Aurora Photography: Settings, Gear & Techniques for Stunning Shots

Unlike the Milky Way, which stays put, auroras are dynamic. They pulse, swirl, and sometimes explode across the sky in seconds. This means:

Fast shutter speeds — 1-8 seconds to freeze motion (not 20-30 like star photos) Higher ISOs — 1600-6400 to compensate for shorter exposures Wide apertures — f/2.8 or faster is essential

The biggest mistake beginners make? Using Milky Way settings (20-30 second exposures) and ending up with a green blob instead of defined curtains.

For aurora photography, you need a camera with good high-ISO performance and a fast wide-angle lens. Here's my recommended kit:

The Trinity of Aurora Lenses:

Budget Picks:

• Rokinon/Samyang 14mm f/2.8 (~$330)
• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 for APS-C (~$400)

Pro Picks:

• Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM (~$1,600)
• Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 (~$1,900)

Auroras range from subtle horizon glows to overhead corona explosions. Adjust your settings accordingly:

Subtle/Quiet Aurora (Kp 2-3):

• Shutter: 10-15 seconds
• ISO: 3200-6400
• Aperture: Wide open (f/1.4-f/2.8)
• Result: Nice, but less defined structure

Active Aurora (Kp 4-5):

• Shutter: 4-8 seconds
• ISO: 1600-3200
• Aperture: f/2.8 or wider
• Result: Defined curtains and pillars

Intense Storm (Kp 6+):

• Shutter: 1-4 seconds
• ISO: 800-1600
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Result: Crisp rays, frozen motion

Corona/Overhead Display:

• Shutter: 0.5-2 seconds
• ISO: 1600-3200
• Aperture: Wide open
• Result: Radiating structure from overhead

Include Foreground Elements:

• Silhouetted trees, mountains, or buildings add scale
• Reflections in lakes/fjords double your aurora
• Snow-covered landscapes bounce light beautifully

Leading Lines:

• Roads, fences, shorelines draw the eye into the aurora
• Position aurora at the end of the line

People in Aurora Shots:

• Use a second camera with flash or headlamp for separation
• 2-4 second exposures freeze subjects if they stay still
• Tell a story—person looking up in awe

Vertical vs. Horizontal:

• Pillars and corona: Vertical framing
• Wide displays: Panoramic horizontal
• Layer horizons low for maximum sky

In Lightroom/Camera Raw:

1. White Balance: Start around 3800K; adjust for pleasing greens/purples
2. Exposure: +0.5 to +1 stop if you exposed for histogram
3. Contrast: +20 to +40 to enhance curtain definition
4. Dehaze: +10 to +25 for punch, but don't overdo it
5. Saturation: Be restrained! +5 to +15 max. Oversaturated auroras look fake
6. Noise Reduction: Luminance 20-40 depending on ISO

Advanced Techniques:

• Stack 5-10 images for cleaner results (in Sequator or Starry Landscape Stacker)
• Time-lapse sequences into video (shoot every 2-4 seconds)
• Focus stacking for foreground sharpness

You'll be outside for hours in freezing temperatures. Proper gear is essential:

Layering System:

• Base: Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking
• Mid: Down or synthetic insulation
• Outer: Windproof, waterproof shell

Extremities:

• Liner gloves + mittens (pull off for camera control)
• Wool socks + insulated boots (rated to -40°)
• Balaclava or buff for face protection

Battery Management:

• Cold kills batteries fast — keep spares in inside pockets
• USB hand warmers do double duty
• Some cameras (Sony, Nikon Z) can run on USB power banks