Get Inspired by these gorgeous photos of the Aurora Borealis & Australis
As the saying goes, ‘All good things are wild and free,’ and the spectacular Northern Lights definitely perfectly embody this timeless truth. 2024 has been reported to be a fabulous year to go Northern Lights hunting, thanks to a change in solar activity and it's no surprise that with sublime sights come equally sensational photos. There's something truly magical about the aurora borealis. Whether it's the dancing colours under the midnight sky or its soft ethereal glow, you can't deny that there is something truly enchanting about this natural phenomenon.
Here are some of our favourite winning entries for the seventh edition of Northern Lights Photographer of the Year to inspire you to go on your own aurora-chasing adventure. If these shots already take your breath away - imagine seeing them in real life!
Sky Fire by Tom Rae
Image credit: “Sky Fire” – Tom Rae
"This aurora display was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever witnessed—a magical evening watching the lights dance across the crystal-clear sky. The excitement was shared by everyone under the stars, as this aurora was potentially the strongest in a century. This photograph is not just an image but a treasured memory of an extraordinary and ethereal night."
In the Rays of the Solar Wind by Sergey Korolev
Image credit: “In the Rays of the Solar Wind” – Sergey Korolev
Where: Rybachy Peninsula, Russia
"The Rybachy Peninsula, where this photo was taken, is located at the northern edge of the Kola Peninsula. It’s a unique natural area, home to many fascinating locations with numerous stone beaches and rocks featuring unusual shapes and structures. For this shot, I wanted to create a concept that emphasized the significance of the location, with the Northern Lights serving as a complement to the landscape. This time, the aurora was particularly powerful, casting a beautiful light over the stones."
Paddling Under the Aurora by Herry Himanshu
Image credit: “Paddling Under the Aurora” – Herry Himanshu
Where: Banff National Park, Canada
"As soon as it got dark, the aurora came out swinging, with vivid hues of reds, pinks, and purples dancing across the sky. I had three camera setups running timelapses in different directions, but even that wasn’t enough. One brave friend took a standup paddleboard out on the lake and modeled for us beneath the insane light show. She was the perfect complement to the aurora and the mountainous landscape.
We were all in pure disbelief at the colors and patterns unfolding above us. Those shared moments of joy are what I’ll remember forever."
Magic of the North by Josh Beames
Image credit: “Magic of the North” – Josh Beames
Where: Iceland
"I’ve dreamed of capturing this shot for years, and this year, everything aligned perfectly! During my annual Iceland workshop, our group witnessed the sheer power of nature as Iceland’s most recent active volcano erupted just days before.
After spending hours shooting and soaking in the incredible scene, we started to wrap up and head back to the car. Then, to our amazement, the Northern Lights began dancing across the sky! I quickly launched the drone, sending it on a mission to capture this wild spectacle."
Sky and Ice by Henry Frakes
Image credit: “Sky and Ice” – Henry Frakes
Where: Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
"On this night, we were expecting one of the strongest solar storms of 2024, and with the vast, dark skies of the South Island of New Zealand, it was the perfect opportunity to make the most of it.
At night, we climbed back onto the glacier, navigating crevasses and making the most of the incredible night. The sky shifted and faded into brilliant red beams stretching from south to north. Being surrounded by the glacier, the mountains, and the aurora was an experience I will always treasure."
High Trails by Giulio Cobianchi
Image credit: “High Trails” – Giulio Cobianchi
Where: Pico do Arierio, Madeira island
"I hiked to Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks, along one of Europe’s most stunning trails. When I saw a red glow to the north, I could hardly believe it. I quickly sought a composition for a 360-degree panorama, set up my star tracker to capture the Milky Way, and created this image. It shows the two queens of the night—the aurora and the Milky Way—dancing together in a breathtaking sky."
Gibson Glow by David Tanis
Image credit: “Gibson Glow” – David Tanis
Where: Victoria, Australia
"There was a lot of anticipation for this special night, as everyone knew it would be a spectacular event. This gave photographers plenty of time to prepare. I wanted to create something unique, focusing on framing and the foreground. I chose Gibson Steps, away from city lights, as my location. The beach was crowded with photographers and onlookers because the aurora would be visible to the naked eye. Suddenly, vibrant beams appeared, visible to the naked eye, creating a magical moment for everyone."
Cosmic Explosion by Uroš Fink
Image credit: “Cosmic Explosion” – Uroš Fink
Where: Istria, Croatia
"On the night of the Perseid meteor shower, I was treated to a “multi-course menu” of the night sky. I captured the Milky Way arch with Orion, the Aurora (a first for me), the Zodiacal light, and the Perseid meteors. As if that wasn’t enough, the sky gifted me with one of the most stunning greenish airglows I’ve ever seen.
Meteors rained down throughout the night, and I captured 75 of them using three cameras. It was an extraordinary, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime event, and I’m grateful and happy to have been part of it."
Aurora Australis by Marc Adamus
Image credit: “Aurora Australis” – Marc Adamus
Where: Patagonia Fjords, Chile
"I’m not sure if an aurora had ever been recorded in Patagonia before, but we got incredibly lucky on the night of May 10, 2024, when a G5 storm hit. We were camped on an iceberg beach, deep in the wilderness of the Patagonia Fjords, when the incredible display unfolded."
Lake Toolondo Aurora by Baillie Farley
Image credit: “Lake Toolondo Aurora” – Baillie Farley
Where: Lake Toolondo, Australia
"In the early hours of the morning, Lake Toolondo was transformed into a light show. A massive solar storm illuminated the sky with bursts of red, orange, and pink, dancing above the still waters. The colors reflected off the lake, creating an almost mirror-like effect that felt surreal to witness. It was one of those moments that felt like pure magic."
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