December 15, 2023
I spent 5 weeks in Fairbanks last winter learning how to photograph the Aurora almost every day/ night, and this blog reflects what I learned there. I learned to keep my camera equipment basic and simple, which has worked well for me. A few things may be a good addition, but I choose to keep it simple for one reason: ease of traveling! Traveling with loads of camera equipment can be a pain! So read below to find out my tips for shooting the Aurora in Fairbanks, Alaska
Your camera will do well in freezing temps, so no worries about that. I have shot in -30 degrees and never used a lens warmer, but you can use one if you have it. Because I have never used one, I can not recommend either way.
When other people are shooting, you should not use any light; it doesn’t matter if it’s white, blue, green, or red; avoid using any light. If someone is doing a long exposure, it can mess up their photo.
If you need to use a light, then make sure you communicate and ask the people around you. Communication is easy and is just a common courtesy.
To avoid any light issues, it is best to get to know your camera and settings ahead of time to make some basic settings without light instead of trying to figure it out in the dark. When you keep practicing, it becomes second nature. That does take some time, but getting your camera set up before we go out is also a great way to avoid needing a light for too long out there in the dark cold 🙂
Plus when the Aurora pops, you want to be prepared!
When you are done shooting outside in the freezing cold, you can not just take your camera inside; it has to adjust. Going from cold to warmer temperatures can cause condensation in your camera.
You can leave it outside until you’re ready to go in for the night or bring it in in a sealed ziplock or dry bag. I usually leave it outside until I go to bed and know no more show for the night.
Your batteries will drain quicker in the cold temperatures. I always keep my batteries close to me in my coat pocket. I will also keep hand warmers in my coat pocket with my batteries to keep them warm, so when I need to change out the battery, the battery is fully charged. It is important that you have at least 2-3 batteries with you because you will be quite upset if you’re in the middle of your photo shoot and it goes dead!
It’s always wise to be overly cautious, especially in snowy conditions. When you can, try to scope out the location in the daytime. If you go out on a last-minute run because suddenly there are clouds and you go “chasing the Aurora,” you have to keep a few things in mind.
You want to be very, very careful where you’re stepping. You want plenty of light if you are trying to walk around in unfamiliar areas. Also, stay on paths or parking lots. There are loads of places in Fairbanks where the ground is level, but it might be an unknown ditch filled with snow. It is a real danger.
There are Aurora cameras around town, and people I am connected with will let me know if the Aurora comes out, so we will get nightly updates.
Filters are okay for daytime photos, but never use a filter for night shots – Newton Rings.
I spent 5 weeks in Fairbanks last winter learning how to photograph the Aurora almost every day/ night, and this blog reflects what I learned there. I learned to keep my camera equipment basic and simple, which has worked well for me. A few things may be a good addition, but I choose to keep it simple for one reason: ease of traveling! Traveling with loads of camera equipment can be a pain! So read below to find out my tips for shooting the Aurora in Fairbanks, Alaska
Your camera will do well in freezing temps, so no worries about that. I have shot in -30 degrees and never used a lens warmer, but you can use one if you have it. Because I have never used one, I can not recommend either way.
When other people are shooting, you should not use any light; it doesn’t matter if it’s white, blue, green, or red; avoid using any light. If someone is doing a long exposure, it can mess up their photo.
If you need to use a light, then make sure you communicate and ask the people around you. Communication is easy and is just a common courtesy.
To avoid any light issues, it is best to get to know your camera and settings ahead of time to make some basic settings without light instead of trying to figure it out in the dark. When you keep practicing, it becomes second nature. That does take some time, but getting your camera set up before we go out is also a great way to avoid needing a light for too long out there in the dark cold 🙂
Plus when the Aurora pops, you want to be prepared!
When you are done shooting outside in the freezing cold, you can not just take your camera inside; it has to adjust. Going from cold to warmer temperatures can cause condensation in your camera.
You can leave it outside until you’re ready to go in for the night or bring it in in a sealed ziplock or dry bag. I usually leave it outside until I go to bed and know no more show for the night.
Your batteries will drain quicker in the cold temperatures. I always keep my batteries close to me in my coat pocket. I will also keep hand warmers in my coat pocket with my batteries to keep them warm, so when I need to change out the battery, the battery is fully charged. It is important that you have at least 2-3 batteries with you because you will be quite upset if you’re in the middle of your photo shoot and it goes dead!
It’s always wise to be overly cautious, especially in snowy conditions. When you can, try to scope out the location in the daytime. If you go out on a last-minute run because suddenly there are clouds and you go “chasing the Aurora,” you have to keep a few things in mind.
You want to be very, very careful where you’re stepping. You want plenty of light if you are trying to walk around in unfamiliar areas. Also, stay on paths or parking lots. There are loads of places in Fairbanks where the ground is level, but it might be an unknown ditch filled with snow. It is a real danger.
There are Aurora cameras around town, and people I am connected with will let me know if the Aurora comes out, so we will get nightly updates.
Filters are okay for daytime photos, but never use a filter for night shots – Newton Rings.
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