We’ve all seen some magnificent photos of the Aurora Borealis that left us in awe. This phenomenon is more visible the farthest in the north you are, so not many people get the chance to experience them.
Bright city lights and light pollution can easily make the northern lights invisible. Fortunately, there are interesting internet tools that show you the closest light pollution-free place. The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ aurora forecast will help you plan a trip to see the northern lights.
One place that will occasionally offer a great view of the northern lights is in Calgary, Canada. It is situated close to the 49th parallel, but it is still far enough north to display the Aurora Borealis.
Since this is a unique experience, you are going to want to take pictures to last you a lifetime. However, the Aurora Borealis can be tricky to capture, as its beauty is hard to be transposed on a simple camera. Therefore, here is a list of tips from professional photographers that guarantee you will capture extraordinary shots:
1. Get Far From Civilisation
Reducing the effects of light pollution as much as possible is crucial if you want to take great photos of the northern lights. According to photographer Mike Drew, it’s best to go northeast of the city, towards Beiseker or Irricana.
“Even Nose Hill is a great spot because you can definitely see it from Nose Hill.”
2. Use a DSLR
While newer-generation smartphones will deliver some good photos of the lights, it is recommended to use a DSLR for the best results.
3. Long exposure is important
The most important trick when taking photos of the Aurora is long exposure. Letting as much light to hit the camera sensor will guarantee amazing shots. On a DSLR, you need to use the lowest f-stop, start at an ISO of 1600, and use an exposure time of 12 seconds. Even more, wide-angle lens might add extra quality to your photos. Experts also recommend a tripod, so there’s no motion that can affect the photo.