Photographing the Northern Lights with a drone can produce breathtaking results—but it’s also one of the most technically challenging aerial photos you’ll ever attempt. This guide focuses on what you need to know before and during flight so you can maximize image quality while minimizing risk.
First: A Serious Warning About Flyaways
Before we talk camera settings, you need to understand the environment you’re flying in.
During strong aurora activity, geomagnetic storms and a high KP index can disrupt GPS. When GPS becomes unreliable, drones may:
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Drift unexpectedly
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Lose position hold
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Initiate erratic movement or flyaways
Flyaways are likely under these conditions. If you haven’t already read our full breakdown on geomagnetic storms and GPS interference, make sure you do that first before attempting this flight.
If you don’t know how to stop a flyaway, this is not the time to learn.
Step 1: Get a GPS Fix (If Possible)
If conditions allow and your drone does achieve a GPS lock, proceed cautiously.
Once stable:
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Turn on your camera
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Avoid unnecessary maneuvering
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Prepare to capture quickly—conditions can change fast
If GPS is unstable or dropping in and out, consider aborting the flight.
Step 2: Use AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing)
Northern Lights photography has extreme contrast and unpredictable brightness.
Enable AEB photo mode to:
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Capture multiple exposures per shutter press
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Increase your chances of getting a usable frame
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Preserve highlights and shadow detail
This is one of the easiest ways to hedge against rapidly changing aurora intensity.
Step 3: ISO – Keep It Low (But Be Flexible)
Start with:
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ISO 200–400
Lower ISO:
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Reduces noise
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Preserves color gradients in the aurora
However, aurora intensity varies wildly—be willing to adjust if needed. Grainy light is better than no light at all.
Step 4: Shutter Speed Is Everything
This is the most important variable.
Because your drone will move, especially with KP index interference, shutter speed becomes a balance between light capture and motion blur.
Start here and experiment:
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1/5 second
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1/4 second
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1/2 second
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1 second
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5 seconds
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10 seconds
Every aurora behaves differently. Some look better frozen; others benefit from motion blur. There is no single correct setting—test them all.
Step 5: Fly Lower for Better Stability
Flying lower dramatically improves your results.
Recommended altitude:
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30–50 feet AGL
Why this works:
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Optical flow sensors help stabilize position
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Less wind and drift
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Reduced GPS dependency
Best environments:
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Well-lit buildings
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Bright parking lots
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Urban lighting features
The visual reference below your drone helps it “lock” into space far better than flying high over darkness.
Step 6: Aperture – Wide Open
Your exposure formula should prioritize light gathering.
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F-stop: wide open
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Let the lens pull in as much light as possible
You’re already fighting motion and interference—don’t choke the exposure.
Step 7: White Balance – Set It or Fix It Later
To preserve that iconic green glow:
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Set a manual white balance and keep it consistent
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Or leave it on auto and fine-tune in post
Consistency matters more than perfection. Changing white balance shot to shot makes editing harder later.
The Exposure Formula (Bookmark This)
For the best Northern Lights drone photos:
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Longer shutter speed
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Wide-open aperture
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Lowest usable ISO
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Low altitude (30–50 ft)
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Fly over a well-lit surface
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Minimal movement
This combination gives you the best chance of capturing a sharp, colorful aurora image from the air.
Final Thoughts: Our New Aerial Photography Class
Capturing the Northern Lights with a drone is equal parts art, science, and risk management.
The visuals can be stunning—but only if you:
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Respect geomagnetic interference
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Fly conservatively
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Understand your camera and your aircraft
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Accept that conditions may force you to abort
Get the shot—but only if you can do it safely.
Sometimes, the smartest decision is knowing when not to fly.
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