Aurora Photography Tour Alaska: Capture Stunning Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis Photography Tours Alaska: Capture Stunning Northern Lights
Our guided aurora photography tour from Fairbanks is designed for every skill level. Experience the northern lights with hands-on camera help, professional portraits, and a private wilderness lodge deep in Alaska's interior—then take home images you'll treasure forever.
Introduction to the Aurora Photography Tour Experience
Aurora photography is a truly magical pursuit, inviting photographers to capture the ethereal beauty of the northern lights as they dance across the Alaskan sky. The aurora borealis is one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles, and photographing it requires a blend of technical skill, patience, and a sense of adventure. Unlike other genres, aurora photography challenges you to work in low light, embrace long exposures, and adapt to ever-changing conditions—all while surrounded by the pristine wilderness of Alaska.
Aurora photography tours are designed to help photographers of all levels experience and capture these stunning images. With expert guidance, you'll learn how to compose professional aurora portraits and make the most of every opportunity, whether you're shooting with a DSLR or a smartphone. Alaska's remote locations, far from city lights and light pollution, offer some of the best conditions in the world for aurora viewing and photography. On these tours, you'll join fellow photographers in the pursuit of the perfect shot, discovering new techniques and creating unforgettable memories under the lights. If you're ready to elevate your photography and witness the aurora in all its glory, there's no better place—or way—to do it than on a dedicated aurora photography tour in Alaska.
Preparing for Your Aurora Photography Tour
Getting ready for your northern lights photography adventure starts long before you step outside under the stars. The key to capturing the aurora borealis is preparation—both in terms of your camera gear and your personal comfort.
Camera Gear Prep
Make sure your camera is capable of manual settings, and familiarize yourself with how to adjust shutter speed, ISO, and focus in the dark. Pack extra batteries, as cold temperatures can drain them quickly, and bring plenty of memory cards so you never miss a shot.
Dress for the Conditions
Dressing for the conditions is just as important as your camera setup. Layer up with warm, moisture-wicking clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and a hat—Alaska's nights can be frigid, especially during peak aurora season. Many photographers also bring toe warmers and hand warmers to stay comfortable during long exposures.
Choose the Right Aurora Photography Tour Operator
Choosing the right aurora tour operator can make all the difference. Private tours offer a more personalized experience, allowing you to receive one-on-one expert guidance and feedback tailored to your skill level and goals. Your guide will help you master camera settings, suggest the best locations, and share tips for capturing truly stunning images of the northern lights. By preparing thoughtfully and partnering with experienced professionals, you'll maximize your chances of returning home with breathtaking northern lights photography—and memories to last a lifetime.
Photography Support on Every Aurora Photography Tour
Whether you're shooting with a professional DSLR or your smartphone, our aurora photography tours are built to help you capture the moment. As a professional photographer and native Alaskan guide, I understand both the technical challenges and the desire to simply stand there and take it all in. Our tours are designed to support everyone from beginners to professional photographers, ensuring you get the most out of your experience.
Smartphone Photography Help
Modern phones capture amazing aurora shots with the right settings. I'll help you optimize night mode, adjust exposure, and find the best angles—so you can text incredible northern lights photos to friends that same night.
DSLR & Mirrorless Guidance
Bringing your own camera? I provide hands-on help with manual settings, focus techniques, and composition. We'll dial in aperture, ISO, and exposure time together as conditions change throughout the night.
Professional Aurora Portraits
Every tour includes professional portraits of you (or your group) under the northern lights. These high-quality images capture you with the aurora dancing overhead—often guests' most treasured photos from their Alaska trip.
Real-Time Settings Adjustments
The aurora constantly changes—bright bursts, subtle arcs, fast movement, slow waves. I'll help you adapt your camera settings in real-time so you capture every phase of the display, whether it's a faint glow or an overhead explosion of color.
Aurora Borealis Photography Settings We'll Help You Master
Night sky photography requires specific camera settings that change based on aurora brightness and movement. Here's what we'll work on together during your tour:
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Aperture: f/2.8 or Wider
Open your lens wide to capture as much light as possible. If you have an f/1.4 or f/1.8 lens, even better for aurora borealis photography.
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Shutter Speed: 10-30 Seconds
Long exposures capture the aurora's movement and color. We'll adjust based on how fast the lights are dancing that night.
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ISO: 400-1600
Balance sensitivity with noise for clean, vibrant images. Bright aurora means lower ISO; faint aurora means higher ISO.
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Manual Focus to Infinity
Autofocus fails in darkness. I'll show you how to manually focus on stars for sharp night sky shots every time.
Pro Tip: Shoot in RAW format so you can adjust white balance later in post-processing.
Want deeper aurora borealis photography instruction? Join one of our intensive photography workshops →
Aurora Photo Experience: Guest Results & Reviews
Every night under the aurora is different—and every guest takes home unique images. Here's what our photography friendly aurora tours have helped guests capture across hundreds of nights under the lights.
"I highly rate this tour for the serious photographer. Michael can share his experiences with aurora photography and chasing the aurora. We had plenty of opportunity for shooting as well as coming indoors to warm up between shoots."
"Michael is very knowledgeable of the area, the lights, and photography. Whether a cell phone or high end camera, he had tips and tricks to ensure you captured the moment. He constantly checked reports and moved us into position for the best experience."
"Mike is a great photographer and took a beautiful photo of us. His camera was always pointed to the skies to see what our eyes could not. He did a great job explaining why that was. The aurora lights are unpredictable but Mike did everything to ensure our experience was memorable."
"If you're looking for a customized and outstanding northern lights experience, Face The Outdoors is your best option. Michael is an exceptional photographer and knowledgeable guide that will maximize the beauty of your encounter with the northern lights. Quality of service at its best."
What's Included in Your Northern Lights Photography Tour
Our photography friendly aurora tours are designed with every skill level in mind—from first-time phone shooters to serious photographers. Here's what every guest receives.
📷 Photography Support
- 1-7 professional aurora portraits of you under the lights
- Hands-on camera settings help for DSLR, mirrorless, or phone
- Smartphone night mode optimization so you can share shots immediately
- Composition guidance for foreground, aurora, and night sky
- Metal/acrylic print options available for purchase
🏠 The Full Experience
- Round-trip transportation from Fairbanks hotels
- Private lodge access with panoramic windows & heated comfort
- Hot drinks & snacks throughout the night
- Mobile aurora chasing if clouds roll in
- Expert native Alaskan guide with 20+ years under the aurora
Your Aurora Photography Tour Night, Step by Step
Here's how your northern lights photography tour unfolds—from hotel pickup to returning with a memory card full of incredible images. The Fairbanks area is renowned for its exceptional aurora viewing opportunities, thanks to its high geomagnetic latitude and well-developed tourism infrastructure. To maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora, we highly recommend booking your northern lights tour for your first night in Alaska. This approach allows flexibility for rescheduling in case of weather changes and ensures you don't miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Weather & Aurora Forecast Call
I call with aurora forecast intel and confirm pickup time. If conditions look questionable, we'll discuss rescheduling to a better night for your tour. Occasionally, tours can be arranged on short notice depending on aurora forecasts and availability.
Hotel Pickup
I pick you up from your Fairbanks hotel in our heated van. Perfect time to discuss your camera gear and photography goals for the night ahead.
Journey to the Lodge
Scenic 90-minute drive deep into Interior Alaska, passing through the vibrant boreal forest—especially stunning in autumn with its colorful foliage. I share aurora science, local knowledge, and preview what camera settings we'll use based on tonight's forecast.
Aurora Viewing & Photography
This is where the magic happens. I help you dial in camera settings, capture professional portraits, and coach you through shots as the aurora evolves. Some photography opportunities or locations are only possible when conditions permit, so we remain flexible to ensure the best experience. Warm up inside whenever you need to.
Mobile Aurora Chasing
Clouds roll in? Even if there are cloudy skies or significant cloud cover, we load up and chase clear skies using real-time weather data—sometimes driving hours along highway corridors for the best aurora borealis photography opportunities. Our team is committed to maximizing your chances of seeing and photographing the aurora, always seeking out the best possible conditions.
Return to Fairbanks
Back to your hotel with unforgettable memories and images to prove it. Professional portraits are delivered within days of your tour.
Aurora Photography Tour Equipment Tips
What to bring (and what not to worry about) for your northern lights photography tour.
📷 Ideal Gear for Aurora Borealis Photography
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode
- Wide-angle lens (12-24mm ideal, f/2.8 or faster)
- Sturdy tripod (essential for long exposures)
- Extra batteries (cold drains them fast—keep spares in your pocket)
- Extra memory cards (you'll take more shots than you expect)
📱 Smartphone? You're All Set
- iPhone or Android with night mode captures great aurora shots
- Phone tripod mount helpful but not required
- Keep phone warm in your pocket between shots
- I'll help optimize your phone's settings on site
- Pro portraits included on every tour regardless of your camera
📸 Don't have a camera? No worries—modern smartphones capture impressive aurora images with the right guidance. Plus, every tour includes professional portraits taken with high-end camera equipment. You'll go home with stunning images regardless of what you bring.
🎓 Serious about aurora borealis photography? Our in-depth photography workshops offer intensive, hands-on training for capturing the northern lights. Perfect for photographers who want to master the technical and creative aspects of night sky photography.
Aurora Photography Tour FAQ
Can I photograph the aurora with my phone?
Absolutely! Modern smartphones (especially recent iPhones and flagship Androids) capture impressive aurora borealis photography with night mode. During your tour, I'll help you optimize settings and find the best angles. Many guests are amazed at what their phones can capture.
What camera settings work best for aurora borealis photography?
Start with manual mode, wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider), ISO 400-1600, and 10-30 second exposures. Settings vary based on aurora brightness and movement—I'll help you adjust in real-time throughout the night so you're always dialed in.
Do you provide professional aurora photos?
Yes! Every small group tour includes 1-3 professional aurora portraits, and private tours include 5-7. These show you standing under the dancing northern lights—often guests' favorite photos from their entire Alaska trip.
I'm a beginner—is this aurora photography tour for me?
Absolutely. Most of our guests are beginners or intermediate photographers. I provide patient, hands-on guidance regardless of your experience level. You'll learn techniques that work and go home with images to prove it.
What if the aurora is faint—can I still get good photos?
Yes! Cameras capture more color and detail than the naked eye. What looks like a faint white glow often photographs as vibrant green and purple. I'll help you adjust settings to capture whatever the aurora offers that night.
How do I keep my camera working in extreme cold?
The main concern is batteries—cold drains them fast. Bring extras and keep them warm in your pocket. I'll share other cold-weather tips during the tour, including how to avoid condensation when moving between warm and cold environments.
Book Your Aurora Photography Tour
Choose your preferred northern lights photography tour. Both options include hands-on photography support, professional portraits, and our commitment to helping you capture the moment.
Small Group Tour
Max 10 guests • Photography friendly aurora tours
- 1-3 professional aurora portraits
- Hands-on photography help from your guide
- Round-trip transport from Fairbanks
- Private lodge + mobile aurora chasing
- Hot drinks & snacks all night
Private Photography Tour
Exclusive • Extended shooting time
- 5-7 professional aurora portraits
- Exclusive lodge—just your group for the whole night
- Extended photography time & one-on-one guidance
- Flexible schedule tailored to your goals
- Perfect for families, couples & serious photographers
💡 Photography tip: Book 3+ nights and save 15%. Multiple nights dramatically increase your chances of capturing an epic aurora display. Contact us for multi-night pricing.
Ready to Capture the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Whether you're a professional photographer or shooting with your phone for the first time, our guided aurora photography tours are designed to help you experience the northern lights and take home images that do the moment justice.
Call us at (907) 590-1567 or email michael@facetheoutdoors.com