HOW TO Photograph the Northern Lights / Auroras 2024

In this video, I'll show you how to PHOTOGRAPH and PREDICT the northern lights also known as the Aurora Borealis or auroras. I'll tell you how they work, what settings and gear to use, what weather you want. I'll talk about the moons influence and light pollution. And I'll announce my first buyable editing tutorial. I hope you'll enjoy the content.
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0:00 - Intro
0:54 - What's on the menu
1:16 - Understanding the aurora
2:08 - Physics, KP value, aurora storms, where to see the auroras
7:26 - How to predict the auroras
11:24 - Earth weather!
12:47 - Consider the Moon!
13:45 - Light pollution!
14:10 - Aurora season
14:54 - Colors of the auroras
15:42 - How to photograph the auroras
18:00 - On location, settings and composition
22:10 - More settings
25:04 - Epic aurora time lapse montage
26:30 - More about on location/information
27:38 - The final photos!
29:39 - Aurora composite tutorial
29:52 - Final thoughts
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#landscapephotography
#iceland

[@TaleOfTwoIdiots]

“Remove your lens cap.” Love it!

[@ro3843]

For anyone who is serious about Aurora photography, this is an incredibly accurate introductory guide. I'm writing this during a KP 7.33 night. Everything he's saying is very accurate

[@Jon_Godfrey]

"remove your lens cap"... classic. :-)

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Yes exactly! :D

[@robertfrase3846]

I didn't know you were going to say that, but I was thinking it.. I almost had some Coke-Cola come out my nose I laughed so hard.

[@mclark87nz]

That's a good one. I'm going to Whitehorse march next year to see the Northern Lights. I've got a Nikon D3500, I was testing some night photography from my balcony and was trying to understand why I couldn't get any shots. Helps if the lens cap is removed :)

[@icehawkutube]

My favorite tip on manual focusing technique at night: “If you still can’t see any lights after zooming in, remove your lens cap.” 😂 WOW! This is an EPIC, super informative video! The music toward the end was effectively climatic. THANK YOU so much, Mads! Happy to be a new subscriber to your channel here. I’m planning to be in Iceland in October. Hope to experience the Aurora then. Have to rewatch this video a few more times to unpack all the content into quick tip notes.

[@Frustrationcentral]

Hey Mads, thank you so much for this tutorial and posting this. It helped me SO much; I had the opportunity to be in Iceland last month and did my first night and first aurora shots and they actually turned out sharp and resembling real life. Thank you!!

[@pratikpatel8991]

Your ability to compress knowledge is simply unsurpassed. Can't begin to fathom the amount of time and effort you've taken to produce this material. Thank you.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

This specific one was hard!

[@westenbergerstephan5955]

And the Oscar goes to ......Mads! Folks, take this video as your bibel for (landscape) photography. All you need to know in 30 Min. - what an awesome work! Skip all vblogs you have seen or you want to watch -> take this vblog only!!! Yes, it is an awful lot of information but all is perfectly described. The order of topic like weather, how to focus, all the practical examples like baterie life and clothing, etc, etc.. Don't get frustrated about the amount of info. Watch this vlog again and again and you'll soon understand what Mads want to tell you, if you don't know already......and most important "Remove your lense cap"! :-)

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you so much! I'd like to thank my mom, my dad, my girlfriend and all of you guys! :D No, really thanks a lot, Stephan! :)

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Excellent Adrien. I felt "I'm glad it's not just me then'. I was totally underwhelmed when I saw them in Iceland: grey looking bands. Until I looked at my Nikon screen! I had to help someone who was struggling trying to use auto exposure and focussing. I had a red light headtorch. I was excited I was also getting red beams until I realised I was picking up the grass stalks in my shot! 🙂Thanks again Adrien.

[@marieta.s]

That was the most comprehensive guide I’ve seen regarding the auroras. Thank you for all your effort and work you are putting in these guides. This is truly useful information.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome, Marieta! :)

[@mountain_goat1]

Mads, is this technically episode 25 of Iceland series? We have been binge watching the series and I do like things in order. I couldn’t see episode 25 listed anywhere. Great work, you combine just the right amount of practical information and entertainment. Perfect!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Yes it is, it's in the intro :)

[@mountain_goat1]

Mads Peter Iversen thanks, don’t know how I missed that.

[@luannewilliams3410]

This was one of the best aurora videos I've seen. Very detailed and easy to understand. Thanks! I'm interested in your aurora editing techniques.

[@petemellows]

Very nice Mads. Whilst we have beautiful aurorae in Tasmania (southern hemisphere), I am insanely jealous of the thought of being underneath one. And, as I have recently learned, the colours here are different hues. Cheers.

[@JaypeaFoto]

Now there’s a mouthful of information. I get up at 4:30 am and spend an hour enjoying my coffee and your videos. After this video I’m definitely awake. Great job at such detail.

[@razafiarisonmichael4421]

If you make a book with these knowledges (different types of light including northern lights) I'd buy it without hesitation. Nice video and thank you for the share !

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

ASTOUNDING MADS A MASTERCLASS AND COMPLETE RESOURCE FOR EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER !! BRAVO !!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you very, very much, Darren! :)

[@mstpierre]

This MUST be the best Aurora "how to" video found anywhere on the web. Fantastic job !!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome and thank you very much!

[@MrJak427]

Massively helpful video 😊 Hopefully tonight I can get something in the Southern Hemisphere we had a good one last night very red

[@Souljacker7]

OMG, this made me more anxious! Assuming I'm there at thre right time and place I have about 15 minutes to set my tripod, adjust focus, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, remote shutter release, find a good composition, take a couple test shots, readjust ... I'll probably faint

[@pankodool]

super cool tutorial! avid Aurora watcher from Canada!

[@siddharthabhuyan6875]

Awsome northern lights

[@carlowagner6752]

Just 2 more weeks to go and we will leave for Tromsö. Having no experience in photographing northern lights this was the best tutorial I found so far, thanks a lot. Got some inspiring ideas out of it, hope they will work out.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot, Carlo, good luck :)

[@1JYNOT]

Almost 16 minutes until you started to show how to photograph the Northern lights.......pleased I fast forwarded to that bit!!!!

[@bruceleonard3096]

Removing the lens cap was a great tip. It's now much easier to focus and get a properly exposed image.

[@joeduffyy]

Wow I came here expecting to just hear about some camera settings but you made an entire guide on the aurora, this is amazing!

[@RalfWeyer]

I have to be honest, since I’m only a hobby photographer for roughly 1,5 years and never looked at any of the details of Aurora photography before, I didn’t fully understand all of the information. And there was a lot of information in this video. But I will definitely come back and watch it again after digging a bit deeper into Aurora and the physics. But what I can say about the resulting images is just wow, absolutely stunning pictures 👍🙂

[@karinstrobl1910]

Hello Mads, I am back in Reine/Lofoten and I cant wait for night to come. I watch this Video over an over again. I also had a wonderful Aurora at Eystrahorn last year. Thank you so much for your pictures. 💝

[@javiervidal366]

Awesome job capturing a UFO @ 26:14. Really lovely Aurora Borealis pics too ;)

[@rasicaphoto6450]

Most comprehensive tutorial of aurora photography and more...

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot! :D

[@gordroberts53]

Loved the scientific/technical details but the photos and time-lapse starting around 23:06 render me speechless! Thank you

[@StephenBridgett]

Extremely useful Mads. Thank you

[@gullirogg154]

Well done, greetings from Iceland

[@peterbenoke3350]

Absolutely stunning, thank you so much.

[@mudhead31]

So excellent! Thank you! Going to Bettles, AK tomorrow to see what I can to with what I have.

[@siddharthabhuyan6875]

Awsome northern lights from terminal

[@jtcmedia349]

Thank you for making this. This is so good. Educational, clear, and very inspiring. I live in Alaska and recently acquired a new camera and lens to seriously attempt to capture the aurora. Just last night I got some amazing shots, and this guide will certainly help me improve and even taught me new ideas such as the composite shots. Again, thank you for sharing your knowledge and best of luck to you in future aurora hunting! Cheers!

[@bobincdas]

You should be breaking subscriber/view records for a photography channel Mads ! The quality of these videos are par excellent !

[@bobincdas]

Also did you move to sony system from canon ?

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you so much as always, Bobin! I wish I did :) I'm slowly moving yes. I haven't got the main lenses yet.

[@marcielabasan5751]

Thank you!!

[@prevalain]

Thank you once again for a most interesting and informative video. I saw northern lights only once in my life, in Montreal, back in 1969 I think it was. I was awestruck by the sheer beauty of the spectacle. You are a very lucky man to have witnessed a number of them. Hopefully, I’ll see northern lights once more if God wills!

[@gugu_1973]

thank you!

[@fredericdemeus6163]

For someone like me, who hasn't seen this spectacular yet, I found it great that at least someone takes time to share some information and tips & tricks around the Aurora's. It was quiet a big theoretical part, but once you get it, it's just the explanation I was searching for. Thanks Mads !

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome, Frederic! I hope you did learn something. It's a video I really poured a lot energy into since I wanted to make something different from all the other people on KZbin :)

[@jenniferr7440]

Thank you for the excellent video!

[@olo101olo]

Absolutely stunning photos!

[@itsdavo5810]

Very comprehensive video. Thank you very much, Mads!

[@victor-ferreira]

Two words: ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Haha! Thanks a lot Victor! :)

[@pete292]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@johnmontana18]

Outstanding - thank you

[@motty_henoch]

Gorgeous images and time lapse videos, well done!

[@GhazaliAziz]

Thank you for sharing !!!!! You inspire me !!!!

[@rottengolfer1]

Wow...unreal beauty. Thanks for sharing.

[@tripityourself]

Some very useful tips, thank you very much. I can't wait to try on my own now!!

[@johnredmond7085]

Well done, thank you very much.

[@TheCabinman]

Thank you for sharing, very much appreciated. An amazing video!

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Wow, what a fantastic video and tutorial. You are a real professional Mads in every regard and understand your subject in depth. Thanks for sharing this information and giving us a visual treat. Wonderful, cheers, Robert.

[@Ashhadali]

This is so helpful.

[@johncameron6853]

Brilliant Mads,I loved this. 👍😎

[@alexehalsey3042]

Thank you so much for The Enlightenment👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊👋🏻

[@suzannebehan985]

Amazing !

[@Bee0213]

Mads your Videos are amazing, thank you for sharing these. 👌🏼

[@Aconcagua-Travelblog]

Thanks, very informative Video. I am preparing for my trip to Lofoten in February.

[@rjw66]

Very helpful, thank you for this Mads,!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome! :)

[@trentb4631]

Thank you Mads for sharing your knowledge of Aurora’s and how to photograph them.

[@thamalijayawickrnlinama3007]

Very nice explanations...

[@bz7481]

I love this video so~~~~~~~~ much...thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@theresarice7289]

Thank you. I've bookmarked this one.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome, Theresa!

[@Anonymous-td6bd]

Amazing video, so much detail. Thank you!

[@patricklee8062]

What an amazing video and tutorial. Simply spectacular. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!!

[@elizabetamedvedeva]

Amazing. Thank you. Going to Norway soon - will follow your tips.

[@RHC_NYC]

Thank you for your comprehensive, thoroughly explained, and entertaining videos. I'm am about to go to Iceland in 3 days, and am looking forward to using your shared knowledge to take some amazing photos. I may not catch many Auroras in this particular season, but that's only the inspiration to go back. Beautiful photos, sir! Thanks!

[@StampedePic]

Fantastic video. Heading to Iceland in early Oct. Hopefully I will get to see and capture the Auroras! The thing that Iceland is so charming is that there is nothing perfectly sure.

[@pascalstulz2752]

I have just one Word in mind WOW, in crédible. Thanks for sharing

[@shelleydansereau6481]

Phenomenal. So interesting.

[@TommyPanigale]

Absolutely fantastic video. Been researching this stuff as I’m traveling to Iceland from the states in March, specifically to photograph the northern lights. Thank you for putting out such an informative and well thought out video!

[@stanguilbaud8612]

Excellent video ! Thanks a lot, i learned a lot.

[@Lillyiphone88]

Wow❤️❤️❤️

[@marioperez7461]

Great tutorial Mads! I was very impressed with your smooth explanation of capturing our beloved Auroras! I too am learning to hone in my own Aurora captures. Doing this so much fun!

[@awesomeconcreteinc.7758]

What an awesome video, I can see you put all your heart in it, thank you so much for making such a great work and share it, I’m headed to Iceland tomorrow and I feel more prepared for the challenge of capturing these wonders, I also got your Iceland map for places to visit… and getting your tutorial too…thank you again You’re awesome!!!

[@azizghanim]

Thank you so very much for this tutorial.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're most welcome, Aziz! :)

[@PrimeMatt]

Wow! What a fantastic video!

[@MegaDwilkinson]

fantastic video Mads - love your work; thank you

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome, David! :)

[@jannavc449]

This is very informative 👏 👌 thank you so much.

[@saramarion4423]

Astonishing in its detail and overall content! I thought I had a good grasp on the physics of the auroras -- only to learn my understanding was that of a kindergartener. I SOOO appreciate all the effort you poured into this excellent tutorial. I hope I have absorbed enough new material that my photos on my trip next month will improve greatly. What a find you are!

[@tony_r_pierce]

This shows a lot of hard work and research. Well done!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome and yes, that was hard work :)

[@ToastandJam52]

Absolutely bloody fantastic!!!! Thanks for putting this together!!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome! :)

[@thanko1]

Fantastic video!

[@5813Luis]

Amazing video and breathtaking photographs!! Thank you for your dedication to this craft and for allowing others to learn from you. Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@bobbyw59]

Excellent. Excellent. Very in-depth information. Thanks.

[@sveniversen276]

Another great video on the amazing phenomenon: The aurora on the northern hemisphere. Very interesting and fine explanation on what happens up there - thank you Mads! :)

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Mange tak igen far! :D

[@LAALPETE]

Your work is breathtaking. Thanks so much for the info.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you very much, Peter! :)

[@Badabambum]

nice video. thanks

[@kaire2]

20:45 there was a shooting star, on the top right over the mountain ^^

[@MadsPeterIversen]

There were indeed :)

[@angeltobit878]

Good catch!

[@Classlawd]

This is amazing work. I'm off to Iceland in a week hunting for Aurora for a full 7 days. Going to binge your Iceland playlist this weekend!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

If you struggle with composing your northern lights photos, be sure to get my ebook on exactly that topic: madspeteriversen.gumroad.com/l/LCmpi

[@birjupatel7159]

awesome really helpful

[@danielcatalina1806]

Wonderful Mads, thank you very much for sharing!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're very welcome, Daniel! :)

[@jan.eigil.m]

I've seen this video 3 times now. And every time I enjoy it as much as the first. You just go so deep into the material and has so much knowledge that it takes time to take it all in. (Or I'm slow, haha). Fianlly, this time I also understood the KP index.

[@martinpickard5818]

We’re going to Tromso in December and am really looking forward to it.Fingers crossed we see the lights.Love your videos and such amazing photos.Thank you for helping us enthusiasts out so much.

[@jasmck3261]

So I've been watching many of your videos this year Mads, and now I've found this gem! What an incredible video you've put together. Thanks alot for this info. I managed to take a photo a couple of weeks ago of it. Tho there was much information here I hadn't thought about. So although I was happy with the photo. I believe the next will be even better. Thanks.

[@darrenbooker9438]

Fantastic video Mads, love your work mate.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you very much, Darren! :)

[@larrysernyk6154]

This is GREAT Mads Peter! I am so glad I found it today as we are planning a trip to Fairbanks AK for this fall for Aurora photography.

[@DeltadronesBr]

Wonderful!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks as always :)