Marta Kulesza

Marta Kuleszahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/marta-kuleszaMarta Kuleszahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/oceania/new-zealand/the-best-road-trip-tips-and-itineraries-for-new-zealandWith so much to see and do spread across both islands, how are you going fit it all in? Our insider, Marta, shares her top tips on what vehicle to hire and itineraries to see the best of New Zealand.2017-12-14T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/oceania/new-zealand/the-best-road-trip-tips-and-itineraries-for-new-zealandhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Although many aspects of travel in New Zealand are straightforward, some can be daunting. For starters, there are so many incredible destinations, how are you going to fit them all in?</p> <p>The two biggest pieces of advice I have <g class="gr_ gr_71 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="71" data-gr-id="71">are</g> to book a holiday for as long as possible and don’t rush. If you try and fit in too much, you’ll spend more time driving around then exploring the best bits.</p> <p>Oh, and take waterproof clothing. There’s a 96% chance it’s already raining.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#vehicle"> Campervan vs Hire Car </a></li> <li><a href="#camping"> Freedom Camping and DOCs Campsites </a></li> <li><a href="#south"> South Island Itinerary Ideas </a></li> <li><a href="#north"> North Island Itinerary Ideas </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="vehicle">Campervan vs Hire Car</h2> <p>After living in New Zealand, I discovered that the only real way to travel around is on a road trip in your own vehicle. The luxury of having a self-contained campervan (a campervan with an inbuilt toilet) means you can usually find a free car park that permits the overnight stays.</p> <p>Smaller rental cars and non-self-contained campers are cheaper, but you’ll need to pay for campgrounds with facilities. If your budget allows it,  I’d recommend renting a self-contained campervan, as it allows that tiny bit of extra freedom.</p> <p>Being the first person on a hiking trail with the whole mountain to yourself, or being the only person basking in the glory of one of New Zealand’s amazing waterfalls is an experience like no other.</p> <p>If renting a self-contained van increases your chances of achieving this, then the extra cost is insignificant when weighed against the memories you’ll forge.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/roys-peak-wanaka-marta-kulesza.jpg" /> <figcaption> Taking a hike to the top of Roys Peak will be worth the sweat (and tears). Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="camping">Freedom Camping and DOCs Campsites</h2> <p>Even though New Zealand is super relaxed, it still rightly enforces camping restrictions. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just camp/park anywhere.</p> <p>The joy of visiting New Zealand is found in its untouched beauty and innocence – attributes that wouldn’t last long without structure and rules. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has numerous campsites on both islands, many of which cost US $9 (NZ $13) per person per night.</p> <p>I’ve stayed in a lot of the DOC’s campsites, and because they’re government operated, they are always excellently located, have up to date and well looked after clean facilities, and plenty of space. </p> <p>###NewZealandGuideCallout###</p> <h2 id="south">South Island Itinerary Ideas</h2> <p>The starting point for most people visiting the <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/go-where-tourists-dont-on-the-south-island-of-new-zealand" target="_blank">South Island</a> is <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/a-locals-guide-to-the-best-things-to-see-and-do-in-christchurch" target="_blank">Christchurch</a> International Airport. It’s conveniently located, but I always tell people that they shouldn’t waste their precious holiday time on cities when visiting New Zealand.</p> <p>Leave as soon as you can and head toward the mountains! The most optimized route takes you into the heart of the island to Tekapo, Mount Cook, <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/a-local-insiders-guide-to-wanaka" target="_blank">Wanaka</a> <g class="gr_ gr_83 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-ins replaceWithoutSep" id="83" data-gr-id="83">and</g> <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-queenstown-new-zealands-adventure-capital" target="_blank">Queenstown</a>. All amazing places with lots to see and do.</p> <p><a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-experiences-in-fiordland-from-milford-to-doubtful-sound" target="_blank">Milford Sound</a> is a highlight, but unless you decide to take a scenic flight there, it’s a one way in, one way <g class="gr_ gr_65 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="65" data-gr-id="65">out drive</g>. The drive is breath-taking so it’s not an indignation, but does take up precious time.</p> <p>After Milford Sound, you can take the road up the west coast, through Otago and Mount Aspiring National Park, to Glacier Country, before taking the amazing West Coast Road through Arthur's Pass National Park back to <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/a-locals-guide-to-the-best-things-to-see-and-do-in-christchurch" target="_blank">Christchurch</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/lake-haewa-marta-kulesza.jpg" /> <figcaption> Walking around Lake Haewa, near Wanaka. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="north">North Island Itinerary Ideas</h2> <p><a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-things-to-see-and-do-around-auckland" target="_blank">Auckland</a> is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, and unless you’re coming from Australia then chances are that’s where you’ll be landing.</p> <p>The <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-adventure-acitivites-on-the-north-island-new-zealand" target="_blank">North Island</a> has a <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/battle-for-ruapekapeka-new-zealand" target="_blank">rich cultural Māori history</a> and a strong Māori presence, much more so than the South Island. 90% of all Māori in New Zealand live on the North Island.</p> <p>The highlights on the North Island include the Coromandel, Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own hot-tub!</p> <p>Then head south to the <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/exploring-rotorua-and-lake-taupo-on-the-north-island" target="_blank">geothermal wonderland of Rotorua</a> and the rolling hills of Hobbiton, only an hour away. The proximity of the <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-hikes-on-new-zealands-north-island" target="_blank">Tongariro Crossing</a>, one of New Zealand’s famous day hikes is also a possibility before swinging back round to Auckland via the Waitomo Glowworm caves if time permits.</p> <p>Wherever you decide to go <g class="gr_ gr_86 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="86" data-gr-id="86">in</g> New Zealand and however you decide to do it, I am certain that you’re going to have an amazing time. Just remember a little extra planning and research can go a long way.</p> <p><b>Want to know more about New Zealand? Check out our </b><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/oceania/new-zealand/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-7-new-zealand"><span class="s1"><b>podcast</b></span></a><b>. We talk world-class diving, blood-pumping adrenalin, and road-tripping in a camper van.</b></p>Marta Kulesza 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-queenstown-new-zealands-adventure-capitalFrom the best free adventures around town to the expensive experiences you must try, you won’t find time for boredom here. Queenstown local Marta shares her top tips.2017-12-13T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-queenstown-new-zealands-adventure-capitalhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>For travelers, this is a top-notch destination. Situated on Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by photogenic mountains, Queenstown has everything a globetrotter could ask for.</p> <p>Unfortunately for the locals, rapid tourism growth has brought about a housing crisis and a dire affordable living situation. For short-term visitors, however, the place is definitely a must-see.</p> <p>Often referred to as the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown offers something for every age, every adrenaline requirement, and <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/a-local-insiders-guide-to-wanaka" target="_blank">something for every budget</a>.</p> <p>It’s not difficult to spend a thousand dollars a day here, but it’s also possible to have fun for less than NZ $50. However, with the ease of accessibility also come the crowds. On a summer day, this small mountain town feels just as busy as <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/a-locals-guide-to-whistler" target="_blank">Whistler in winter</a>, so make your reservations well in advance.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crowds"> Are We Loving Queenstown to Death? </a></li> <li><a href="#free"> Free Adventures Around Queenstown </a></li> <li><a href="#expensive"> Pricey Experiences That Are Totally Worth It </a></li> <li><a href="#daytrips"> Day Trips to Smaller Nearby Towns </a></li> <li><a href="#winter"> Winter in Queenstown </a></li> <li><a href="#food"> The Verdict on Fergburger </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crowds">Are We Loving Queenstown to Death?</h2> <p>I adore Queenstown. That’s why I chose to live there. There’s something about busy days that create a palpable electricity, incomparable to anywhere else in New Zealand.</p> <p>The list of activities is always expanding, with everything from skydiving to skiing, plus loads of <a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-hiking-trails-on-new-zealands-south-island-you-must-see-for-yourself" target="_blank">hiking</a>. You’ve got to make the most of the mountains.</p> <p>###NewZealandGuideCallout###</p> <h2 id="free">Free Adventures Around Queenstown</h2> <p>Hiking is an activity that everyone can afford, and it goes hand in hand with photography. Combine the two and you get an awesome experience on a very low budget.</p> <p>The most popular hike in Queenstown is the route up Ben Lomond. For experienced hikers, I’d recommend summiting it for sunrise. Waking up in the early hours to start hiking isn’t easy, but sitting on the top of the mountain watching the sun rising makes it all worth it.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/view-from-ben-lomond-peak-marta-kulesza.jpg" /> <figcaption> Views from the top of Ben Lomond peak. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <p>If you’re after a less strenuous free activity, then a round of frisbee golf at Queenstown Gardens, followed by an ice cream on the beach while watching the sunset is hard to beat.</p> <h2 id="expensive">Pricey Experiences That Are Totally Worth It</h2> <p>Did you know Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping? It all started at the famous Kawarau Bridge with one crazy guy, and now a company, called AJ Hackett. Now it has three <g class="gr_ gr_106 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="106" data-gr-id="106">bungies</g> around town, all with different heights, scariness levels (technical term), and prices.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/kawarau-bridge-bungy-queenstown-marta-kulesza.jpg" /> <figcaption> Just before I jumped off the Kawarau Bridge. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <p>If that’s not enough, there’s also the world's longest Canyon Swing!</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/canyon-swing-queenstown-aj-hackett.jpg" /> <figcaption> Dan Usher getting dropped from the Canyon Swing. Photo credit: AJ Hackett.</figcaption></figure> <figure><figcaption>I’ve done all four in a day, and my personal favorite was the Ledge. Perched 984ft (300m) above Queenstown’s skyline it’s the jump with the highest dropout rate. Up for a challenge? Do it at dusk when the town’s lights start to flicker below.</figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/queenstown-ledge-bungy-jump-milly-mcgrath.jpg" /> <figcaption> Our editorial producer, Milly, took a leap off the Queenstown ledge. Photo credit: Milly McGrath </figcaption></figure> <p>Skydiving is another adrenaline-filled activity popular in Queenstown. Jumping out at 15,000ft (4,572m) over the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range is an experience that can satisfy even the diehard adrenaline junkies. If you’re afraid of heights, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBi_RHMhoK8&list=PLpXPo3FsodmVGkjjjQ4-oUrIYZhq43GcD&index=1" target="_blank">watch this</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/jabari-skydiving-queenstown-extraordinary-experiences-world-nomads.jpg" /> <figcaption> We sent Jabari skydiving over Queenstown a few years back, safe to say, he’s no longer scared of heights. Photo credit: World Nomads </figcaption></figure> <p>Still looking for an adrenaline rush? Don’t just feel the spray from the Shotover Jet, go <a href="http://www.riverboarding.co.nz/" target="_blank">river boarding in the Kawarau River</a>. You’ll get a rush swimming through rapids, surfing the waves, and riding whirlpools. Not convinced? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zg2lnRWQxg&list=PLpXPo3FsodmVGkjjjQ4-oUrIYZhq43GcD&index=4" target="_blank">Watch the video</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/new-zealand/riverboarding-kawarau-river-world-nomads.jpg" /> <figcaption> Safe to say, you should listen carefully during the safety briefing before river boarding. Photo credit: Dan Usher </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="daytrips">Day Trips to Smaller Nearby Towns</h2> <p>There are two nearby towns that are totally worth a visit. The first, Arrowtown, is a quaint little village which boasts some renowned restaurants and bars. Arrowtown is also home to rich history, as it’s where the gold rush of the 19<sup>th</sup> century was focused.</p> <p>Glenorchy is a one-hour drive north of Queenstown along the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road – one of the most scenic roads in the entire country. The town is host to famous photography spots, such as the Glenorchy Pier and a few exquisite hikes.</p> <p><a href="/explore/oceania/new-zealand/top-hiking-trails-on-new-zealands-south-island-you-must-see-for-yourself" target="_blank">The Routeburn, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks</a>, starts here, and so does the route up Mount Alfred – my personal favorite day hike of the South Island.</p> <h2 id="winter">Winter in Queenstown</h2> <p>The Remarkables form the back-drop to many pictures of Queenstown, and the view from your plane window will surely get you excited as you fly into town.</p> <p>If you’ve got the extra time and a hire-car (or pay for the shuttle service) take the trip to Cardrona, approximately one and a half hours (give or take traffic and time putting the chains on your wheels). Here, you’ll find more advanced runs compared to the Remarkables.</p> <p>From the center of town, it should only take 40 minutes to drive up to the Remarkables Ski Area where there are a number of trails for both advanced and beginners.</p> <p>Be sure to check out prices from a variety of snow gear rental companies in town, and make sure they don’t rush you out the door without checking to see your equipment fits well.</p> <h2 id="food">The Verdict on Fergburger</h2> <p>How good can a Fergburger really be? Don’t get me wrong, they are absolutely delicious, but in peak summer hours you can easily queue for two hours. Devil Burger, a short minute walk away, in my eyes, is just as good and much quicker.</p> <p>The favorite eatery is Patagonia, which has some incredible treats to calm the pallet after a greasy burger. That’s what holidays are all about, right? </p> <p>Queenstown can be overwhelming, especially for locals, but its beauty makes up for the somewhat chaotic appearance at times. Tourism has exploded in recent years and the local authorities are struggling to keep up with the growth, but with one eye on sustainability and one eye on tourism hopefully, it will continue to flourish.</p> <p></p> <p class="p1"><b>Want to know more about New Zealand? Check out our </b><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/oceania/new-zealand/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-7-new-zealand"><span class="s1"><b>podcast</b></span></a><b>. We talk world-class diving, blood-pumping adrenalin, and road-tripping in a camper van. </b></p>Marta Kulesza 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/north-america/canada/finding-the-northern-lights-in-yellowknife-canadas-northwest-territoriesSee the Northern Lights and more with these tips on things to do in Yellowknife and road tripping in the Northwest Territories.2017-10-26T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/north-america/canada/finding-the-northern-lights-in-yellowknife-canadas-northwest-territorieshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>With long winter nights, dry crisp air, and close proximity to the magnetic north pole, <a href="/explore/guides/canada-insiders-guide">Canada’s Northwest Territories</a> are one of the best places in the world to witness the northern lights.</p> <p>Making up Canada’s second-largest Province, the Northwest Territories start above the 60th parallel. To give you a sense of perspective, part of the territory lies inside the Arctic Circle.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#northwest-territories"> How to get to Canada’s Northwest Territories </a></li> <li><a href="#road-trip"> Tips for road-tripping to Yellowknife </a></li> <li><a href="#yellowknife"> Best things to do in Yellowknife </a></li> <li><a href="#aurora"> Chasing the aurora Around Yellowknife </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="northwest-territories">How to get to Canada’s Northwest Territories</h2> <p>The capital city of the Northwest Territories is Yellowknife and, for a place that only has a population of just under 20,000 people, there’s a lot to see and do here, making it a perfect winter destination.</p> <p>But first, you need to decide on how you’re going to get there. No matter where you start your Canadian adventure from, it’s a long way to Yellowknife. A couple of days driving – at the very least – and to be truthful, although there are lots of activities in and around the city, the drive up north is uneventful in terms of attractions. Yellowknife has a domestic airport, so catching a flight might be more worth your while.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/northwest-territories-canada-marta-kulesza.jpg" alt="Welcome sign outside the city of Yellowknife, located above the 60th Parallel." /> <figcaption> Yellowknife is above the 60th Parallel, a circle of latitude in the Northern Hemisphere – 60 degrees north of the earth’s equatorial plane. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="road-trip">Tips for road-tripping to Yellowknife</h2> <p>If you do <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/snow-safety-tips">decide to drive</a>, make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires. Keep your eyes out for herds of <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/canadas-best-destinations-for-wildlife-encounters">bison or caribou</a> on the side or in the middle of the road. Plus, it’s a good idea to make sure both your headlights are working before you set off.</p> <p>Don’t leave without extra supplies of food and water, emergency blankets, and a decent car battery. You don’t want to be stranded anywhere for too long in the fickle temperatures (often reaching -40°), because it might be a while before you see another car driving by.  </p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/northern-lights-yellowknife-and-human-marta-kulesza.jpg" alt="The Northern Lights dancing above the Northwest Territories in Canada." /> <figcaption> Seeing the Northern Lights dance above the Northwest Territories is pretty rewarding if you do choose to take the lengthy drive. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="yellowknife">Best things to do in Yellowknife</h2> <p>Consider spending at least three days in Yellowknife to maximize your <a href="/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights" target="_blank">chances of seeing the northern lights</a>. Thanks to its close proximity to the Arctic Circle, they are out on most nights. You don’t need a big aurora storm for the greens, pinks and red hues to be visible, just cloudless skies! I spent three nights in Yellowknife and saw the aurora every single time I ventured out at night.</p> <p>Apart from the chance of seeing aurora borealis, Yellowknife is known as the adventure capital of the north, providing a multitude of attractions from snowmobiling and kite skiing to dog sledding and the world-famous ice castle.</p> <p>The ice castle in Yellowknife is erected every year for the Snowking’s Winter Festival in March. Everything is made out of ice: ice bars, ice dancefloors, ice slides, ice sculptures, and even an ironic ice fireplace. A fun place for people of every age.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/yellowknife-canada-marta-kulesza.jpg" alt="A traveler rides down an ice slide at the Ice Castle in Yellowknife, Canada." /> <figcaption> Sliding around Yellowknife’s Ice Castle. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="aurora">Chasing the aurora around Yellowknife</h2> <p>The northern lights are visible from Yellowknife, but for the best experience, it’s a good idea to venture further north, away from the city lights. To get there, you’ll drive on top of a frozen lake.</p> <p>The lakes around Yellowknife freeze a few meters thick in the extremely low temperatures, and for the duration of winter ice roads are constructed and speed limit signs are erected, shortening travel time for many locals who live on the shorelines.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/ice-road-yellowknife-canada-istock.jpg" alt="A woman walks on an ice road acoss a frozen lake in the Northwest Territories, Canada." /> <figcaption> Would you dare drive across this frozen lake in Yellowknife? Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <p>The earliest open in December and remain in use until April, which is perfect, because this time of the year is also best for aurora viewings. The nights are long and the air is dry, so you don’t have to worry about cloud coverage. </p> <p>If seeing the northern lights is high up on your bucket list, then a visit to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories of Canada during the winter will almost guarantee memories that will last a lifetime.</p>Marta Kulesza 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lightsPro photographer Marta Kulesza reveals the common mistakes made when trying to photograph nature’s most fascinating display.2017-10-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lightshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Capturing the northern lights is an art and a science, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t require an expensive camera or fancy lenses. To achieve the most amazing results, the number one factor is being in the right place, at the right time.</p> <p>Locations such as <a href="/travel-safety/north-america/greenland/how-to-stay-safe-while-exploring-greenland">Greenland</a>, Iceland, <a href="/explore/europe/norway/6-things-to-know-before-visiting">Norway</a>, Alaska and <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/discover-thaidene-nene">northern parts of Canada</a> and Russia guarantee the best sightings – the closer you can get to the Arctic Circle, the better. You’ll be in amongst the action when a KP storm strikes the Earth.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.aurora-service.eu/aurora-school/all-about-the-kp-index/" target="_blank">KP Index</a> is the scale used to measure how strong an aurora storm is, KP0 being the lowest and KP9 being the highest. Other factors to bear in mind when photographing the lights are solar winds, aurora density and cloud coverage.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#gear"> Essential Camera Gear for Northern Lights Photography? </a></li> <li><a href="#settings"> Get Your Camera Settings Right </a></li> <li><a href="#protecting"> Protecting Your Camera Gear </a></li> <li><a href="#mistakes"> Common Mistakes </a></li> <li><a href="#infographic"> Infographic Version of Guide </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="gear">What camera gear is essential?</h2> <p>I’m a firm believer in investing in experiences over gear. There’s no point in having the most expensive camera if you have no budget left for an actual trip.</p> <p>With that being said, the better the gear, the better the photo – that is, providing you know how to use it properly.</p> <p>The best gear for photographing the aurora borealis would be a DSLR with a full-frame sensor and a fast wide-angle lens, like the Canon 16-36mm/f2.8.</p> <p>Another gear essential is a sturdy tripod. It will allow you to shoot at longer shutter speeds, which are essential to photograph the dancing lights.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/northern-lights-yellowknife-and-human-marta-kulesza.jpg" /> <figcaption> Aurora Borealis over Yellowknife, Canada’s Northwest Territories. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="settings">Get your camera settings right</h2> <p>1. Switch your camera to manual focus and set it to infinity.</p> <p>2. Adjust your camera settings to the highest ISO possible, without the image becoming too noisy/grainy.</p> <p>3. Open your aperture as much as possible by selecting the lowest possible F-number.</p> <p>4. To capture details in an aurora shot – depending on its current activity level – you should stick to shutter speeds between ¼ of a second to 15 seconds.</p> <p>Sometimes the aurora moves incredibly quickly, dancing effortlessly in the skies. Sticking to higher shutter speed will allow you to capture a multiplicity of detail.</p> <h2 id="protecting">Protect your gear</h2> <p>With high latitudes come cold temperatures. When I was photographing the aurora in <a href="/explore/north-america/canada/finding-the-northern-lights-in-yellowknife-canadas-northwest-territories">Yellowknife, Canada</a> it was -58ºF (-50ºC)! I made sure to attach the lens I was going to use before venturing outside. I also pre-attached my camera to my tripod.</p> <p>The most important gear was my fingers. Without them, I couldn’t even turn my camera on. One of the best investments I have ever made was my down mittens.</p> <p>A wireless shutter release remote also came in handy and allowed me to shoot from a distance of up to 100m while thawing in my car.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/canada/northern-lights-over-yellowknife-marta-kulesza.jpg" /> <figcaption> Can confirm, it was cold in Yellowknife. Photo credit: Marta Kulesza </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="mistakes">Common mistakes</h2> <p>The biggest obstacle to capturing the Northern lights is a lack of patience. Although the aurora can be predicted up to a few days in advance, it’s impossible to guess the exact time. Don’t get disheartened if you don’t succeed at first. Keep trying as the reward is worth the wait.</p> <p>Always remember to use a remote or a timer on your camera to release the shutter. It will drastically improve the sharpness of the photos.</p> <p>Turning your dreams of photographing the aurora borealis into reality is much less complicated than you think. You might get cold and tired in the meantime, but when The Greek Goddess of Light is shining down on you, all your efforts will be rewarded.</p> <h3 id="infographic"><br />Found these tips useful? Share this article as an infographic.</h3> <p> Copy the code in this text box to embed in your own website for FREE.</p> <textarea onclick="this.focus();this.select()" style="width: 540px; height: 100px;"><p><strong>Please include attribution to https://www.worldnomads.com with this graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href='https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/photography/a-pro-photographers-guide-to-photographing-the-northern-lights#infographic'><img src='https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/Finland/aurora_borealis_561x2000.jpg' alt='How to photograph the northern lights' width='600px' border='0' /></a></p></textarea> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/Finland/aurora_borealis_561x2000.jpg" /></figure>Bjørn Are With Andreassen 0 The Northern Lights