Most people trying to photograph the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) try doing that with the only camera they own: their smartphone. In this article, I explain how you can photograph this beautiful natural phenomenon using an iPhone.
Three years ago, during the 2021 eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system in Iceland, I set out on a mission to try and capture the northern lights above an erupting volcano. I recently attempted to witness this unique & rare combination of natural phenomenons again, which I have dubbed the ‘Holy Grail of Iceland Photography’.
With the northern lights season in full swing again, many people are travelling to "hunt" for this elusive natural phenomenon. Therefore, I thought it would be a great idea to highlight some of the mistakes I see most when it comes to photographing them.
A lot of people travelling to Iceland, have asked me how to photograph the Northern Lights before. The aurora season has just started last week, so I thought it was definitely a good time to write this journal entry.
This first "Behind the Shot" photograph is a special one to me: the northern lights dancing above the (now famous) DC-3 plane wreck in Iceland. It's the photograph that started it all and lead me down the path that turned me into the professional photographer I am today.
As many of you undoubtedly know, last year I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a volcanic eruption up-close in a way that has rarely been possible. I visited the Geldingadalir eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcanic system in Iceland over 44 times.
A short little read on why I fell in love with the new Canon RF 14-35mm F4 IS USM L, a brilliant ultra-wide-angle lens. Spoiler alert: I ended up purchasing one!
The aurora season has finally kicked off in Iceland. While the first northern lights are usually visible from the end of August, we haven’t been particularly lucky with the weather here in Southwest Iceland up until now. That is, until Saturday October 30th, when a CME (coronal mass ejection) was forecasted to hit the Earth’s magnetic field.
The eruption has been on-going for several weeks and during that time I have been thinking a lot about whether or not I would get the opportunity to photograph the northern lights above the eruption.
As an independent photographer, Jeroen partially relies on your support to keep producing worthwhile content. Supporting his work is possible by buying his e-books & books, prints or calendars. Additionally, you can sign up to the newsletter & workshop waitlist.