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Normally this time of year we head to South America for long days and warmth. But we are going to pop up to Iceland for a few days in Jan with mission to see Northern Lights. I wont be packing my flip flops and I hate wearing shoes. Anyone done this? Photo tips?

Check out Beerman's trip report in 2018.

Northern Lights like lighting can be tricky. Looking forward to see your shots

Not done it but will be very interested to hear your verdict on a winter trip to Iceland Mike. Maybe give some of these Icelandic activities a go... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEqEaJc8r8U&ab_channel=G7Media . Some 'watersports' around 8 minutes in.

We went to Iceland when it never really got dark, so the northern lights were switched off!

What kind of camera will you have? I have never photographed them, but if/when I do, I would experiment with my f4, 14-24mm lens and my f2.8, 24mm, I think the 2.8 would have better results but my widest focal length of 14mm at f4 might do ok. I'd pick a location with no ambient light. I'd make sure I had a sturdy tripod. I'd have extra batteries in the cold weather. I take lots of pics, so I would start playing with ISO down around maybe 800 and move up towards my highest and see the results. I would be adjusting my speeds/exposure from 2 sec to maybe 30?? While playing with combos of these settings I'd be looking to see if images are grainy or not. I think choosing a focus in the dark would be tricky, I have an infinity setting, but knowing me I'd manually play with focus, especially if trees, people, mountains etc were to be included. With slow exposure I would make my subjects hold a pose for as long as it took. I use manual settings on my camera, but wouldn't it be nice if they included an Aurora symbol or waterfall symbol on the dial to make life easier!!

Where are you staying? have you been to Iceland?

Here are a couple shots of the Northern Lights my son took in Alaska a long time ago.
I capture what the camera setting properties were when he took them.
He used a Canon Rebel

He was on the deck of a CG buoy tender at sea when he took them.
Hope this helps

Nice pics Tom, especially on a moving boat with 30 sec exposure ;-) Merry Christmas Eve y'all!!

I checked with my son and he was on the fantail of CGC Spar.
They were pretty far north in Alaska in small bay.
He said the water was super calm.

Back from Iceland. Saw the Northern Lights and got some photos, I forget how to post them here. Had a great time in the warm water baths. Temperature was fine, but wind was relentless.

Mike--Instructions about how to post pictures in a photo gallery (so they appear full screen), are at this link.

Link

OR, you can attach pictures directly to a post. They do NOT appear full screen, but it's really simple to upload. Just click on Attachment Manager under your post, that opens up, and then you just upload pictures.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I didn't see the attachment manager on my screen. You can find me on FB Michael Kneafsey (not too many with that name) posted photos there.

Mike--all you have to do is make sure you are in USE FULL EDITOR mode and the attachment manager will pop up.