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Last year was an absolute ripper for spotting the Aurora Australis in Australia. Thanks to heightened solar activity, the Aurora Australis was amazingly active, shining bright in our southernmost skies – and being spotted (and photographed) by more Aussies than ever before. And just like the scientists predicted, this year's light shows have been equally impressive.
Internationally renowned Aussie photographer and videographer, Michael Haluwana, has spent years chasing and capturing the Aurora. With two decades of experience under his belt, he says, “The vivid swirls of green, purple and red dancing through the sky are unlike anything else.” Now, Haluwana’s sharing his top ten tips to help you witness and photograph the Aurora Australis like a total pro.
1. Set alerts for aurora activity
“There are numerous websites and apps available to help predict aurora activity. I rely on two key sources: Space Weather Live and NOAA, which provide real-time solar activity data and solar wind speeds. These factors are essential for calculating the KP index, a measure of geomagnetic activity...," Haluwana says. "In general, the higher the KP index, the greater the chances of witnessing a vibrant aurora display.”
2. Assess the weather conditions
“Clear skies with minimal cloud cover are essential…," Haluwana advises. "To assess conditions, I rely on weather apps, primarily Windy, to monitor snow, rain, wind speed and cloud cover.”
3. Choose the right location
“Scouting an area during daylight allows you to explore different spots, plan your composition, and choose the best foreground or background elements for your shots…," Haluwana says. "In the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll need to look toward the southern sky for the best views.”
4. Pay attention to the moon
Haluwana explains, “On moonless nights, the foreground and background will be dark, often resulting in silhouette-style photos. While some photographers prefer this look, I personally like having some moonlight to illuminate the landscape, adding depth and beauty to the scene.”
5. Choose a solid base setting for your camera
Haluwana recommends setting the widest aperture available on your lens to let in as much light as possible and the ISO to the highest value your camera can handle while keeping digital noise to a minimum. The final key setting is shutter speed/exposure: Haluwana suggests a shutter speed of 7-15 seconds for faint or static auroras, and 1-3 seconds for vibrant and very active auroras. Finally, use a manual white balance to ensure consistency across all your photos and time-lapses.
6. Use manual focusing and take some test shots
“Set your lens to manual focus and use your camera’s screen to zoom in on a distant, bright object – such as a star, moon or light. Adjust the focus ring until the object appears as sharp as possible...," Haluwana explains. "Once you’ve achieved focus, I recommend taking a few test shots to ensure everything is sharp. Then, be careful not to move the focus ring or tripod once you’ve locked in the focus distance.”
7. Don't use filters
Haluwana suggests, “Avoid using any filters, as they can introduce unwanted artefacts and distort your aurora photos.”
8. Pack the right equipment
Haluwana’s must-have tools include: a sturdy tripod, a lens warmer (to prevent fogging in cold conditions), an intervalometer, batteries (cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, so carry spares) and an extra memory card.
9. Plan creative compositions beforehand
“While a shot of the aurora itself is stunning, you can often capture the best of both worlds by incorporating elements of the landscape.” Haluwana specifically recommends:
- Don’t just focus on the sky – include the ground
- Look for reflections in lakes, puddles or icy surfaces
- Try different perspectives – town lights, people, roads
- Convey scale using people, animals or landscape features
10. Don’t rush it
“Don’t rush in your excitement when you first see the aurora…," Haluwana concludes. "Get your gear set up quickly, capture your first few shots and then fine-tune the settings to your liking.”