Aurora Borealis Photography
UNIVERSAL ENERGY DANCING WITH OUR ATMOSPHERE magic in the night sky
Want to learn how to see and photograph aurora borealis? Become an aurora chaser here.
If you’re travelling to the aurora zone in the northern hemisphere (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Canada, UK etc), knowing how to photograph the aurora borealis is, in my mind, as essential as remembering your thermals and crampons! Seeing the aurora borealis or northern lights is something that will take up space in your heart forever. I have travelled to Iceland many times, so have predominantly seen most aurora there as well as when travelling in Scotland, Sweden, The Faroe Islands, Canada and Lofoten in the Arctic Circle of Norway. And finally in March 2023, I captured it in South England both from my home in Ramsgate and the clifftops of Botany Bay Broadstairs! A rare strong geomagnetic storm bringing a surreal and memorable night!
My aurora imagery and citizen science writing has been featured in National Geographic, Ernest Journal & Iceland Monitor and I’ve been interviewed live by BBC Radio Kent on several occasions, as well as producing audio during aurora chases that was featured at a later date.
If there is a specialist subject to ask me about, aurora chasing is it! And it is that knowledge I have distilled to guide you on your own aurora adventure.
The girl who chases the aurora
I have been so incredibly lucky to have seen them on so many memorable nights, the start of the season, the end of the season and in -22 deg c depths of winter. They have completely captivated me and chasing them is somewhat of an addiction! I receive a lot of questions about how to spot them and how to photograph them and I taught folk on tours I’ve led and even at stops in coffee shops and at guest houses while en route! A lot of people also said they had travelled at the same time as me and didn’t see the aurora, so I will share more about what you need to look for as the untrained eye might miss them.
Aurora borealis Fine Art Prints – The Print Shop
margate aurora
kingsgate aurora
botany bay aurora
remember 5th nov
“Rebecca was a fantastic speaker – she skilfully weaved beautifully captured images and practical advice for aurora hunting into her talk, leaving the audience inspired to catch the northern lights for themselves!”
Dhara Patel – Space Expert – National Space Centre
“The aurora photography speaker was brilliant!”
“It was interesting to learn you could catch the northern lights so far south, we would like to try and see them.”
“Particularly enjoyed the Aurora talk.”
“Ignited a desire to see northern lights and go star gazing in the uk.”
“The talk by Rebecca Douglas on photographing the Aurora – not only with inspiring and beautiful images but a practical guide, and a hope that I can see this for myself without the costs of travelling north.”
“I enjoyed the talk on How to See & Photograph the Aurora Borealis by Rebecca Douglas. It was interesting to learn that we have had some sightings in England and to see the same view taken using different camera settings and how that view can look different to the naked eye and a camera. Rebecca talked about the aurora borealis with such passion and it was great to listen to someone talk passionately whilst teaching.”
“I really enjoyed your presentation, Rebecca, very informative and interesting so much so that I sat through it twice. I found your enthusiasm absolutely infectious. Thank you for the informal chat afterward, I had a great night and look forward to seeing your photographs from your next trip.”
Aurora Borealis gallery
The northern lights have been seen across the UK. From Kent to Cornwall & across Europe.
Want to learn how to see and shoot aurora borealis?
chasing the aurora borealis a beginner’s guide:
how to see and photograph aurora borealis
Recent stories & field notes
The moment a CME explodes overhead!
Speaking & writing features about noctourism
Sharing visual stories
interview
National Geographic
Why ‘star walking’ is the outdoor activity we need right now.
speaker
National Space Centre
Space Lates: Chasing the aurora borealis – hints & tips
interview
CNBC
‘Noctourism’ is expected to be a big travel trend in 2025.
Interview
Tech Radar
How to step up your stargazing game in 2025 on the cheap, according to space experts
Interview
Geographical
The joys of noctourism
feature
NASA: Earth Observatory
Citizen scientists capture brilliant photos of the aurora