Photographing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience, and Sky Retreat Iceland is one of the best locations in the country to do it. With virtually zero light pollution and wide-open skies, your chances of capturing stunning aurora images are excellent.

Here is everything you need to know to get the perfect shot.

Essential Camera Settings

Whether you are using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a modern smartphone, these settings will get you started:

• Manual mode (M) — You need full control over exposure
• ISO 1600-3200 — Start at 1600 and increase if the aurora is faint
• Aperture f/2.8 or wider — Let in as much light as possible
• Shutter speed 10-25 seconds — Long enough to capture light, short enough to avoid star trails
• Manual focus set to infinity — Autofocus cannot work in the dark
• RAW format — Gives you much more flexibility when editing

Essential Gear

• Sturdy tripod — Absolutely essential. No handheld shots will work at these shutter speeds
• Wide-angle lens (14-24mm) — Captures more of the sky and landscape
• Spare batteries — Cold weather drains batteries fast. Keep spares warm in your pocket
• Remote shutter release — Or use your camera’s built-in timer to avoid shake
• Headlamp with red light mode — Preserves your night vision

Composition Tips

The best aurora photos include interesting foreground elements. At Sky Retreat, you have amazing options:

• Our glass-roof cabins with the aurora reflecting on the glass
• The farm landscape with Eyjafjallajokull glacier in the background
• The hot tub or sauna buildings for a cozy foreground
• Icelandic horses silhouetted against the green glow

Best Times and Conditions

• Season: September through April (darkest months are best)
• Time: 10 PM to 2 AM is typically peak activity
• Weather: Clear skies are essential — check vedur.is for both cloud cover and aurora forecasts
• Moon phase: A new moon means darker skies and more vivid aurora

Smartphone Photography

Modern iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones can capture surprisingly good aurora photos. Use Night Mode, prop the phone against something stable (or use a phone tripod mount), and set the longest exposure available. The results may surprise you!

Our Tip: Be Patient

The aurora is unpredictable. Some of our best displays have started faintly and then exploded into full-sky shows over the course of an hour. Set up your camera, prepare your settings, and enjoy the show while it develops. The best images often come from being ready when the aurora intensifies unexpectedly.

Want to photograph the aurora from a glass cabin? Book your stay during aurora season (September-April) for the best chances.