You know that one big bucket list item you just can’t get out of your mind? The one you’d nearly sell your soul for to witness? That thing for me was the Northern Lights and it had been a dream of mine since I was old enough to even know what they were. I had thought about trying to see them in Alaska in the past, or maybe even Canada, but when the opportunity for a trip to Scandinavia came about, I knew it was a must to go in March so I’d have the best chance. And boy, what a lucky chance I got seeing the Northern Lights in Tromso.
Here’s Chasing the Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway + Shooting Tips:
How to See the Northern Lights in Tromso
Originally to see the Northern Lights, I was going to chase them myself in the outskirts of Tromso. I booked a rental car through Hertz for my last full night in the city. The morning I woke up to go pick up the rental, a blizzard was blistering outside. So much snow fell that Tromso actually received 3 feet of snow that day. Needless to say, I forewent hiring the car.
Read More: The Paris of the Arctic – Tromsø, Norway
At this point, I’m really unsure about where to go to see the Northern Lights. I’m reluctant to pay a tour company because the prices are pretty expensive. Another reason I hesitate on that though is because refunds aren’t granted if you don’t see them (most places do offer 50% off the next night though).
After asking around town at different places, I shortly realize going through a tour is the only way I’ll get a chance at the Northern Lights. All of the companies in the town of Tromso canceled their tours that evening because of the snow storm. Almost giving up on the idea, I stumble upon Northern Shots Tours who say they’re indeed still on for a chasing. I pay around $120 and a 5:30 PM departure time is agreed on.
About the Northern Lights Tour
Northern Shots say they’ll take us as far as 2 hours out to chase the Northern Lights. Apparently when trying to find them, they don’t chase the Aurora itself but the clear skies and darkness. This ultimately brought us an hour and a half outside of Tromso to Skibotn.
Included in the price paid are the use of tripods, ample information about the Northern Lights, the city of Tromsø and specific directions as how to set up our cameras.
Things to Know About Seeing the Northern Lights
Prior to chasing the Northern Lights, I’m forewarned by multiple people that they sometimes just looks like a bunch of gray clouds. Apparently our eyes aren’t capable of seeing what our cameras can grasp. You could shoot the Aurora all night long and the photos will come out completely different than what you saw. I’m also told that the Northern Lights can come and go in an instant, predicting how long they will last is impossible.
With all of those things in mind, I’m more than ready to get out in the cold to see if I can catch anything!
Camera Settings to Capture the Northern Lights
Using my Canon DSLR Rebel T6 to shoot the Lights, my lens was a wide angle 10-18mm f/5.6. I’d definitely recommend a wide angle lens to shoot the Lights so you can capture more of that sky.
As far as settings go, be sure the lens and camera are both set to manual mode. Use the lighting while on the bus to focus in on your subject. Start the settings with the white balance on auto, aperture completely lowered, ISO at 1600 and exposure at 10 seconds.
Once you start shooting you may need to make some adjustments. If you need to make the image brighter, raise up your ISO. Also be aware that this may create a fuzzier image but you can reduce the noise of the photo when editing later. Use a longer exposure to catch more vividness of the sky (the longest I shot at was 60 seconds).
Don’t forget to bring along extra batteries! Leave them on the bus while you’re out shooting as the cold temps kill the life quickly!
Shop the Must-Have Items for Shooting the Northern Lights:
Searching for the Northern Lights
Walking with the rest of the group out to the edge of the water, I instantly think there’s no way we can shoot here with all of the artificial lighting. Taking a couple of inital shots for practice, I’m surprised at how well it’s capturing the stars!
The camera settings seem to be on point so I sit and patiently wait for something to happen. Sure enough, within minutes gray clouds start to appear, floating above the mountains in the distance.
Thinking that maybe these clouds could actually be the Lights, I take a few more shots as they begin to brighten and change shapes. Before I know it, the Northern Lights completely go from a little streak to a massive green and teal rainbow shooting across the sky.
I thought I’d take a chance to take some shots with me and my fellow traveler Cam before the lights could possibly disappear on us!
The Northern Lights Show
And here it comes, the most epic laser Northern Lights show you could ever see!
And to think this is the Aurora!! This beautiful phenomenon began dancing for us, twirling around the sky like ribbons and shooting little purple spurts out around them.
My eyes couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I’ll let the pictures tell you the rest…
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This is so magical and beautiful! I’m making it a promise right now: the 1 reason why I can stand one more winter in Finland is so that I can finally make the trip to Lapland for Northern Lights.
Xoxo,
Laura || afinnontheloose.com
Ahhh being in Finland you have ample opportunity, I’m so jealous! I’ve wanted to visit Lapland for ages, I hope I get there someday. Sending you allll the good luck that you’ll get to see the Lights like I did!