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?
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?
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!!
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
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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.
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.