How to Film a Northern Lights Time-Lapse

Overview

A time-lapse captures the aurora's movement beautifully. It takes patience and a few settings, but the results are stunning.

Settings

Use manual mode with a wide aperture (f/2.8), ISO 1600–3200, and an exposure of 4–8 seconds. Set an intervalometer to shoot continuously with a 1–2 second gap between frames.

Gear

A sturdy tripod, a wide lens, a fully charged (warm) battery or two, and an intervalometer (built-in or external). Aim for 200–500 frames for a smooth clip.

Tips

Include a strong foreground for scale, keep the camera perfectly still, and protect batteries from the cold. See our photography guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you film a Northern Lights time-lapse?

Shoot continuous frames with an intervalometer — manual mode, f/2.8, ISO 1600–3200, 4–8 second exposures with a short gap between frames. Aim for 200–500 frames for a smooth clip.

How many photos do you need for an aurora time-lapse?

Around 200–500 frames makes a smooth few-second clip. The more frames, the longer and smoother the final video.

What gear do I need for an aurora time-lapse?

A sturdy tripod, a wide fast lens, an intervalometer (built-in or external), and warm spare batteries, since the cold drains them quickly.

How to Film an Aurora Time-Lapse

Overview

Settings

Gear

Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Capture the Dance