Before going out...

Here you can find a quick checklist of what should be done before heading out to check northern lights, once you are in the location:

• Check the weather forecast and find a place with clear skies and little light pollution from cities
• Warm clothes and something warm to drink
• A headlamp to avoid accidents
• Photo equipment: camera, lens, tripod, batteries (the life of the battery is shorter when temperatures are lower), remote shutter
• Someone to go with, or at least someone that knows where are you going and when are you planning to come back. Joining tours or finding other northern light chasers is also a good idea.
• Entertainment. You should be ready for a long wait before the show starts, so bring something to entertain yourself. However, be careful with electronic devices: they may stop working if the temperatures are too low. Light-emitting devices such as tablet computers or smartphones will not allow your eyes to get used to the darkness, and you may need time before they get used to it.
• Patience and illusion. This is a unique phenomenon, and it is not always possible to see it. Be patient and keep your mood up.

ISO 800, 18mm, f=3.5 20 seconds