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Northern lights from Dunnet Head - camera settings?

Started by NicolaPics · 15 January 2026 at 22:00 · 256 views

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NicolaPics

15 January 2026 at 22:00

Caught the northern lights from Dunnet Head last week! Incredible display. Struggling with camera settings though - my photos don't do it justice. What settings do you aurora hunters use?
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jen_adventures

16 January 2026 at 09:00

Tripod is essential obviously. Then: ISO 1600-3200, f/2.8 or wider, 15-20 second exposure. Shoot RAW so you can pull out the colours in post. Manual focus to infinity.
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DavidBirds

17 January 2026 at 08:00

I use the PhotoPills app to check aurora forecasts and find the right direction to point the camera. Dunnet Head is perfect because you've got a clear northern horizon with no light pollution.
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RossM84

17 January 2026 at 14:00

The cemetery at Balnakeil near Durness is an incredible foreground for aurora shots. Slightly eerie but the photos are otherworldly. Very little light pollution up there.
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NicolaPics

18 January 2026 at 10:00

Thanks all! Going to try again next clear night. The forecast looks promising for later this week. Will try ISO 3200 and a wider aperture.

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