Northern Lights in Jasper National Park: A Photographer's Guide to Finding and Capturing the Aurora Borealis
Photo by Megan Posein Photography, find me @mposein on Instagram
As a professional photographer who has spent countless nights capturing the Northern Lights in Jasper National Park, I have learned a lot about what it takes to see and photograph these magical displays of the sky. I've seen the Northern Lights in many different locations and there is nothing quite like the experience of seeing them in Jasper. It's a bucket-list destination for any photographer or Northern Lights enthusiast, and I'm here to share my tips and tricks for experiencing the best of this natural wonder.
Photo by Megan Posein Photography, find me @mposein on Instagram
The first and most important tip is to check the aurora forecast. The Northern Lights are a result of solar flares interacting with the Earth's magnetic field, and their intensity and frequency can vary greatly from night to night. The Aurora Watch website and other online aurora forecasting tools (such as the Facebook group “The Alberta Aurora Chasers” ) can give you a good idea of the likelihood of seeing the lights on any given night. They are also a fantastic way of meeting other aurora enthusiasts in the area!
Once you've determined that the forecast is favourable, it's time to get outside! Jasper National Park is located in Alberta, Canada, and is one of the largest and most beautiful national parks in the country. It is also one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Here in Jasper we have the second largest dark sky preserve in the world, so even if you don't find the aurora you are still going to be blown away by the incredible stargazing opportunities.
Photo by Megan Posein Photography, find me @mposein on Instagram
Finding a dark location away from city lights is crucial for seeing aurora. This is because the aurora lights are visible only in areas with little to no light pollution. It also might be common sense, but you will need to be facing the north sky. Of course, if the lights are strong enough you'll see them in other parts of the sky, but start by pointing north. Some popular spots in the park for viewing include Pyramid Lake and Jasper Lake.
Photo by Megan Posein Photography, find me @mposein on Instagram
It's also important to have the right gear to see and photograph the lights. A warm jacket, hat, gloves, and boots are essential to stay comfortable while you wait for the lights to appear. A tripod and a camera with manual settings are also necessary to capture the lights. I also highly recommend bringing a red-light headlamp, which won't interfere with your night vision and won't ruin your photos.
Once you're set up in a good viewing spot, all you need to do is wait for the lights to start dancing in the sky. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for the lights to become visible, but it's well worth the wait. The Northern Lights are a truly spectacular sight and an experience you will never forget.
Photo by Megan Posein Photography, find me @mposein on Instagram
When it comes to photographing the lights, there are a few basic tips to keep in mind. First, use a tripod to keep your camera steady. Second, set your camera to manual mode and experiment with different settings until you find the right combination that works best for you. Third, use a low ISO (around 800) to minimize noise in your photos, and a low f stop (f/4 or lower) to let in as much light as possible. It should also be noted that your exposures shouldn't be over 30 seconds as you'll start getting star trails at that point. Finally, consider using a remote shutter release or self-timer to reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images.
Photo by Megan Posein Photography, find me @mposein on Instagram
The Northern Lights are a truly magical experience and Jasper National Park is one of the best places to see them. By following these tips and tricks, you will be well on your way to capturing breathtaking images and experiencing the wonder of the Northern Lights for yourself. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just a beginner, Jasper National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to see the Northern Lights in all their glory.
