Ensure you have a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures. A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is ideal for capturing the expansive sky and vibrant colors of the aurora.
Manual mode gives you complete exposure control. Select a low ISO (about 400) to decrease noise, then adjust aperture and shutter speed to let in enough light without overexposing the photograph.
Choose a dark, remote location away from light pollution for optimal viewing and photography conditions. Research the best spots in advance and be prepared to adapt to changing weather conditions.
The Northern Lights are unpredictable, so be patient and spend many hours outside. Check aurora forecasts and photograph at peak activity, usually late evening or early morning.
Experiment with different compositions, such as incorporating foreground elements like trees or mountains to add depth and interest to your photos.
Manually focus your lens to infinity to ensure sharpness, as autofocus may struggle in low-light conditions.
Post-process your photos after taking them. Adjust white balance, contrast, and exposure to enhance the aurora's hues and reduce noise for a professional look.