Capture and Conquer!

Capturing the amazing northern lights on camera can be something of a challenge if you don’t know what you’re doing. We don’t want to keep you in the dark! We put together a few tips and tricks to best capture those unforgettable moments and share them with your friends.

You have a smartphone

What you need:

• A great app (i.e. Northern Lights Photo Taker (IOS), Cortex Camera (IOS, Android), Nightcap Pro (IOS) • A steady tripod

Your settings: 1) Set to manual mode 2) No flash 3) Set white balance to night mode or cloudy 4) Maximum picture size 5) High picture quality 6) Exposure 2-15 seconds 7) No filter 8) ISO 400 - 1600

Remember to charge your battery and set aside plenty of space on your phone.

You have a digital camera

What you need:

• A wide angle lens • A steady tripod • A remote control

Your settings: 1) Set the camera and lens on M (manual) not A (auto) 2) No flash 3) Use a tripod or securely prop your camera somewhere 4) Set the camera on the lowest f-setting (biggest aperture) 5) Set focus to infinity (sometimes symbolized as a mountain or a sideways 8, this is the opposite of macro) 6) Set the shutter speed to 15“ (15 seconds) 7) Set your ISO to 800-1600, depending on brightness (brighter lights = higher ISO) 8) Set the timer for 2 seconds (to avoid shaking from pushing the button)

Remember to charge your battery and bring plenty of space on your memory card and if you have a small flashlight it will definitely come in handy.

Dress for Success

Dress warm, warmer than you think, because standing still in the dark can get very cold, very fast. Read our special blog on how to dress the part for further information. And finally, share your unforgettable moments with the northern lights and your newfound camera skills on your social media. #nofilter