Iceland at night is a dream for photographers: dancing northern lights, star-filled skies, glowing snowfields, and dramatic coastlines lit only by the moon. With a bit of preparation, you can capture all of this – even if you’re not a pro. Here are practical night photography tips tailored to Iceland, plus how to use Ourhotels.is locations like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn as perfect bases for your shots.
Night photography basics in Iceland
Iceland’s light is extreme: very short days in winter and long twilight in autumn and spring. For night photography, this is an advantage – you get long blue hours, clear skies, and, in winter, the aurora borealis.
Key camera settings to start with:
– Mode: Manual (M) or Aperture Priority (A/Av)
– Aperture: f/1.4–f/2.8 if possible (the wider, the better)
– ISO: 1600–3200 for aurora and stars, 800–1600 for brighter moonlit scenes
– Shutter speed: 5–20 seconds for aurora, 15–25 seconds for stars (to avoid star trails)
– Focus: Manual focus on a bright star or distant light, then lock it
From there, adjust based on how bright the sky and foreground are. Always check your histogram and zoom in on the image to confirm sharpness.
Essential gear for Icelandic nights
– Sturdy tripod: Iceland is windy; a solid tripod is non-negotiable.
– Wide-angle lens: 14–24mm (full-frame) or 10–18mm (APS-C) is ideal for capturing big skies and landscapes.
– Fast lens: f/2.8 or faster helps keep ISO lower and shutter speeds shorter.
– Remote shutter or 2-second timer: Reduces camera shake.
– Extra batteries: Cold drains batteries quickly; keep spares in an inner pocket.
– Microfiber cloths: For wiping off sea spray, snow, or condensation.
– Headlamp with red light: So you can see your camera without ruining your night vision.
Aurora photography tips
The northern lights are one of the main reasons photographers come to Iceland. To improve your chances:
1. Check the forecast
– Use aurora forecast sites/apps plus a regular cloud cover forecast.
– You need both solar activity and clear (or partly clear) skies.
2. Get away from light pollution
– Even small towns can wash out faint auroras.
– This is where Ourhotels.is locations shine: they’re close to nature but easy to reach.
3. Camera settings for aurora
– Aperture: Widest your lens allows (e.g., f/1.8–f/2.8).
– ISO: 1600–3200 (higher if aurora is faint, lower if it’s bright).
– Shutter: 4–15 seconds.
– Fast-moving, bright aurora: 3–6 seconds to keep structure.
– Faint, slow aurora: 10–15 seconds.
4. Composition
– Include a foreground: mountains, coastline, a church, or even your hotel.
– Leading lines: roads, rivers, or shorelines guide the eye into the sky.
– Reflections: look for calm water to double the aurora’s impact.
Using Hvítá Inn as your Borgarfjörður night base
Hvítá Inn, near Borgarnes in Borgarfjörður, is a fantastic base for night photography in West Iceland. You’re close to rivers, low hills, and open fields – perfect for unobstructed sky views.
Ideas around Hvítá Inn:
– River reflections: Use the Hvítá river or nearby water surfaces to capture aurora reflections.
– Minimal light pollution: Step just a short distance from the inn and you’ll have dark skies ideal for star and Milky Way shots in late autumn and early spring.
– Foreground elements: Old farm buildings, fences, and rolling hills create strong silhouettes under the aurora or a bright moon.
Because you’re staying nearby, you can:
– Check the sky from your room or the parking area.
– Head out quickly when the aurora appears.
– Warm up between sessions, which is invaluable on long, cold winter nights.
Night photography from Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Stykkishólmur Inn places you on the edge of one of Iceland’s most photogenic regions: the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. By day, you can explore iconic spots like Kirkjufell and the dramatic coastline; by night, you can return to many of these locations for long exposures and aurora.
Night photography ideas from Stykkishólmur Inn:
– Coastal long exposures: Capture smooth, misty seas and glowing horizons under moonlight.
– Harbor and town lights: Combine the warm glow of Stykkishólmur’s harbor with the cold tones of the night sky for contrast-rich images.
– Short drives to dark skies: Within a short drive, you can find very dark locations with mountains and sea as your foreground for aurora shots.
Practical advantages:
– You can scout compositions during the day, then return at night.
– If the weather changes quickly (as it often does), you’re close enough to adapt your plan without long drives in the dark.
Ísafjörður Inn: Gateway to Westfjords nightscapes
The Westfjords are wilder and less populated, which means darker skies and fewer distractions – ideal for night photography. Ísafjörður Inn gives you a comfortable base in the region’s main town, with quick access to fjords, mountains, and remote viewpoints.
From Ísafjörður Inn, consider:
– Fjord reflections: Calm fjord waters can mirror stars and aurora, especially on still winter nights.
– Mountain silhouettes: Use the steep mountains surrounding Ísafjörður as dramatic backdrops.
– Light and dark contrast: Combine the soft lights of the town with the deep darkness of the surrounding fjords for atmospheric images.
Because the Westfjords are more remote:
– Plan your routes and locations in advance during daylight.
– Use Ísafjörður Inn as a safe, warm base to return to after late-night sessions.
– Take advantage of the low light pollution just outside town for deep-sky and Milky Way photography when conditions allow.
Dealing with Iceland’s challenging conditions
Iceland’s weather is part of its beauty, but it can be tough on photographers and gear.
A few survival tips:
– Dress in layers: Base layer (wool or synthetic), insulating mid-layer, and windproof/waterproof outer shell. Don’t forget warm gloves you can still operate the camera with.
– Protect your gear: Use lens hoods, keep your camera in a bag when moving between warm and cold environments, and let it acclimatize to avoid condensation.
– Wind management: Hang a small weight from your tripod or spread the legs wide and keep it low to the ground.
– Safety first: Avoid cliffs, icy rocks, and strong surf in the dark. If in doubt, step back.
Workflow for a successful night shoot
Wherever you stay – Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, or Ísafjörður Inn – a simple workflow helps you make the most of each clear night:
1. Afternoon
– Check aurora and cloud forecasts.
– Choose 1–2 main locations within a reasonable drive.
– Scout compositions in daylight if possible.
2. Evening
– Charge batteries, clear memory cards, and pack your bag.
– Dress warmly and bring a hot drink or snacks.
3. On location
– Arrive before it’s fully dark to set up safely.
– Dial in base settings, focus carefully, and take test shots.
– Adjust as the sky changes; aurora can brighten or fade quickly.
4. Back at the hotel
– Back up your images to a laptop or drive.
– Let batteries warm up and recharge.
– Review a few key shots so you can improve the next night.
Why base your night photography with Ourhotels.is
Ourhotels.is properties in West Iceland are well-placed for photographers who want comfort without sacrificing access to dark skies:
– Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður, near Borgarnes): Easy access from Reykjavík, with open landscapes and relatively low light pollution – ideal for your first aurora attempts.
– Stykkishólmur Inn: Perfect for combining iconic Snæfellsnes daytime locations with night shoots, all from a cozy harbor town base.
– Ísafjörður Inn: A comfortable gateway to the remote, dramatic Westfjords, where dark skies and fjord landscapes create unforgettable night images.
By choosing these bases, you reduce driving time in the dark, increase your flexibility to react to changing conditions, and always have a warm, welcoming place to return to after hours under the Icelandic sky.
With the right preparation, a bit of patience, and a good base from Ourhotels.is, Iceland’s nights can fill your memory card with some of the most magical images you’ll ever capture.
