The Northern Lights is one of the most sought-after sights – and sees many tourists flock to spot them each year.
As the aurora season has now kicked off in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s unsurprising that hordes of travellers are heading to such countries as Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Plenty of people are looking to be blown away by the views.
And others are looking for the perfect snapshot to show their friends back home.
Capturing the Northern Lights on camera can be challenging.
But Iceland-based photographer Jan Dančák has revealed that photographing the Northern Lights is easier than most people think – if you follow his simple steps.
Jan, known as ‘Jan in Iceland’, told photo-curation app Popsa the first thing to do is check the aurora forecast.
He said: ‘The only site I rely on is vedur.is – the Icelandic Meteorological Office. It gives you two key pieces of information: cloud cover (green means cloudy, white means clear) and the aurora forecast (a scale from zero to nine showing the expected strength).
The Northern Lights is one of the most sought-after sights – and sees many tourists flock to spot them each year
‘My rule of thumb: anything rated two or higher is worth going out for.’
He added that picking the right season is key.
Jan explained: ‘For aurora hunters, the best time is from September to March. Personally, I love September and October because the nights are long enough, but the temperatures aren’t brutally cold yet.
‘Plus, without snow on the ground, there’s less reflection from moonlight, making the sky appear darker and the aurora stand out even more.’
And 2025-26 are particularly worthwhile years to see them due to the solar maximum – when the sun is at the height of its 11-year solar cycle, producing stronger solar activity resulting in brighter and more frequent auroral displays.
Jan also said escaping the city lights can help you get the perfect photo.
He said: ‘Light pollution can wash out the display. Find a dark, open location away from streetlights, then wait – or better yet, take a quiet nighttime walk.
‘Dress warmly and be patient – sometimes the lights appear in bursts, and the wait makes the payoff even more magical.’
But Iceland-based photographer Jan Dančák has revealed that photographing the Northern Lights is easier than most people think
And one tip that might surprise you – you can use your phone.
Jan said: ‘Newer iPhones (14 and up) and Android flagships handle low light very well. Here’s how to set them up: disable the flash, enable Night mode, and use the longest exposure time available.
‘Hold your phone steady or place it on a tripod and set a timer to avoid shaking the shot. For best results, use the primary lens, not the ultra wide.’
But if you have a GoPro or another action camera, you can still capture the northern lights with the right settings.
Jan said: ‘Switch to Night mode, set the shutter to around 15 seconds, and keep ISO below 800 to reduce noise. Always shoot in RAW if possible. A tripod is essential, as even the slightest shake will blur the image.’
He also advises being prepared before it gets dark – and choosing smaller tour groups if going on a guided tour.
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Iceland resident reveals how to take the best pictures of the Northern Lights – and you can use your phone
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