When photographing aurora borealis (northern lights), shoot with a high ISO and large aperture with the shortest exposure possible to “catch” the dancing lights. It’s best to be away from any ambient light (far from towns and cities). Also, take several photos in succession using the same settings to get a sequence of the lights dancing. Then, if you’re feeling up to it, make them into a quick slideshow or an animated .gif!
ISO 3200 18mm f3.5 8 sec
A wide angle lens is best to capture both a foreground and the sky. An interesting, in-focus foreground helps to ground and frame the lights. Make sure your foreground is in focus, though it may be difficult to manage in the pitch black. Sometimes, it’s also interesting to paint the foreground with light (using an LED or regular flashlight).
ISO 3200 18mm f3.5 12 sec
