aurora movements. Shorter exposures can freeze the motion of the lights, but you might have to use higher ISO settings.

ISO

Start with an ISO setting between 800 and 1600. Change this setting based on how bright the aurora is and how sensitive your camera is to light. Higher ISO settings can show more of the aurora’s details, but they can also add noise, which can lower image quality. Try different ISO settings to find a sweet spot between noise and clarity.

Focus

Put your lens on manual focus and set it to infinity. This makes sure that the far-away things, like stars and the aurora stay sharp. To get the focus just right, use your camera’s live view  mode. Zoom in on a subject for example a bright star or distant light to refine the focus by hand.

File Format

Always capture images in RAW format. Unlike JPEG, RAW files store all the data from the camera’s sensor giving you more room to edit later. This format comes in handy to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance without ruining image quality.

Using Your Smartphone: How to Photograph Northern Lights with iPhone

While pro cameras work best, new smartphones, including iPhones, have advanced camera features that can snap the Northern Lights:

Stabilization

Set up a tripod or find a steady surface to avoid blurry shots. A small smartphone tripod can be of immense help in keeping your phone still and letting you shoot hands-free.

Manual Mode

Use your phone’s manual settings or download an app that gives you more control over ISO, exposure time, and focus. Keep the ISO as low as possible while still being sensitive enough to capture the lights, and adjust the exposure time to balance light capture with image stability.

Night Mode

Many newer smartphones have a night mode to improve low-light photography. This mode uses a longer exposure time and advanced image processing to create clearer images in dim conditions. Try out this feature to see how it handles capturing the aurora.

Overcoming Challenges: The Realities of Aurora Photography

Taking pictures of the Northern Lights can be fulfilling but has its hurdles. You can’t predict when they’ll show up, and Iceland’s weather can get tough, with the cold affecting you and your camera. You need to bundle up in layers, shield your gear from wet and cold, and be ready to wait it out, as the aurora might not pop up right away.

Creative Tips for Unique Shots

To mix things up and get creative with your Northern Lights photos, think about these ideas:

• Add Elements in Front: Put natural features like mountains, waterfalls, or tree outlines in your photos to create depth and interest. This method improves the layout and shows how big the aurora is.
• Look for Reflections: Find water that can mirror the aurora making your shot twice as impressive. This works best when it’s calm and the reflections are clear.
• Try Different Layouts: Test various angles and views. Sometimes, showing the aurora in unexpected ways—like shooting through natural arches or framing with branches—can lead to amazing and one-of-a-kind results.

Staying Safe on Your Adventure

Your safety should be your top priority when chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland’s remote areas. Pack proper clothing – you will  need thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and warm boots. Remember to bring plenty of food, water, and an emergency kit, including first-aid items and a spare phone charger. If you are not familiar with the landscape or climate, consider joining a guided photo tour. This option helps you to keep yourself safe and provides expert advice.

Conclusion: Embrace the Magic

Being able to capture the Northern Lights in Iceland is more than just clicking beautiful photos; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The breathtaking aurora combined with Iceland’s beautiful landscapes, creates indelible moments in your mind, both when you’re taking pictures and observing. If you’re well-equipped, have the right gadgets, and remain patient, you can capture this natural marvel in all its glory. Remember to pause and soak in the incredible view, before you get that perfect shot.