Northern Lights Photography: The Complete U.S. Photographer’s Guide (Updated 2025)
The northern lights, those ethereal green and magenta ribbons that ripple across the night sky, are a dream subject for photographers. But capturing them isn’t about luck. It’s about understanding science, timing, and technique.
In this guide, I’ll break down what the northern lights are, why cameras capture them better than our eyes, where and when to see them in the U.S., and the best gear and camera settings for northern lights photography.
This post serves as a cornerstone reference for aurora chasers and photographers across the United States, updated yearly with new insights, solar forecasts, and regional trends.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, is a natural light display caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. When these particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen about 50 to 300 miles above the surface, the atoms release energy as visible light.
Green lights typically come from oxygen at lower altitudes.
Red and purple hues emerge from high-altitude oxygen and nitrogen.
Patterns like curtains, arcs, or pulsating bands depend on geomagnetic activity and atmospheric conditions.
While auroras are most frequent near the poles, strong solar storms can push them south into northern U.S. states and, occasionally, into the Midwest or even farther.
Why Cameras See the Northern Lights Better Than Our Eyes
Ever notice that your camera seems to “see” brighter, more colorful auroras than you do? That’s not a trick, it’s physics.
The human eye relies on two types of cells: cones (color-sensitive) and rods (light-sensitive). In the dark, rods dominate, but they perceive little color. That’s why faint auroras might look grayish or pale green to the naked eye.
Camera sensors, by contrast, collect light over time (via longer exposures) and amplify weak signals through ISO sensitivity. This allows them to capture the full spectrum of auroral color and detail our eyes can’t see in real time.
In other words, your camera acts as a time machine, accumulating photons long enough to paint the hidden colors of the night sky.
Where to Photograph the Northern Lights in the U.S.
While Alaska is the undisputed aurora capital of America, several continental U.S. regions regularly experience visible displays, especially during high solar activity.
In 2025, the Northern Lights are appearing much farther south in the U.S. than usual because of an exceptionally active period for the Sun called the “solar maximum,” which is peaking in 2025 and causing stronger geomagnetic storms. These solar storms push auroral activity father from the usual polar zones, making the lights visible over many midwestern and even southern states.
Best U.S. Regions for Northern Lights Photography
Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali, Nome
Prime aurora oval; late August–April
Pacific Northwest: Northern Washington, Idaho
Best during strong solar storms
Upper Midwest: Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan’s U.P.
Frequent low-latitude auroras during high KP indexes
Mountain States: Montana, North Dakota
Wide open horizons and dark skies
Northeast: Northern Maine, Vermont
Rare but visible during extreme geomagnetic storms
Light Pollution Tips
Head north and rural. Use lightpollutionmap.info to scout dark sky areas.
Seek locations with a clear northern horizon and minimal obstructions.
Avoid full moon nights. Moonlight can drown out fainter auroras.
Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights in the U.S.
Auroras require darkness, clear skies, and solar activity.
Season: September through April (peak winter months offer the longest nights).
Time: Typically visible between 10 pm and 2 am, though major storms can appear anytime after dusk.
Solar Cycle: We’re currently approaching a solar maximum (expected around 2025–2026), which means more frequent auroras even at lower latitudes.
Check aurora forecasts before heading out:
Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography
The perfect aurora photo balances exposure, color, and motion. Below are tested baseline settings to help you start strong, then adjust on location.
Mode: Manual (M). Full control of shutter, aperture, ISO
Focus: Manual. Focus on a bright star or infinity, then switch to manual
Aperture: f/1.8–f/2.8. Use your lens’s widest setting
Shutter Speed: 4–15 seconds. Shorter for bright/fast auroras; longer for faint glows
ISO: 1600–6400. Adjust to balance brightness and noise
White Balance: 3500–4000 K or Auto. RAW recommended for easy correction
Format: RAW. Preserves dynamic range and detail
Pro Tip:
Review your histogram after each shot. Aim for a balanced curve without clipping highlights (bright greens or purples)or crushing shadows.
Composing a Standout Aurora Shot
While the aurora is the main subject, great photos use composition to tell a story.
Include foreground elements like trees, cabins, lakes, or mountains to add scale and context.
Use reflections from ice or water for added drama.
Frame vertical shots for tall auroral curtains.
Capture a time-lapse series to reveal the motion your eyes can’t perceive.
Even a faint aurora can shine when paired with strong composition and clean exposure.
Essential Gear for Northern Lights Photography
You don’t need a massive kit, just the right tools:
Camera: A full-frame or APS-C body with excellent high-ISO performance (e.g., Canon R6 Mark II, Sony A7 IV, Nikon Z6 II)
Lens: Wide and fast. 16 mm to 24 mm at f/1.4–f/2.8 ideal
Tripod: Lightweight but sturdy, stable in wind
Remote trigger / intervalometer: Prevents camera shake
Extra batteries: Cold temperatures drain power quickly
Headlamp with red light: Preserves night vision
Warm clothing and gloves: Comfort is part of performance
Cold-Weather Shooting Tips
Keep spare batteries in an inside pocket near body heat.
Avoid breathing directly onto your lens to prevent fogging.
Use manual focus; autofocus may fail in low light.
Wipe condensation before entering warm environments after your shoot.
Quick Night-of Checklist
Check KP index forecast
Confirm clear skies & dark moon phase
Charge all batteries
Format memory cards
Pre-set focus before dark
Dress in layers & pack warm gloves
Bring snacks, hot drink, patience, and awe
Related Post: What’s in My Camera Bag for Northern Lights
If you want a deeper dive into my actual setup, from camera to filters to hand warmers, check out my companion post: What’s in My Camera Bag for Northern Lights (coming soon).
Final Thoughts
Northern lights photography is the perfect blend of science, art, and adventure. You’re not just chasing light, you’re witnessing energy from the sun dance across our atmosphere.
With the right preparation, minimal yet powerful gear, and an understanding of what your camera can capture beyond your eyes, you’ll come home with images that feel otherworldly.
Bookmark this post, it’ll be updated each year with new insights, gear, and aurora data as the solar cycle evolves.
Now go find that dark sky, and let the universe paint for you.
