How to photograph the NORTHERN LIGHTS.

[@simon_dentremont]

What's the best aurora show you ever had? I'd love to know!

[@brucesmith9144]

Best aurora encounter was during transcontinental flights between North America and East Asia. The flight route goes over the North Pole region which goes through the heart of where the aurora is visible. One drawback is that it’s not the best spot for photography.

[@marklangdon2202]

Best I ever had was in Hudson Strait on the ship I was Captain of in about 2000. It reminded me of dry whispy snow when it's really cold blowing around gently on the ground but in colour. I know that sounds a bit over the top but it really looked that.

[@matthewsinger]

Last month's and the previous at the end of March were my two best. I had never seen an aurora completely overhead, and I'm at 48 degrees latitude (previously lived at 46 degrees). In the past, I had been shooting 20-30 second exposures at f/3.5. In March, I was able to get 10-second exposures at f/4.0. Then I upgraded my camera and in April's aurora, I was able to really test it out. ISO 3200 gave me no trouble on the R7's crop sensor. ISO 6400 starts to give me noise that is workable, but sometimes gives the AI noise reduction some artifacts. But this show was bright and at f/4, I was able to shoot down as low as 2 seconds and still get some usable results. The biggest advantage I had with the new camera was nailing focus on the foreground. I always had to guess with my older DSLR.

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

Last month just north of Winnipeg saw phenomenal northern lights. Though I've been doing this couple of years, this is the best explanation/ overview I've ever seen. Thanks so much.

[@tlewisAK]

That’s a tough one. I live in the heart of the Aurora Oval in FIRBANKS Alaska. I’d have to say, Jan 2016. I was out on my Skidoo and looked up to see them dancing across the sky in one of the longest Aurora shows in my memory, and I’ve been watching them for 40+ years.

[@hannes655]

I'm genuinely impressed by how thoroughly you cover each topic to provide a complete picture, and how logically your thoughts build on one another. Your clear, well-structured explanations make it easy for someone to go from knowing nothing to gaining a solid understanding in a short amount of time. Thank you so much for sharing such valuable insights!

[@poul]

This is not a youtube video, its a lesson, every video is a lesson. Nobody and i mean NOBODY will ever get into such detail as Mr. Simon. I would never expect clicking on a video that i would have access to so much info and all this just builds a foundation for us that are still learning that photography is not just a click on the camera. Thank you!

[@andrewhowarth5901]

As a space weather research scientist (also in Canada) I'm very impressed with your explanation of the aurora! Wonderful work, love your channel, keep the excellent videos coming!

[@simon_dentremont]

cool!

[@dokvald]

Got invited to go see an aurora tonight, glad to see you made a video about it!

[@JamesSmith-fv6vb]

As always, I learned something new. I didn't know about the Bz value. Thank you.

[@LindaCreighton-it5rq]

Thank you for the WONDERFUL tips how to shoot the Aurora. Tonight the KP is going to be 8! I have a Canon 70D with a 18mm-135mm 3.4 lens. Hopefully I will be able to get a clear shot.

[@lasticonoclast]

We were fortunate to see the aurora last month during a stay in Fairbanks, Alaska. Your advice is the most succinct and spot on of dozens I reviewed before my trip. One night while out viewing the aurora, a clear swirl line began forming overhead against the dark sky. Our guide of 20 years had never seen such a phenomenon. We found out the next day that it was a Space X rocket piercing the earth's atmosphere. It was truly a surreal experience that a long camera exposure setting could not quite capture, but that image is now burnished in my mind.

[@mm8276352]

I've shot a number of auroras (as well as lots of other nature photography) and watched a lot of videos about it, and this is easily the most comprehensive one about it ever. Great job.

[@TechLevelUpOfficial]

I just love this guy, he has a great voice amazing ability to pass the information and he always gets to the point step by step. Keep it up Simon your channel will eventually blow up when more people get to know how good your videos are, Ah one more thing maybe try narrating some audiobooks because you have the perfect voice for it.

[@simon_dentremont]

haha thanks.

[@bicnarok]

after last night spectacle, gonna need Simons tips for tonight :)

[@MarkyFormula1]

Same! I'm imagining a big spike in viewers for this video today 😄

[@bicnarok]

@@MarkyFormula1 A shame I only have a gopro.. unfortunatly not much happened here last night, have to wait till the x5.8 hits.

[@johntartaglia2672]

Watch all of your videos. They are the best. Professional and no-nonsense. My favorite nature photography channel by far! Keep up the good work.

[@lesladbrook4508]

Love your video, very good clear instructions for beginners, well done. I did see about 3 typo's on the video.

[@simon_dentremont]

oops!

[@ThatGenericCanadian]

Watched this video months ago and just wanted to swing by and say the advice came in extremely helpful over this last weekend! Only been messing around with a camera for a few months now but the aurora shots I got are some of the first photos I'm properly happy with! Thanks for the great videos.

[@TheAlcojo94]

I live in Alaska and am lucky enough to see and photograph the aurora quite often. As always, excellent video. Great explanations and tips for photographers of all skill levels.

[@sueroberts2500]

Thank you for all the great information! Your tutorials are always packed with tons of useable information. The wb has been confusing for me. I will try your suggested 3800 to 4000k soon. We have fantastic aurora here in Alaska.

[@davyps8273]

Thank you so much for this. Much appreciated. Cheers.

[@blitzstormer]

Another great video! Thank you Simon!!

[@stevekaschak9442]

Thank you Mr. d'Entremont! Your videos are not only fun and informative, but I come away feeling inspired and confident I am being steered in the best direction. Thank you and best wishes, Steve

[@waesyp]

Who’s ready for tonight show !?

[@simon_dentremont]

I was clouded out last night!

[@edamski8882]

@@simon_dentremontgood job we’ve got a very rare take 2 then!

[@Beaver-be8vk]

I got some good shots last night. Rewatching this to improve tonight if the opportunity arises. Looks like they’re dissipating though. KP5 last I looked. I need 8-9 to see them in southern Michigan.

[@feli.x218]

Yessss

[@SAVAGEAVIATIONYT]

I am! First time I’m photographing it

[@ragingryan256]

I am so glad I found your video ❤ This provides as fundamentals to hunting and catching the Northern Lights, from weather to photography, this helps immensely. Thank you! 🫡🙏

[@olivierdujardin8426]

Just what I needed. I live in Ireland and missed the display not once, but TWICE! Merci Simon toujours aussi concis et interessant :)

[@19Photographer76]

Well presented Simon! The best Aurora was when my Father dragged me out of bed in Feb 1956, I was 10. I remember the newspapers printing radio interference. Photos can last forever but so can't the visual experience that goes with standing there with your jaw on the ground.

[@graffitimanbg]

Simon, this is one of the most brilliant videos of yours! Kudos! Enjoyed it a ton

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@kenmaier6870]

Simon - not sure if you are going to see this comment, but if not others might benefit from my suggestion. The last time I photographed the northern lights in Alaska it was very cold. To help stay warm, I used Canon connect Ap / Tablet in the car to able to view the shot and adjust the appropriate camera settings. I'm headed back in a few weeks (Oct 2024) and as always appreciate your video's

[@majaisakszon1475]

Simon at 9:39 the word equipement ! Love your videos.

[@JasonRainforest]

Deserving? More than that. What a brilliant, information-dense video. Succinctly explained, and exceptionally practical. Nice work Simon!

[@europhile2658]

This must be the most timely video ever! Full of detail and tips. Although it was 1 year old it was just perfect for this year and the forecast for 2015 even better!

[@tiacbendi181]

This view is every photographer desire to shoot and the rarest hard subject to shoot.

[@michaelkiely4126]

I have watched a number of your you tube videos and have now decided to go back to the very start of your You tube videos!! I am an amateur photographer living in Eastern Scotland, hoping to improve my techniques and observational skills - your videos are great 👍👍

[@dw.in.michigan]

This is the best video I've seen for planning an Aurora shoot... and I watch a lot of dedicated astro channels. Thank you for the helpful technical information on what conditions to look for when planning. And on behalf of the State of New Mexico, THANK YOU for knowing that New Mexico is part of the U.S., especially since you're Canadian. I'm amazed how many people in the U.S. don't know that.

[@francisgarofalo3434]

Simon,I'm off to Iceland to shoot the aurora and have watched 20+ videos so far. Your's is the best yet. Thanks

[@oxopaxo]

Thank you so much Simon for all your wonderfully instructive and concisely explained videos. Your passion and creativity have inspired me to make photography more of a hobby and I am proposing to purchase a Canon EOS200D as a transition from my GoPro and my Cellphone. Thanks so much for packing so much into your videos, and for only covering the essentials, and in a way that explains them so well - a mark of someone who really knows and understands the subject thouroughly. I live in New Zealand and have so much to appreciate through this expressive medium and at 62 still have great enthusiasm for capturing the outdoors and bringing it indoors for all my family. Thankyou for sharing and passing on the years of experience and insight that you have gathered.

[@weathercat4]

One of the ways the lens hood prevents dew that you didn't mention, but I wanted to comment on because I think its cool. What people don't often think about when it comes to dew is your lens actually has to cool below ambient temperature to form dew. That raises another question though, how does the lens cool below ambient? It is able to do that because like all things it is emitting thermal radiation. Because the lens is pointed towards space and it is night time it is losing more thermal radiation to space than it is gaining allowing it too cool below ambient. A dew shield or lens hood physically limits the amount of sky the lens can lose thermal radiation to.

[@georgeread510]

Excellent video that provides all the information needed for Aurora photography. If you don’t understand it all the first time, watch it again and look up the specific terms. Well done Simon!

[@KrisLuckPhoto]

I got my favorite aurora shot 2/26/23 and made a fun youtube vid out of it. Good tips, if you're in the upper latitudes like Fairbanks, Alaska, the moon whether full or new has little effect on aurora viewing however here in Kodiak, (like NS) the moon can wash it out pretty easy

[@JPHPhotographs]

Your channel has really taken to the skies over the last year! Deservedly so too! Keep up the great work.

[@trivard]

I live in the most southern city in Canada, and it's a goal of mine to someday see and photograph aurora. Thanks for the lesson on how to do it!

[@musicauthority674]

The Northern lights the phenomenon also known as the Aurora Borealis is quite spectacular. there are some people that live in Alaska just so they can get to see some of the most incredible views of this phenomenon. and like you said weather can be a factor in being able to get great views of the phenomenon. and can mean having to travel longer distances where things such as cloud cover will not be a factor. similar to to trying to view a Solar Eclipse, where people may have to travel great distances to achieve incredible views.

[@anzaeria]

In my part of the world, we have the southern lights (Aurora Australis) but they are very elusive. They are indeed rarer and less well known than the northern lights. I have not seen them but hope to one day. Just waiting for that high kp number and negative bz.

[@mchristensen2365]

Simon, viewing the Aurora Northern Lights is for sure on my list to see. Thank you for all the great tips. I do have a request for a video. Printing of photos. I’ve learned that what we see on our computer screens, doesn’t always equate to what prints. I recently asked a company to print a few pictures I had taken. They didn’t modify my files, just printed them. I found several dark areas/shadows that were too dark and didn’t print correctly. I’d like to see how the pros such as yourself, make that handshake between pictures and printing. Do you print for yourself, or hire that out. Thank you in advance. I’d love to have some of my great shots on my walls like you have on yours. Mike

[@simon_dentremont]

Hi Mike. it’s in my list!

[@mchristensen2365]

@@simon_dentremont Excellent! As a subscriber, I’ll be on the look out. Always look forward to new videos from you, as I’m certain your other followers feel the same. Fantastic content, awesome tips, straight to the point videos that are the perfect lengths. Keep up the great work Simon!!

[@frugeon9318]

Great video, Simon! I totally missed this. But it looks like there will plenty more coming our way. Already have my 2 spots scoped out for when it happens. Great tips!

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad I could help!

[@kevinsijtsma2007]

This is THE video I've been waiting for. Thank you so much for your clear end easy explanation! Can't wait to see and photograph the northern lights.

[@irextion]

WOW uncanny timing, I've recently moved to northern Finland, was trying to get my sights on Aurora over the weekend. the best time to see it here has passed, going to wait till next winter to try again, this video will be a great resource. thank you Simon keep up the amazing content. Cheers

[@simon_dentremont]

Glad I could help!

[@lphilpot01]

I've seen a red auroral glow at 31 degrees north, but that's very rare (once clearly and once barely perceptible). It looked like the glow from a distant fire. Since I live at 31 north, I don't get it see it often, to say the least. Also, if you want to go hard-core on dew prevention (due to hard-core dew!) consider a dew controller with your heater strip. One of the best is the Dew Buster. It doles out power only as needed and can even work under thermostatic control. Great video, very clear and informative. As a visual amateur astronomer for 35 years it's gratifying to find good quality, accurate content.

[@Deg99]

Thanks Simon..... I learn more from your videos than any other you tubers... 🙂

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@ardscorner]

Ironically here in The UK we have been having some really good displays but further down the country than usual. Your video has given me some great info so hopefully if they appear again I will be ready. Appreciate your time and knowledge....thanks

[@RipeOldBanana]

I've learned something and you've inspired me to get out after dark. Thank you.

[@marklangdon2202]

I missed that last big Aurora event as it was heavy rain in my part of Norway and I had just picked up my new Canon R5. I am in South East Norway about latitude 59 N and we need a KP of 5 to start seeing anything but we've had a fairly decent season this year. Making a trip to Lofoten Norway in September hoping to see some then as a KP of 2 or 3 should give you a good show.

[@jeitrheim]

I live in Lofoten. Now the aurora season is on pause from mid April until mid August, due to the bright nights and the midnight sun. Wishing you a nice trip in September.

[@marklangdon2202]

@@jeitrheim Thanks we will. On our way driving up from Sandefjord we are stopping at many places including going up to Dovre to photograph the muskox. Any recomendations on where to go in Lofoten for photography? Maybe some place that only the locals know. Also best place to eat?

[@jeitrheim]

@@marklangdon2202 There are lots of places to go photographing. Here at Vestvågøy both Uttakleiv and Haukland beach are very popular, as well as Eggum and Unstad. There are also many popular places further west, in Flakstad (Nusfjord and som famous beaches) and Moskenes (Hamnøy, Sakrisøy and Reine). And of course Henningsvær, further east, is a popular place. There ar lots of videoes here on KZbin showing where and what to photograph here i Lofoten. If you want to use a drone, it is important to be aware of the restrictions in the Lofotodden National park and some other protected areas, as well as the normal 5 km zone around airports. I do not know anything particular of places to eas, but in that time of the year there shoud be many places to chose from. I wish you a nice trip :)

[@gusvisit]

Great content ! First one I see that is not only focused on the camera settings, but the phenomenon as a whole. Very interesting and well executed, Kudos Simon. I'm a subscriber since last week and I'm already halfway trough your content.

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@joshua.harazin]

Thank you for this! Last week's aurora made it's way into southern WI, which is relatively rare. I found out about it via social media, and barely had time to jump out of bed and get to a dark area. Ended up doing a lot of trial and error. Next time I'll be ready.

[@yalemiller719]

Thank you!

[@jamc666]

this exercise is defenitely on my bucket list

[@Rikevis10]

When I saw your photos, I wondered if a video would be coming. Thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks very much!

[@dennisfrederick9304]

Once again a very helpful video with well explained technical details. Thank you for sharing.

[@pepper6253]

This was the best explanation of the aurora and great hints for capturing it if i ever get the chance.Thank you, will check out the links.

[@icantthinkofaname5687]

Hi Simon, I thought I'd share a neat story from today. I am a beginner photographer, and today I went to a park called Rithet's Bog Park, located in Victoria BC Canada. While I was there, I met another photographer who also happens to watch your videos too! We were talking about great KZbin tutorials, and I mentioned how your videos have been very helpful for my learning process, and the man I met also knows your videos very well! We had a good chat about your channel and photography in general and he gave me some great tips. Thanks for your great videos!

[@simon_dentremont]

Cool! Thanks!

[@jarlokarlo]

Love your videos! Been here since, i think 20 thousand subscribers 💗💗

[@simon_dentremont]

Thanks!

[@barzan2012]

You always pick up the most controversial topics in photography, making you not miss any of your videos. Keep it Up!

[@krimke881]

Well. I had forgot about all this. Feel ready for the season, now! thanks! =)

[@simon_dentremont]

You're welcome!

[@tmewborn1]

Wow, That is amazing Simon, From an Old Man down here in West Central, Forida. That is a fantastic step by step frrom leaving one's Home to finishing Photos in Photoshop. Even if I will never have this opportunity due to age, Health, Mobility Issues I found it interesting, and enjoyable to watch. I am Subcribe to Your Channel, and always looking for Your last very instructional Video's - Thank You very much for all the work producing this.

[@laotzu1111]

Awesome video as always Simon 👌 😊

[@simon_dentremont]

Many thanks!

[@arcspike193]

and it's amazinmg this year

[@TheWackler]

Damn it's actually wild how good this man is at explaining

[@WillieJarlNilsen]

Good video, but a bit late/early for this year. Now we have daylight 24 hours/day and soon the midnight sun. I will save we this for September. I live north of the Arctic Circle in Norway.

[@DevanGoodwin]

What a terrific video, I've always wanted to try this. I was actually out shooting near Peggy's that Sunday night when someone told me about the Aurora alert. Wish I'd adjusted plans to get it, these look amazing.

[@NoDoSwLa]

Looked forward to this one👍Great job and stunning results

[@stuartriley]

Simon, Excellent suggestions for Aurora photography. As a solar and astrophotographer, I found your presentation very complete and enjoyable.. Thanks!

[@genewhalen9264]

great vid. chance favors the prepared!

[@mikebartow9415]

Thank you! That was very informative from start to finish.

[@cynthiaisenhoff8777]

Thanks for all the great info on websites!! We occasionally get chances for arouras in SE Michigan, now I can see if it's worth staying up all night 😊

[@Mike-126]

Excellent as always. Great info and tips.

[@JasonLorette]

Super informative Simon, very well done! Who knew that photography would involve so much damn science and math! 😎📸

[@izzed3500]

I've had to train my thumb to STOP BUMPING THE EXPOSURE DIAL. The A7R3 doesn't have a lock for it, and I have screwed up TOO MANY photos by accidentally bumping the dial. I do use it exclusively though, I almost never shoot in full manual.

[@MarkJ1776]

Last week was amazing. It was cloudy here in Minnesota, but decided to go out anyways when the kp hit 8. We had a 180 degree viewing area, plus directly overhead.

[@simon_dentremont]

That's awesome!

[@MarkJ1776]

@@simon_dentremont it was pretty epic. Where I go for aurora shots is usually just me and another person, but this time there had to be at least 20 people there. The word got out.

[@DannyMcIsaac]

Great video as always Simon. I saw the Northern lights Alerts after it was too late 😭 thanks for the tips!

[@elaineflournoy5022]

Excellent information - thank you!

[@michaelmorris1865]

I absolutely love the Auroras and keep a constant eye on solar winds and Kp index and Bz. I typically use a 24mm lens stopped down to f/2-f/3.5, a bit of positive exposure compensation and auto ISO with sub second-8" shutter speeds, mirror lock up with a 2" delay. I have a clear shot over Lake Winnipeg and have plenty of dark landscapes to light paint. Not saying my way is the right way but it works well enough for me

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

Thoroughly comprehensive +++

[@randyschwager2515]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@SK-po8vs]

With the R5, I've found the time-lapse video (menu shoot5) to be a godsend for my aurora time-lapse shots. Also, with very highly active aurora in high latitude locations I've found not shooting wide open will yield better results than wide open. By that I mean 2.0-2.5 rather than 1.4-1.8. If it's just a band low on the horizon, than wide open. Nice video.

[@amhtxc2960]

Another great didactic video. I would love to see one focused on snow&ice photography also, might be is already coming soon...

[@six66red14]

Merci Simon.

[@doublegbassin7215]

Great video man this helped me a ton!! Greatly appreciate it!

[@simon_dentremont]

No problem!

[@jasondain8713]

Great video and thanks for the shout out! Can't wait for the next one.

[@simon_dentremont]

Welcome buddy!

[@keith2599]

Really enjoyed this video Simon, Take care and best 73s from the uk... ❤😊

[@mapgrrl]

I will try this out sometime. I practiced shooting the moon with a foggy halo. To my surprise faster shutter speeds were needed so that it didn’t turn out like a bright formless blob. You could make out detail even with a humble aps-c

[@ilyasovich]

I was waiting for this one, sadly I wasn't able to go out of Halifax that night. Hope to get it next time.

[@jeffolson4731]

Great video. I knew the Seattle area had a lot of light pollution and the website you mentioned confirmed that. It won’t be easy around here to find a place where the Aurora will be able to be seen. Probably have to go to Eastern Washington.

[@rogerthompson6851]

As always, well done Simon, well done!

[@danc2014]

We must be in a lucky year. People are photographing the SF golden gate bridge with the norther lights.

[@waegnw1793]

Regarding shutter speed: If one gets much over 10 seconds while photographing the Aurora, there is a good chance that the photo will start to pick up "star trails" as the Earth continues to rotate. Star trails can really destroy an otherwise beautiful photograph of the Aurora. If those "trails" are numerous, trying to erase them in post-processing can be a lot of work. When I photograph the Aurora here in central Alaska, I mark my calendar with the day in each winter month that will have a "New Moon". The "New Moon" designation means that on that night there will be NO MOON! However, one should also realize that for a few days before (and after) the "New Moon" date, there will be minimal moon light. So, basically, there is about a one week (5-7 day) period during each month when the possibility of a good Aurora display will be available. As a side note, in/at my location, I do not mark the "New Moon" dates on my calendar for the warmer months of the year (i.e., May to mid-September). Why is this? Because in my location, it never gets totally dark at night during these months. Therefore, the Aurora is not visible. Of course, be sure to check the weather forecast for your area. Here in Alaska, it makes no sense at all to stand outside on a -15 to -30 degree Fahrenheit mid-winter night (with camera and tripod) looking for the Aurora when the sky is overcast with snow clouds. If this is the situation, stay inside, keep warm, and get a good night's sleep!

[@anzaeria]

With a wide angle lens, it is possible to extend the exposure time to well over 10 seconds and not have star trails. I have done 30 second exposures with a 12mm lens on M4/3 and it is very difficult to see any star trailing at that exposure duration.

[@anzaeria]

Thank you for the extremely comprehensive and informative video. There is a wealth of information here on photographing auroras. I have never seen an aurora but hope to one day and photograph it as well. I live in the southern hemisphere so must contend with the elusive southern lights. And unfortunately, I'm based on the north east side of Kangaroo Island in South Australia so that greatly reduces my chance of seeing an aurora. Generally, when I look to the south here, I see low hills and no horizon. Still, I'm going to try when I see a high kp and a negative bz. I'll be ready with my 12mm f2 lens and M4/3 camera (regardless of those hills.) At least they're low hills and not high hills so I guess that's in my slight favour.

[@GordonFRegan]

Another great video and if I were Bill Nye the science guy I would be worried because you seem to be able to do it all.

[@simon_dentremont]

Haha too kind

[@jessejayphotography]

Awesome video Simon. Tons of information and I’m feeling prepared next time a Kp 7 and negative Bz comes my way.

[@simon_dentremont]

That's awesome!

[@allankemp7463]

Simon, how about a video on cleaning your lenses and camera after a grueling shoot? Thanks.

[@simon_dentremont]

On my list!

[@shelleyedhouse5254]

Thank you Simon, great video. Do you think there is any chance of seeing an aurora in BC or Alberta in May? We're coming over from New Zealand on holiday very soon 🙂

[@simon_dentremont]

It’s always possible. Best to sign up for alerts.

[@BinkyNoss]

Great information! My problem is I panic when I finally see the Aurora & forget what to do. Is there a scenario I can create to practice?

[@simon_dentremont]

Shooting the milky was uses similar techniques.

[@m.robinson5872]

hi simon i love your videos they are so educational, i have only been doing photography since the start of the year but have learnt so much from these videos, on another note what shutter type do you use?

[@ItzSlushie]

Couldnt see them by eye here in south east Minnesota, but the camera picked them up a bit

[@F14AB]

Folks in Indiana and eastern Kentucky got pictures of it. Not me though, I was out the following night shooting the sky for April meteor showers. No Aurora & no shooting stars either. But I had fun! 😂

[@joselee8419]

Hi, could you show us some technique to shoot flying birds when using long lens? I find it really hard to find and keep track of birds even at 300mm

[@simon_dentremont]

I have a video on birds in flight. Maybe best to check that one.