Camp My Way

Chasing the Northern Lights is an amazing adventure. But there’s a simple trick that can make it even better: keeping a pocket notebook with you. Here’s why it’s a game-changer, especially if you’re trying to take great photos with your phone or camera.

Remember Your Camera Settings

Figuring out the best settings on your camera can be tough, especially for beginners. When you finally get those perfect settings for photographing the Northern Lights, you’ll want to remember them. Since it might take hours or even days before you see the aurora again, jotting down those settings in a notebook means you won’t forget them.

Document Your Adventure

Taking photos is just one part of the adventure. A notebook lets you write down everything about your experience. How long did you hike to find the perfect spot? What was the aurora forecast (kp prediction) and how did the actual visibility compare? What phase was the moon in? All these details help you understand what conditions work best for seeing and photographing the Northern Lights.

Personal Memories

Your notebook is also a place to capture personal moments. Who were you with? Did you catch a glimpse of a shooting star or the International Space Station zipping by? Maybe you saw the Milky Way or recognized some constellations. Each Northern Lights chase is unique, and writing down these experiences makes them even more memorable.

Enjoying the Night Sky

Sometimes, despite all your planning, the Aurora might not show up. But the night sky is always full of wonders. Documenting the beauty you see, from stars to planets, makes even the aurora-less nights special. Carrying a notebook turns your Northern Lights chase into a richer experience. Not only does it help with the technical side of taking great photos, but it also captures the magic of each moment under the stars. So next time you head out, don’t forget your notebook—it might just be your best companion on the journey.