Description

how to film northern lights ?

# How to Film Northern Lights: Capturing Nature’s Most Fascinating Dance

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking sight that mesmerizes millions of people every year. But filming this natural spectacle requires preparation, patience, and the right equipment. In this guide, I will share some top tips from various experts on how to capture these ethereal lights effectively.

## Essential Tips

### 1. Plan Your Trip
Finding the perfect location to film Northern Lights is critical. Use a tool like the Blue Marble Light Pollution Map to locate areas with minimal light pollution. Popular locations include Scandinavia, Iceland, and parts of Canada and Alaska.

### 2. Equip Yourself with the Right Gear
To capture Northern Lights, you need the right equipment:
– **Camera:** DSLR or mirrorless camera with a high ISO and manual settings.
– **Lens:** A wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider) to grasp the vast expanse of the sky.
– **Support:** A sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposures.
– **Battery and Memory:** Bring extra batteries and memory cards as filming can be energy-draining and storage-intensive.
– **Warm Clothing:** Dress appropriately as temperatures will be cold.

### 3. Set Your Camera Settings
Capture the Northern Lights by adjusting your camera settings:
– **Aperture:** Wide as possible (f/2.8-f/4) to let in more light.
– **ISO:** Moderate to high (1600-6400) to get the lights without blurring.
– **Shutter Speed:** Keep it between 8-15 seconds to capture the details of the lights.
– **Focus:** Set to infinity (∞) or focus manually by using a star-light object for precise focus.

### 4. Setup Early
Set up your equipment beforehand, check your camera batteries, and confirm all settings are in place before the Northern Lights appear.

### 5. Be Patient
Northern Lights can be unpredictable, so be prepared to wait. Keep your camera ready and take shots frequently, as the lights can change rapidly.

## Advanced Techniques

### Time-Lapse Videos
Creating time-lapse videos of the Northern Lights requires a bit more skill and preparation, but the results are stunning.

**Steps:**
– Position your tripod securely.
– Use a remote shutter release to avoid clicking noise during long exposures.
– Set your camera to continuous shooting mode.
– Capture at least 2000 frames to create a smooth video (1-2 minutes).

### Using a GoPro
If traditional cameras aren’t an option, you can still capture the magic with a GoPro.

**Steps:**
– Mount your GoPro on a tripod.
– Set it to video mode and adjust settings (aperture/f/2.8, ISO/800, shutter speed/15s).
– Ensure it’s away from lights and pointed towards the sky.
– Use Bluetooth remotes to control the GoPro to prevent vibrations.

### Smartphone Photography
It’s possible to capture these lights using your smartphone too.

**Steps:**
– Use the camera in landscape mode.
– Switch to night mode and the highest resolution.
– Turn off the flash.
– Change to manual focus and experiment to get the best results.
– Use a tripod to stabilize and prevent motion blur.

## Final Tips
– **Don’t Rush:** Spend enough time out to observe and adjust your shots as necessary.
– **Use Foreground** Adding elements in the foreground can add depth and context to your photographs.
– **Post Processing:** Use editing software to enhance the colors and dynamic range of your shots.

### Watch a Professional Tutorial
For a hands-on guide, check out this professional tutorial by the Storyhunter network:
[How To Film This: Northern Lights Time Lapse Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VknA1D4PIzU)

Enjoy your journey to capture these magical lights. Patience is key, but the results will be more than worth it. Whether you’re starting out or looking to improve your skills, these tips should help you achieve fantastic shots of the Northern Lights. Happy filming!