Aurora Borealis Camera Fairbanks: Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights in Alaska

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on earth. It’s a spectacle that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska to chase the Northern Lights, one of the best places to do so is Fairbanks. However, capturing the beauty of the Northern Lights on camera can be challenging. In this post, we’ll share some tips for photographing the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, including which camera gear to use and the best places to shoot from.

When and Where to Photograph the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks

The Northern Lights are visible in Fairbanks from late August to early April, with the peak viewing time occurring between December and February. The best time to see the Northern Lights is usually from 10 pm to 2 am, so make sure you plan your photography sessions accordingly. The location also plays a crucial role in your Aurora Borealis photography. When choosing where to shoot, consider the light pollution, cloud coverage, and the terrain. While there are many great spots to photograph the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, some of the top locations are:

– Cleary Summit: Located about 20 miles north of Fairbanks, Cleary Summit offers an unobstructed view of the night sky, making it an excellent location for photography.

– Chena Hot Springs Resort: With its natural hot springs and clear skies, Chena Hot Springs Resort is one of the best places to photograph the Northern Lights in Fairbanks.

– Murphy Dome: Murphy Dome is a popular location for Aurora Borealis photography due to its elevation of over 2,800 feet, providing an excellent view of the surrounding landscape.

Camera Gear for Photographing the Aurora Borealis

When it comes to photographing the Northern Lights, having the right camera gear is essential. Here are some of the camera gear you’ll need to capture stunning Aurora Borealis photos:

– DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: You’ll need a camera with manual mode, which lets you control the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. A full-frame camera can capture more light and produce less noise, but a crop sensor camera can also do the trick.

– Wide-angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the beauty of the Northern Lights. A 14-24mm f/2.8 lens is recommended.

– Tripod: You’ll need a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposure shots.

– Remote Shutter Release: Using a remote shutter release can help avoid camera shake and ensure sharp photos.

– Extra Batteries: Cold weather can drain your camera battery quickly, so don’t forget to bring extra batteries.

Settings for Aurora Borealis Photography

Now that you have your camera gear equipment sorted out, it’s time to learn the camera settings to use for Aurora Borealis photography. It’s important to set the right camera parameters to capture the Northern Lights accurately. Here are some recommended settings:

– Manual Mode: Use manual mode to control your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

– Shutter Speed: Keep your shutter speed between 10 and 30 seconds depending on the intensity of the Northern Lights. Avoid using a shutter speed slower than 10 seconds; otherwise, the Northern Lights will start to blur.

– Aperture: Set the aperture to the widest possible setting (usually f/2.8 or wider). This lets more light into the camera and allows for shorter shutter speeds.

– ISO: Set your ISO between 800 and 1600. Avoid going too high as it can lead to a lot of noise in your photos.

– Focus: Switch your camera to manual focus and focus on a distant object or the stars. Autofocus won’t work well in low light conditions.

Tips for Shooting the Aurora Borealis

To capture stunning Aurora Borealis photos, additional factors to consider are:

– Be prepared: Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Bring plenty of hand warmers, snacks, and drinks.

– Be patient: It may take time for the Northern Lights to appear, so be patient and watch the sky continuously.

– Bracket your shots: Don’t be afraid to take several photos with varying settings.

– Experiment: Try different perspectives, compositions, and camera settings to see what works best for you.

– Clean your lenses: Make sure your lens is clean and free of fingerprints, smudges, or dust to avoid blurry photos.

Conclusion

Aurora Borealis photography is a magical experience that requires the right camera gear and settings, as well as patience and a little luck. With these tips, we hope you feel more prepared to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Remember, always respect the environment and other photographers, and enjoy this incredible natural phenomenon.