I spent nine nights in Iceland chasing the aurora and got clear skies on exactly three of them. That ratio is normal — shooting the northern lights is as much about patience and forecasting as it is about camera settings.
The Gear That Matters
A camera with strong high-ISO performance, a fast wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster), and a sturdy tripod are the essentials. Everything else — filters, remote shutters — is optional.
Starting Camera Settings
- Manual mode, focus set to infinity and confirmed on a bright star
- ISO 1600-3200 depending on aurora brightness
- Aperture as wide as your lens allows, typically f/2.8
- Shutter speed 3-8 seconds — faster for bright, fast-moving auroras
Use the Icelandic Met Office aurora forecast
Check the aurora and cloud cover forecast together — clear skies matter as much as geomagnetic activity.
Where to Shoot
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Kirkjufell mountain, and anywhere along the south coast away from Reykjavík's light pollution consistently produced the strongest compositions.
Photo Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by
Daniel Kim
Photography & Budget Travel Editor
Daniel backpacked across four continents on a shoestring budget before picking up a camera full-time. He now shoots and writes Trek Tales Online's photography and budget travel features.
