Kiruna Northern Lights Photo Tour Review: Is It Worth It?

Okay, so you’re thinking about heading to Kiruna, Sweden to see the Northern Lights? It is almost definitely a really incredible experience. Chasing the aurora is something that’s been on my bucket list for what feels like forever, and last winter, I finally bit the bullet and booked a photo tour. More or less, this review is all about my experience with a specific tour company that provides both guided aurora hunts and equipment rental. Basically, I’m going to give you the lowdown on what to expect, if it’s something for your needs and whether I actually believe it’s actually worth shelling out your hard-earned cash.

Why a Photo Tour? Getting that Perfect Shot

Why choose a photo tour over just any aurora-viewing excursion? I mean, I was asking that same question myself. Surely, you’re thinking that seeing the Northern Lights is a memorable experience no matter what. Well, that part is true, but think about it this way: how incredible would it be to actually capture that memory with an unbelievable photo? More or less, you need to consider how tough it is to photograph the Northern Lights. It’s very, very dark out there, and the aurora is often faint. You might be needing specialized equipment and actually know the camera settings to make a difference. Most phones and point-and-shoot cameras simply aren’t up to the task.

That is where a photo tour, like your Kiruna Northern Lights Photo Tour with Equipment, seemingly comes in. They tend to provide you with a decent camera (usually a DSLR or mirrorless), a tripod, and somebody that actually understands what they’re doing to show you exactly how to use them. They’ll take you to great spots far enough away from what are hopefully city lights and really, help you capture some stunning photos that you’ll cherish forever. So too, that’s why I picked this tour – I wanted professional guidance and gear to help ensure I didn’t only see the Northern Lights but took great images home too.

Booking and Pre-Tour Preparation

The booking process was actually pretty straight forward. You can visit the tour operator’s web page, pick the date that fits your plans, and book. Make sure that you read the fine print when you do, it seems like there may be different package options, some that include meals or transportation from your accommodation. Anyway, what stood out was the communication following my booking. I received a really detailed email outlining everything I needed to actually prepare for the trip. We are talking about things such as clothing (layers are absolutely key in Arctic temperatures!), what to expect on the tour itself, and of course, how to handle my camera equipment. So too, it felt pretty well organized, which basically put my mind at ease.

Arguably, clothing is crucial for seeing the Northern Lights and the key is to layer your garments appropriately. Here is what you should pack:

Thermal Underwear: Two sets of moisture-wicking thermal underwear (top and bottom). Merino wool or synthetic materials are preferable.
Base Layers: Thin wool or synthetic base layers to wick away sweat and maintain warmth.
Mid Layers: Fleece or wool sweaters and pants for insulation. Multiple layers provide better temperature control.
Outer Layers: Waterproof and windproof parka and pants. Ensure they are insulated and can withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Socks: Several pairs of wool or synthetic socks. Thermal socks are essential for keeping feet warm.
Footwear: Insulated winter boots with good traction. Look for boots rated for extremely cold temperatures.
Gloves/Mittens: Waterproof and insulated gloves or mittens. Mittens generally provide more warmth than gloves.
Hat: Warm hat that covers your ears. Wool or fleece hats are ideal.
Scarf/Neck Gaiter: A scarf or neck gaiter to protect your face and neck from the cold wind.
Hand Warmers/Foot Warmers: Disposable hand and foot warmers for extra warmth if needed.

On that note, that’s more or less a very good point to really emphasize. Being equipped can definitely affect the entire experience. So really, don’t skimp on warm gear!

The Tour Experience: Chasing the Aurora

The tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Kiruna, or at a common area to get started with the other guests. I believe that that will depend on what you paid when you booked your trip. I chose to be picked up, and then, we are heading away from the light emissions. This is seemingly really key to increasing the probability of actually seeing a display that shimmers and dances in a way that’s unforgettably magnificent! Driving into the wilderness gives that distinct feeling, like your odds just skyrocketed!

Anyway, the guide gives a great rundown of what to look for in the sky. From understanding the aurora borealis and also learning how the solar activity relates to its presence, our guide started actually going over the camera gear. So too, most cameras these tours have is some sort of high-performance DSLR to capture stunning aurora photographs. Typically, your DSLR’s will come with these functions and benefits:

High ISO Settings: This setting increases the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. It is extremely useful in dim conditions because it allows for faster shutter speeds, thereby reducing blur. Typically, ranges like ISO 1600, 3200, or even higher are needed to catch fainter auroras.
Wide Aperture Lenses: Lenses with the lowest f-number available will do the job to allow for an enormous amount of light to flood the sensor. Generally speaking, lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster (f/2, f/1.8, f/1.4) is useful for aurora photography. These lenses can actually gather significantly more light than lenses with smaller apertures, helping to produce brighter and clearer photographs in very conditions.
Full-Frame Sensor: Many DSLRs contain a full-frame sensor, matching the dimensions of old 35mm film. Since they gather extra light as well, they help at capturing photos.
Manual Mode: The main advantage of DSLR cameras are the manual settings available. This makes the camera work around you rather than against you. Having options such as ISO, shutter speed and other parameters greatly influences the images that will appear at the end of a photoshoot.

Actually getting hands-on experience and practicing using these functions really prepared me for when the lights appeared. And sure enough, maybe an hour into our adventure, faint green wisps began dancing across the horizon. So, under our guide’s direction, we adjusted the settings. I was checking out everything from ISO to aperture, and shutter speed, actually fine-tuning them to capture the ethereal glow.

Photographing the Aurora: Tips and Tricks

Okay, so taking photographs of the Northern Lights can be surprisingly tricky, and I might add even frustrating if it seems like you can’t get it right. Fortunately, the guides on this tour gave that instruction and a lot of helpful tips. So, that’s one good thing!

Here’s a breakdown of the gear you might need:

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: Very well suited with manual controls.
Wide-Angle Lens: Allows capture of a bigger scene.
Tripod: Super helpful for stable photos.
Extra Batteries: Definitely handy because batteries drain quickly.
Headlamp with Red Light: Keeps you from wrecking that dark adaptation.

Arguably, these steps could have you photographing like the experts! Here’s what was taught:

Use a Tripod: Keeping the camera secure prevents blur.
Shoot in Manual Mode: Sets everything up!
Focus Manually: Autofocus struggles at night.
Experiment: Don’t actually be afraid to explore with the settings and learn in that regard.
Dress Warmly: A happy photographer makes all of the photos.

So, taking pictures in conditions like this definitely had problems of its own. Cold temps can wipe out batteries way faster, so an extra power bank or two are highly advisable. And you might be fighting a little bit to manually focus if you’re using a zoom feature. That is, getting things like these working for you are going to yield magnificent, out-of-this-solar-system photography!

The Aurora Display: A Sensory Experience

Taking great shots, however, just a portion of the encounter. Even so, the greatest memory was simply taking in the sight of lights flickering overhead. Anyway, the way they shifted and moved seemingly kept everyone breathless. And that backdrop, combined with a knowledgeable expert sharing the traditions, made me gain even a better sense of appreciation of its grandeur and spectacle.

So, I have heard of tales from those in earlier civilizations that describe seeing things and experiencing a type of mysticism when observing what seemed like ghosts. In truth, it’s very ethereal how it all moved and looked. Arguably, being far out, somewhere into that peaceful wilderness without artificial noise, there’s actually the quiet, you seem to focus so intensely in the lights.

Value for Money: Is the Tour Worth It?

Are you thinking that Kiruna Northern Lights Photo Tour with Equipment might be up your alley? Basically, I have found that this can be true and here are some points to consider!

Why Book an Aurora Photo Tour:

Expertise and Guidance: Professional photographers that know a little something give useful instructions and tricks for those shooting on-site.
Equipment Provided: A major savings is the tour containing high-end DSLRs along with their tripods.
Optimal Locations: Expert experts bring you in the ideal vantage point away from light and environmental elements.
Learning Opportunity: A magnificent prospect of boosting knowledge from photography whilst taking photographs of these lights!
Convenience: Everything has already been planned, beginning with transport, gear plus location scouts that ensures that experience flows nicely.

Points That May Incline One to Book Somewhere Else:

Budget Considerations: Photographing will rack costs up even by tours because these may consist of add-ons such meals, equipment plus transfer costs!
DIY Photography Preference: The knowledgeable photographers might just choose setting this experience as an isolated endeavor by simply setting themselves!
Weather Dependency: A forecast of weather influences visibility where cloud protects displays happening nearby although some trip organizations might just organize alternative outings throughout these kinds cases!
Group Dynamics: A group outing definitely makes having focus challenged while seeking only those who really get social from experiences of teams!

Final Thoughts: My Recommendation

The Kiruna Northern Lights Photo Tour equipped me, so too I could do more than simply watch a breathtaking phenomena; indeed the aurora! Basically, this excursion is beneficial provided the desire from you goes toward the development when one photographs those northern lights then needs any extra camera as well without minding group environments from being really in the moment so memorable that lasts well throughout everything coming from then onwards too even.

Provided direction by skilled photographers together also
Rental on that type plus having a trip
Excellent vantage level away right.

Regardless in if that particular fits best then don’t worry when seeking something similar rather because loads adventures awaits outside also! #Kiruna #NorthernLights #AuroraBorealis #PhotoTour #Sweden #Lapland #TravelReview