Into the Arctic Night

The Arctic night is a realm of mystery and wonder, a place where the sky dances with colors that defy description. As a former Arctic researcher, I’ve spent countless nights under these skies, but the allure of the northern lights never fades. This time, I found myself in Kiruna, embarking on a Northern Light Photo Tour with Scandinavian Sami Photoadventures. The promise of capturing the aurora’s ethereal beauty through the lens was too tempting to resist.

Our journey began at Camp Ripan, where we were greeted by Ylva, our guide for the evening. Her expertise was evident as she helped us adjust our camera settings before we even set foot in the van. The anticipation was palpable as we drove into the darkness, the cold air biting at our cheeks. It was a short drive, only fifteen minutes, but it felt like an eternity as we yearned for the first glimpse of the lights.

Capturing the Dance

The spot Ylva chose was perfect, a secluded area where the sky stretched endlessly above us. The aurora was shy at first, a faint glow on the horizon, but it soon blossomed into a vibrant display of greens and purples. I was reminded of the countless nights I spent in the Arctic, studying the impact of climate change on these very skies. Yet, in that moment, all thoughts of research were eclipsed by the sheer beauty before me.

Ylva’s guidance was invaluable. When my camera’s focus faltered, she was there to set it right. Her knowledge extended beyond traditional cameras; she showed us how to capture the lights with our phones, ensuring everyone could take home a piece of the Arctic night. The guides even took photos of us with the aurora as a backdrop, a memento of an unforgettable experience.

A Night to Remember

As the night wore on, we gathered around a fire, warming ourselves with lingonberry juice and listening to stories of the Sami people. Ylva’s joik, a traditional Sami song, resonated through the night, a haunting melody that seemed to echo the aurora’s dance. It was a moment of connection, a reminder of the deep ties between the land and its people.

Just as we prepared to leave, the northern lights surged in intensity, painting the sky with a brilliance that took our breath away. We scrambled to retrieve our tripods from the van, eager to capture the spectacle. It was a fitting end to an extraordinary night, a reminder of the Arctic’s unpredictable beauty.

This tour was more than just a chance to photograph the northern lights; it was an immersion into the Arctic’s soul. For those who seek the raw, untamed beauty of the polar regions, I cannot recommend this experience enough. It was everything I hoped for and more, a testament to the enduring magic of the Arctic night.