# Capturing the Magic: Photographing the Northern Lights in the UK

Experiencing the Northern Lights for the first time is a moment I will never forget. The shimmering curtains of green, purple, and red that danced across the night sky were nothing short of magical. As a photography enthusiast, I couldn't resist the opportunity to capture this breathtaking phenomenon on camera. In this post, I'll share my personal experience of photographing the Northern Lights in the UK, along with some useful tips and insights for those looking to embark on a similar adventure.

## Planning the Perfect Night

Living in the UK, the chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis are relatively rare compared to locations closer to the Arctic Circle. However, with a bit of planning and patience, it is possible to catch this celestial display. I used **AuroraWatch UK** to keep an eye on the Northern Lights forecast. This invaluable tool provides real-time alerts on geomagnetic activity, increasing the likelihood of spotting the Northern Lights. On the evening of 10 May 2024 the AuroraWatch UK was showing inceasing levels of geomagnetic activity and the sky was perfectly clear too. All the pieces were coming together nicely.

## Choosing the Right Locations

For my first Northern Lights photography adventure, I chose two iconic locations in North Yorkshire: **Whitby Abbey** and **Roseberry Topping**. Both sites offer stunning foreground interest, adding depth and context to the photos.

### Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey, with its dramatic ruins silhouetted against the night sky, provides a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for Northern Lights photography. Arriving early, I set up my tripod and camera, ensuring I had a clear view of the northern horizon. As darkness fell, the anticipation grew. When the first faint glimmers of the Aurora appeared, I couldn't contain my excitement. The abbey ruins, bathed in the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights, created an unforgettable scene.

This photo was shot with my Nikon D750 on a tripod, using a Nikon 24mm f/2.8D prime lens, with a shutter speed of 10 seconds, apperture of 2.8 and ISO of 1600.

### Roseberry Topping

Next, I headed to **Roseberry Topping**, a distinctive hill that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Aurora Borealis put on a spectacular show, its colors reflecting off the rolling hills and creating a mesmerizing tableau.

## Capturing the Perfect Shot

### Camera Settings

Photographing the Northern Lights requires careful attention to camera settings. Here's what worked for me:

- **ISO:** I set my ISO to 1600 to balance sensitivity and noise.

- **Shutter Speed:** A shutter speed of around 10-20 seconds allowed enough light to be captured without blurring the movement of the Aurora. For the best shots I captured, I used a shutter speed of 6 - 10 seconds.

- **Aperture:** Using a wide aperture (f/2.8 and f/1.8) helped gather more light without having to raise the ISO too much.

- **Lens:** A wide-angle lens (24mm) ensured I could capture the vastness of the night sky.

### Tips for Beginners

1. **Use a Tripod:** Stability is crucial for long-exposure shots.

2. **Remote Shutter Release:** To avoid camera shake, use a remote shutter release or the camera's timer function. I used my camera's self timer delay set at 2 seconds. This reduces the chance of introducing blur caused by camera shake when pressing the exposure button.

3. **Manual Focus:** Autofocus can struggle in low light, so switch to manual focus and set it to infinity. I focused on a bright star using manual focus.

4. **Check the Histogram:** Ensure your photos aren't overexposed by checking the histogram and adjusting settings accordingly.

5. **Experiment:** Don't be afraid to adjust settings and try different compositions.

## Reflecting on the Experience

Witnessing the Northern Lights in person was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. The combination of natural beauty and historical landmarks at Whitby Abbey and Roseberry Topping added an extra layer of enchantment to the photographs. Sharing these moments through my camera lens has been incredibly rewarding, and I hope my tips and insights inspire you to embark on your own Northern Lights photography adventure in the UK.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a beginner, capturing the Northern Lights is a magical experience that you'll treasure forever. Keep an eye on AuroraWatch UK for alerts, choose your locations wisely, and don't forget to enjoy the moment as the night sky comes alive with the dance of the Aurora Borealis. Happy shooting!

Please contact me if you'd like to order prints of the photos shown in this blog.

Photographing the Northern Lights in the UK