Capturing the Aurora - Lessons Learned

1. The Journey so Far

2024 has seen some the strongest ever aurora activity in the UK. Sadly, I slept through the aurora on the 10th May 2024! I could not believe my eyes when I looked at all the spectacular images on social media the following morning. Seeing these images peaked my interest in seeing the aurora for myself and trying to capture its beauty.

As I work during the day, staying out until the early hours was not an option for me. I decided that I would keep an eye on forecasts and would stay local until the aurora fell at the right time for me. I hoped that this would give me some experience of the appropriate camera settings and shutter speeds. This is my favourite image from these sessions:

Sir John Barrow Monument, Hoad Hill, Ulverston, Cumbria - 12 August 2024

Although I was pleased with this image it lacked some of the magic of the aurora images I had seen because there were no dancing pillars and it was all one colour. It was also very noisy. It was easy to get sharp focus because of the brightness of the monument (known locally as Hoad).

Capturing the aurora borealis is rewarding and yet challenging. Through my limited experience in photographing this natural phenomenon, several key lessons emerged and I thought that I would share these as they may help others pursue their own aurora photography.

1. Timing is Everything

The aurora is most active during the winter months, particularly from late autumn to early spring. Understanding the solar cycle can also enhance your chances of witnessing the aurora, as solar activity peaks roughly every eleven years and 2024 just so happens to be a peak year. Regularly checking space weather forecasts will provide insights into potential auroral displays. However, all of that was too scientific for me and so I signed up to aurora alerts @Wil_photography. These are great because he updates his page with information about the strength of the activity, the likelihood of capturing it in the UK and indications of the most likely time of day.

2. Choose Your Location Wisely

While it is possible to capture the aurora in areas affected by light pollution, as I did with my image of Hoad, locations with minimal light pollution will provide the best results. I am lucky enough to live within a few miles of the Lake District National Park. Local weather conditions must also be considered, as clear skies are essential for good visibility. I decided that if I was going to be able to see the aurora at its best I would need to travel to one of my favourite locations, Kelly Hall Tarn in Torver, an area with only a few lights from a local repair shop to the west.

3. Preparation and Equipment

I prepared by packing a sturdy tripod, a 15 - 35mm wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.8, which is ideal when capturing dim auroras. My camera is capable of high ISO settings which is also beneficial for low-light conditions.

Thankfully, I also packed several layers of clothes because the forecast was for low temperatures. By the end of the evening there was frost on the ground and I was extremely cold, despite all the layers. There is a lot of standing around waiting for the aurora to appear. Be prepared. I suggest that you take hand warmers and a flask of something hot to drink.

4. Experiment with Settings

The ideal camera settings can vary greatly, but starting points include an ISO of 800-3200, an aperture of f/2.8, and an exposure time of 2-10 seconds. Experimentation is key; adjusting these settings based on real-time conditions can lead to striking results.

I struggled with focus in this dark area once the moon disappeared. Sadly, I altered the focal distance at various points and thought that I had been able to achieve focus but when checked my images in Lightroom they were not as sharp as I would have liked. I have learned that using manual focus is more likely to produce sharper images, especially if you do not touch the focus ring or change the focal length once set. I have seen suggestions of applying some tape to the lens barrel to prevent accidental adjustment. Hopefully I will get sharper images in future.

5. Be Patient and Observant

Auroras can be unpredictable. Sometimes, the lights may take a while to appear or may not materialise at all. Staying patient and observant of the shifting skies can lead to sudden bursts of activity. They are not always visible with the naked eye and I found my mobile phone came in handy for scanning the sky. During the auroras on the 10th May and the 10th October, they were seen to the East rather than to the North which is more usual. You need to remain alert and ready to adjust your camera’s settings quickly as conditions change.

6. Incorporate Landscape Elements

Remember to include compositional features such as foreground elements like trees, mountains, or water which can add depth and context to your images, making them more visually compelling. It is tempting just to stay still and capture the aurora for fear that it will fade and disappear. However, on the 10th October 2024, I could and should have moved around because there was a strong display for more than 30 minutes. Amongst many other excellent images from others, I was particularly impressed with an image of the corona over the Angel of the North which was stunning.

7. Post-Processing for Impact

Editing software can significantly enhance your final images. Adjustments to white balance, exposure, contrast, and saturation can bring out details lost in initial captures. However, it’s essential to maintain a natural look, preserving the essence of the night sky. It was a steep learning curve to climb when processing my images and I found several YouTube videos that were really helpful with this.

Aurora Curtain and the Pleiades (Seven Sisters) - 10 October 2024

Aurora Fan at Kelly Hall Tarn - 10 October 2024

Tutti Fruity - Kelly Hall Tarn - 10 October 2024

8. Reflect and Learn

As I have found, every aurora photography excursion provides valuable insights. Reviewing images and understanding what worked and what didn’t will help me to refine my approach for future attempts. I am delighted with the images above, albeit they are not perfect. They remind me of one of the most exciting sessions of photography I have experienced. Hopefully when I get the chance to experience another aurora in the future, I will be able to create even better images.

In conclusion, photographing the aurora borealis is as much about preparation and knowledge as it is about technique and creativity. By learning the lessons and continually adapting your approach, you can increase your chances of capturing this breathtaking phenomenon.