Capturing Jasper’s Aurora Borealis: The Ultimate Setting for Couples Photos

A couple in Jasper National Park watching the aurora dance over the mountain tops.

Long before I was a couples photographer, I was a landscape photographer with a special interest in capturing Alberta's incredible night skies. I spent many nights under the stars, shooting some unbelievably beautiful images, and it quickly became a passion of mine. Soon enough, people were asking if they could tag along on my photo adventures and be part of the images I was creating—and I was more than happy to oblige. Adding that human element to my landscapes made the photos feel so much more compelling, and it was a joy sharing those moments with people who got to experience it with me.

Now that I'm a professional couples photographer in Jasper, I still get asked if I can capture people under the stars with the aurora—and the answer is, of course! If the space weather data works in our favor and the skies are clear. Chasing the aurora can be fickle, and I want to share a bit about what goes into these unique photo sessions and how I help make it an unforgettable experience for couples.

A couple’s aurora photo I shot long before I moved to Jasper and become a professional photographer.

What to Expect When Chasing the Aurora

Many people traveling to Jasper think we get nightly aurora shows, but sadly, that's not the case. While Jasper is far enough north to offer a good chance, it’s still not guaranteed. There are two big factors that determine aurora visibility: space weather and earthly weather.

On the space weather side, it all depends on solar flares and geomagnetic activity. Sometimes I get asked, “What time does the aurora come out?” And the answer is, whenever the sun has flared enough in our direction, which could be at any time! The best chances tend to fall during the winter months because our long, dark nights give more opportunities to see the lights. But even if the forecast shows promising space weather, there’s still one final wildcard: clouds.

Sometimes the aurora doesn’t show up the way we had planned, but the mountain landscapes at night are still beautiful on their own.

Preparation Tips

A night under the aurora is magical, but it can also be chilly! It’s important to dress in layers—bring extra thermals, gloves, and hand warmers. A headlamp is a lifesaver for navigating at night, and I always recommend bringing a thermos with a warm drink to stay cozy.

Since every session depends on the weather, I also work with couples to stay flexible. Some nights may call for a waiting game, and other times, we may need to reschedule to improve the chances of catching a vivid display. A bit of patience goes a long way in aurora chasing, and I find it makes the moment even more special when it all comes together.

Waiting for the aurora and stargazing in the meantime. Notice how bundled up these two are? The clearer the sky, the colder the night.

The Experience of a Winter Night in Jasper

Even if the aurora doesn’t put on the show we hope for, taking couples photos in Jasper at night is an experience on its own. Imagine standing together under a sky full of stars, wrapped in the quiet stillness of the snow-covered landscape, breathing in the crisp mountain air. On the nights when the aurora does dance across the sky, it’s mesmerizing—a moment that feels larger than life and often feels like it's just for the two of you.

Some auroras are vibrant and wild, just like the images you see online, while others are gentle and hazy (I like to call these the “blobaura” nights). No two nights are the same, but the quiet adventure of watching the sky with someone special is always worth it.

Watching the “blobaura” in the distance.

Ready to Give it a Shot?

If you’re ready to embark on this adventure with me, the best way to start is to reach out via my handy dandy contact form. From there, we can set up a phone call, and I’ll go over all the details on what to bring, how we’ll plan for the weather, and what to expect from your session.

Aurora photos take patience and a little luck, but when the conditions line up, they create memories (and images) you’ll never forget. So, let’s see what the night has in store and capture an experience that’s as beautiful as it is rare.

A photo of Jeff and myself under the aurora here in Jasper.