Trip Report: Ultimate Northern Lights - March 2025

I had the privilege of leading two back-to-back Ultimate Northern Lights trips, where we were fortunate to witness and photograph the aurora borealis five out of six nights on both departures. Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Situated under the auroral oval, a ring-shaped zone around the magnetic poles, Fairbanks offers frequent and vivid displays of the aurora borealis. Its clear, dark skies, especially in winter, make it a prime location for photography.  

When it comes to aurora photography, the colors are a key aspect of the spectacle. The most common color you’ll see in Fairbanks is green, which is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the Earth's surface. This green glow happens when solar wind particles collide with oxygen atoms, exciting them and causing them to release photons in the green spectrum. While green is the most prevalent color, the aurora can also show hues of pink, purple, yellow, and even red. These color variations depend on the intensity of the solar wind and the particular composition of the atmosphere, making each aurora show unique. 

On our first evening together, we gathered for an orientation and dinner. We covered essential camera settings, tips for capturing the lights, and adjustments to make for optimal photos. The goal was to ensure everyone was ready when the magic happened. Afterward, we took a short break to gather our gear and rest up for the night ahead.

For our first outing, we visited a pond offering 360-degree views, giving us the flexibility to capture the aurora from any direction. As we drove out during blue hour, a faint green band appeared in the sky. Upon arriving, the lights were barely visible to the naked eye, but our cameras revealed them clearly. Guests practiced focusing on stars and experimenting with different compositions in the dark. Some stayed close to the car for stability, while others ventured onto the frozen pond. At this point, the lights were still subtle, but everyone had perfected their settings and compositions.

We waited patiently for something more dramatic. Just as some guests were considering heading back to the car, the lights exploded into vibrant hues of green and slight shades of pink, filling the sky in every direction. This was the spectacle we had been waiting for. After an exhilarating first night, we headed back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. 

Our cozy accommodations in Fairbanks made it easy to enjoy relaxed mornings and early afternoons, with breakfast and lunch just a short walk away. In the evening, we reconvened for dinner before heading out for another night of aurora hunting. This time, we went to an overlook with distant mountain views and expansive, clear skies. As we arrived, the familiar green band appeared, and we settled in for another round of waiting. Just like the previous night, the aurora erupted with vibrant colors, dancing and swirling above the trees. Guests scrambled to capture the ever-changing display, not knowing which direction to point their cameras. With the lights dancing so widely across the sky, there was no shortage of stunning compositions to be captured.

On day three, we met in the hotel lobby for a post-processing session, where we reviewed the stunning images everyone had captured so far. We went over tips on editing techniques to enhance the aurora photos, and it was inspiring to see the variety of photographs everyone had taken. Afterward, we had dinner, geared up, and headed north, searching for clear skies and a picturesque foreground of young spruce trees. When we arrived, the aurora was faint but visible in the distance. We explored the area and waited. Around 1 AM, the sky fell quiet, with no aurora in sight. We huddled in the warm car, hopeful the lights would return. Sure enough, they did. Starting faintly and then intensifying, swirling across the sky in vibrant colors. Guests used the road as a leading line in their photos, while others captured the small spruce trees with the aurora above, adding scale to the display.

This was undoubtedly our best night of the trip, with the lights putting on an incredible show for nearly an hour. The cold temperatures were a challenge, but the stunning visuals more than made up for it. 

The next day, we gathered in the early afternoon for a dog sledding adventure. We learned about the owner’s experience competing in the Iditarod, even placing in the competition one year. After meeting the dogs and giving them plenty of love, we enjoyed a thrilling ride through the snow. The excitement of the dog sledding offered a nice contrast to the more peaceful nights spent under the stars. We returned to Fairbanks for dinner, and though the aurora forecast didn’t look promising with clouds covering the skies, the group felt satisfied with the photos we had already taken. Unfortunately, this evening we were unable to capture the lights due to the clouds, but the group was excited to catch up on rest.

On our second to final night, we had a reservation at a cabin about an hour from Fairbanks. We enjoyed the warmth of the wood-burning stove and hot chocolate while waiting for the lights to appear. It was a welcome refuge between shots, providing a chance to relax and reflect on the trip. The cabin also offered a beautiful vantage point for photographs, and we were all excited to see what the night had in store.

For our last evening of aurora chasing, we headed to a serene lake location. The sky initially showed no signs of the aurora, and we passed the time sharing stories from the week. Just as the night was winding down, the lights suddenly erupted, providing us with incredible final shots to wrap up the trip. The sight of the aurora lighting up the entire sky one last time was the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable journey.  

It was an unforgettable adventure, filled with stunning aurora displays, great company, and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a first-time visitor, experiencing the northern lights in Fairbanks is something truly magical.