Overview
Once you've nailed the settings, composition is what elevates an aurora photo. A few simple ideas make a big difference.
Add foreground
Include snowy trees, a cabin, a person or a frozen shoreline to give the aurora scale and a sense of place — a sky-only shot feels empty.
Use reflections
When the aurora appears over a frozen or open lake, the mirror effect doubles the drama. Position low to capture both sky and reflection.
Lead the eye
Use a path, shoreline or tree line to draw the viewer toward the lights, and place the horizon low to give the sky room. See our photography guide.