Chasing the Aurora: An Astrophotographer's Dream Under a Glass Igloo in Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland. The very name conjures images of snow-dusted landscapes, reindeer, and, of course, the mesmerizing dance of the Aurora Borealis. As an astrophotographer, I’ve chased the Northern Lights across continents, but the experience of witnessing them from the cozy confines of a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, while indulging in astrophotography Finnish Lapland Glass Igloo experiences, was truly unique. This is my story of capturing the magic of the Arctic night sky from a photographer’s paradise.
A Photographer's Paradise Found
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience. Nestled deep within Finnish Lapland, far from the disruptive glow of urban light pollution, it offers unparalleled access to some of the darkest skies in Europe. The resort's commitment to minimizing its environmental impact is commendable, a crucial factor for any serious astrophotographer. The glass igloos, specifically designed for aurora viewing, eliminate the need to brave the frigid temperatures while providing a panoramic window to the celestial wonders above. I found the overall experience to be magical, including the glass igloo Kakslauttanen review aspect of my trip.
Photographing the Elusive Aurora
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are notoriously fickle. They can appear as a faint, ethereal glow one moment and erupt into a vibrant, dancing spectacle the next. Photographing them requires patience, the right equipment, and a solid understanding of camera settings.
From the comfort of my glass igloo, I set up my gear. A sturdy tripod is essential; even the slightest movement can blur a long-exposure shot. A wide-angle lens is your best friend, allowing you to capture as much of the aurora's grandeur as possible. I used a 14mm lens for most of my shots.
My camera settings typically hovered around:
- Aperture: f/2.8 or faster (to let in as much light as possible)
- ISO: 800-3200 (adjust based on the aurora's brightness)
- Shutter Speed: 5-15 seconds (experiment to find the sweet spot – too long, and the aurora will blur; too short, and you won't capture enough detail)
Focusing in the Dark: This is often the trickiest part. Auto-focus rarely works in low light. Manually focus on a bright star or distant light source. If you have Live View, zoom in on a star and adjust the focus until it appears as sharp as possible. Once you’ve achieved focus, tape down your focus ring to prevent accidental changes.
Remote Shutter Release: A must-have to eliminate camera shake. Even pressing the shutter button gently can introduce blur.
Light Pollution: Kakslauttanen's remote location minimizes light pollution, but it's not entirely absent. Some of the igloos themselves emit a soft glow. Be mindful of this when composing your shots. Try to position your camera to minimize the impact of any artificial light.
Best Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography Lapland
- Aperture: f/2.8 or faster.
- ISO: 800-3200
- Shutter Speed: 5-15 seconds
- Focus: Manual focus on a distant star.
- Equipment: Tripod and remote shutter release are essential.
Star Trails Over the Arctic
Beyond the aurora, the Arctic night sky offers another stunning photographic opportunity: star trails. Capturing the Earth's rotation against the backdrop of the celestial sphere is a truly awe-inspiring experience. To create star trails, you'll need to use much longer exposures than you would for aurora photography.
Two Approaches to Star Trails:
- Single Long Exposure: This involves setting your camera to bulb mode and keeping the shutter open for 30 minutes or more. This requires a very dark sky and a camera that can handle long exposures without excessive noise.
- Stacking Multiple Shorter Exposures: This is the more common and often preferred method. Take a series of shorter exposures (e.g., 30 seconds to 2 minutes) and then use software like StarStaX to stack them together, creating the appearance of one long exposure. This method allows you to correct for noise and light pollution more easily.
Camera Settings for Star Trails:
- Aperture: f/4 to f/8 (to ensure sharpness across the frame)
- ISO: 400-800 (to minimize noise)
- Shutter Speed: 30 seconds to 2 minutes (per exposure, when stacking)
- Intervalometer: A remote shutter release with an intervalometer is crucial for automating the process of taking multiple exposures.
The igloo's design helped maintain a stable temperature for my equipment, which is important for long exposure photography.
Winter Landscape Photography
While the night sky is the main attraction, don't overlook the beauty of the Arctic landscape during the day. The snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and vast open spaces offer incredible opportunities for winter landscape photography.
The blue hour, the period of twilight just before sunrise and after sunset, is particularly magical. The soft, diffused light creates a beautiful, ethereal quality.
Kakslauttanen offers a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, allowing you to explore the surrounding wilderness and find unique perspectives.
What to Pack for Aurora Photography Finnish Lapland
- Warm Clothes: Dress in layers!
- Camera: With manual mode capabilities
- Wide Angle Lens: (14mm-24mm)
- Sturdy Tripod: To keep your camera stable during long exposures
- Remote Shutter Release: To avoid camera shake
- Extra Batteries: Cold weather drains batteries quickly.
- Hand Warmers/Toe Warmers: For personal comfort and to keep your batteries warm
- Headlamp: Red light is best to preserve night vision.
- Microfiber Cloth: To clean your lens
- SD Cards: Extra storage to capture all of your memories
Cold Weather Considerations:
- Battery Care: Cold temperatures significantly reduce battery life. Keep spare batteries warm by storing them in an inside pocket.
- Condensation: When bringing your camera from the cold outdoors into the warm igloo, condensation can form on the lens. Allow your camera to gradually warm up inside a sealed bag to prevent this.
- Hand Warmers: Essential for keeping your hands warm, especially when operating the camera for extended periods. Consider placing hand warmers near your batteries to prolong their life.
The Kakslauttanen Experience
My stay at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort was more than just a photography trip; it was an immersion into the Arctic wilderness. The glass igloo was surprisingly comfortable, providing a warm and cozy haven from the harsh elements outside. Waking up to the soft glow of the snow-covered landscape was a truly magical experience.
You can book your own stay at Kakslauttanen here.
The resort offers a range of amenities, including restaurants serving traditional Finnish cuisine and guided tours for various winter activities. While the focus of my trip was photography, I enjoyed taking a break to experience some of these other offerings.
Ethical Considerations
As astrophotographers, we have a responsibility to minimize our impact on the environment. Light pollution is a growing problem, obscuring the night sky and disrupting ecosystems. Choosing accommodations that prioritize sustainability and minimize light pollution is crucial. Kakslauttanen's commitment to reducing its environmental impact is a positive step, and I hope other resorts will follow suit.
Kakslauttanen's Initiatives: While I don't have specific details on all their initiatives, contacting the resort directly will provide more information.
Aurora Burst: Glass Igloo Northern Lights Time-Lapse
[Insert Viral Video Here: Aurora Burst: Glass Igloo Northern Lights Time-Lapse]
Your Astrophotography Adventure Awaits
Chasing the aurora is an experience that will stay with you forever. The combination of the stunning natural phenomenon and the unique setting of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort creates an unforgettable adventure. If you're a seasoned astrophotographer or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the night sky, I highly recommend embarking on your own journey to Finnish Lapland. The memories – and the photographs – will be well worth it.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at Kakslauttanen and prepare to witness the magic of the Northern Lights!