Aurora Borealis in Finnmark
Here I have gathered a selection of my aurora borealis photographs, taken in Finnmark over several years. The long, dark winters in northern Norway create countless nights of darkness, making the aurora a natural part of both the landscape and my photographic work. Some nights the aurora borealis fills the sky with strong colors and rapid movement, while other nights it appears quietly, as faint curtains drifting slowly across the stars.
Prepare for the cold
Photographing the aurora is not only about cameras and technical settings. It is just as much about spending time outdoors, often for long periods, in cold and changing winter conditions. To truly enjoy the experience — and to work calmly with photography — proper clothing is essential. Dressing in multiple layers allows you to stay warm while remaining flexible. A good base layer keeps moisture away from the body, insulating layers preserve warmth, and a windproof outer layer makes it possible to stand still for extended periods without discomfort.
Many of the images in this gallery were captured on nights when temperatures were well below freezing. When you are warm, it becomes easier to slow down, observe the sky, and let the aurora develop naturally. It also creates space to simply be present and experience the moment, without constantly thinking about the cold.
The Northern lights in Finnmark is never the same from one night to the next. Weather conditions, cloud cover, and solar activity all influence how the aurora appears, but the surrounding landscape also plays an important role. Mountains, fjords, and the coastline shape the way the aurora is perceived and photographed. This gallery therefore includes both wide, open landscapes and more intimate scenes, all connected by darkness, stillness, and the northern winter sky.
These photographs are meant as a glimpse into those nights — not only the aurora itself, but also the quiet atmosphere that surrounds it, far from artificial light and noise.
Look for more of my photos at PixeFed og check out my landscape page.