There's nothing quite like standing under a pitch-black sky in Alaska and watching the northern lights ripple to life. As a lifelong Alaskan and photographer, I’ve chased the aurora borealis across snow-covered valleys, icy ridges, and the quiet outskirts of Juneau. And every time, it feels like nature is painting in real time.
The very first year I was in Juneau, I remember being obsessed with trying to see the lights. I’d set my alarm for the middle of the night, only to peer out the window and be greeted with darkness. I started joining every Facebook group that I could and at times, felt disappointed for missing the lights when I’d wake up the next day just to see the lights had been out the night before (and I somehow had slept through them!).
In this guide, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from years of photographing the aurora in Alaska—where to go, when to watch, and how to capture it on camera (even if you're new to night photography).
What Causes the Northern Lights?
Before we dive into the where and how, a quick bit of magic-meets-science: the aurora borealis is caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions release energy in the form of shimmering light—typically green, but also pink, red, and violet if you're lucky.
Here in Alaska, we’re right under the “Auroral Oval,” which makes our state one of the best places in the world to witness this phenomenon.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Alaska
I've traveled across the state with my camera in hand, and while the aurora can surprise you just about anywhere, these locations offer the best odds:
1. Fairbanks
Consistently ranked one of the top places in the world for aurora viewing, Fairbanks offers long, dark nights and minimal cloud cover. The city even has an Aurora Tracker you can follow for real-time updates. I have my notifications set to my iwatch so that I’m notified when I’m sleeping.
I wasn’t sure where I was going in Fairbanks (in the middle of winter) and I definitely did NOT want to drive on the roads with 6ft of snow so I looked up an operator who picked up folks right at my hotel, took them to see the lights and dropped us back at the hotel. Money well spent.
2. Coldfoot and Wiseman
In the heart of the Brooks Range, these tiny, remote communities are often overlooked—but they're absolute gold for aurora chasers. Be prepared for real wilderness conditions here.
3. Denali National Park (Winter)
During winter, Denali is peaceful, almost eerie in its stillness—and when the lights dance over the park’s vast landscape, it’s breathtaking.
4. Nome and Kotzebue
These western Alaska communities are off the usual tourist trail but offer phenomenal aurora displays—and a glimpse into everyday life in rural Alaska.
5. Juneau (Yes, sometimes!)
While Southeast Alaska is cloudier, we do get aurora displays. Head up to Eaglecrest Ski Area or out Thane Road during clear, cold nights. I have even headed over to the Mendenhall Glacier at night just to get away from some of the light pollution. I’ve seen other photographs captured over the harbors (Amalga in particular) and the lights look incredible.
I’ve seen vibrant greens streaking over Gastineau Channel—proof that it pays to keep your eyes on the sky, even in the rainforest.
When to See the Northern Lights
Best Months:
Mid-August through Mid-April
September and March are often especially active due to equinox geomagnetic activity.
Best Times:
10 PM to 2 AM is prime viewing time, though lights can appear earlier or later.
Pro Tip:
Clear, cold nights with little moonlight make for the best aurora viewing. I often check the Aurora Forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks before heading out.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights (Like a Local)
Photography is storytelling—and for me, capturing the aurora is about bottling the wildness and wonder of Alaska in one frame. Here’s how to get started:
1. Gear Up Right
Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with manual settings
Lens: Fast wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider is ideal)
Tripod: Absolutely essential for long exposures
Remote shutter release: Avoids camera shake
2. Start with These Settings
ISO: 800–3200
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter speed: 5–15 seconds (adjust based on light movement)
White balance: Set to 2800K–4000K or “Tungsten” mode for true aurora colors
Don’t be afraid to experiment. I usually snap several test shots, adjusting based on aurora intensity and ambient light. Every display is different.
3. Focus Manually
Autofocus won’t work well in the dark. Set your lens to manual focus, then zoom in digitally to focus on a star or distant light.
4. Shoot in RAW
Shooting in RAW preserves detail and color accuracy, giving you much more flexibility in post-processing.
What to Pack for a Winter Aurora Shoot
Insulated boots & base layers
Hand and toe warmers (these are an absolute must!!)
Extra camera batteries (keep them warm in your pocket)
Headlamp with red light mode
Thermos with tea or cocoa (my go-to comfort)
Camping chair or pad if you’re waiting a while
Composing Your Aurora Photo
A great aurora photo isn’t just about the sky—it’s also about what’s underneath. Add interest by including foreground elements:
A cabin with warm lights
Mountains or tree silhouettes
A frozen lake reflecting the aurora
Even yourself, backlit by a headlamp
From My Lens
One of my favorite aurora memories happened during a trip to Fairbanks in early March. The temperature hovered around -15°F, but the sky was clear, and the lights danced for hours—greens, purples, and streaks of red. I remember forgetting to take photos for a while because I was so caught up just… watching.
That’s the thing about the aurora. It humbles you. It quiets everything.
You don’t need to be a professional photographer to capture the magic—you just need a little preparation, a good coat, and a willingness to wait.
Final Thoughts
Chasing the northern lights in Alaska is one of the most rewarding things you can do here. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a lifelong local like me, each aurora feels like a once-in-a-lifetime gift.
Bring your camera, your curiosity, and a sense of adventure—because the aurora doesn’t just light up the sky. It lights up your soul.