NorthernPixl

Aurora Borealis Field Guide

A complete aurora photography field guide built around your own camera, lens, operating system, and editing software - pack list, on-site setup, starting settings, and a full noise-reduction-and-editing workflow, downloadable as a PDF.

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Preview

01 · Before you leave

  • Camera body, battery full + 2 sparesCold drains batteries fast, an aurora display can easily run for hours once it starts
  • Wide, fast lens (f/2.8 or faster)A wide aperture lets in more of the aurora's faint light in a shorter exposure, keeping fast-moving curtains sharp rather than smeared. Remove any UV/clear filter before shooting, it can cause ghosting against a bright display
  • Sturdy tripod + a weight or hookAny camera shake blurs a multi-second exposure, hang a bag off the centre column for extra stability if it's breezy

+ 11 more items in the full pack list

What's inside the full guide

  • 02Setting up on siteFraming and shooting the aurora once it's overhead, tailored to your camera and lens.
  • 03Starting settingsExact ISO, aperture and shutter speed worked out for your camera and lens, not a rough guess.
  • 04Editing the shotsA full noise-reduction-and-editing workflow for your chosen software, raw frames through to a finished image.

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Recommended Gear

Built for aurora nights

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Artcise Carbon TripodA rock-solid foundation is non-negotiable for long exposures on the windy Northumberland coast. Carbon fibre absorbs vibration better than aluminium and saves weight on long hikes.Viltrox 16mm F1.8My go-to for the Milky Way. The ultra-fast F1.8 aperture lets in huge amounts of light, allowing me to keep ISO lower for cleaner images of the night sky.Samyang 14mm F2.8An ultra-wide alternative. The extra width (14mm vs 16mm) is crucial when I need to fit a massive foreground element, like Bamburgh Castle, and the entire arch of the Milky Way into one frame.Remote ShutterEnsures absolutely zero camera shake for long exposures. It also allows me to lock the shutter open for 'Bulb' mode exposures longer than 30 seconds.Vallerret Senja LRS Zipper MittEssential for cold weather photography. The zipper allows instant access to my fingers for adjusting camera dials, while keeping my hands incredibly warm during freezing Northumberland mornings.