2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
The Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition has announced its 2025 winners. Hosted by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas, this marks the 8th year of the contest and highlights 25 of the most outstanding Aurora images captured over the past year.
The selected images from this year's contest showcase stunning scenes from across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The top 25 photographers represent 15 nationalities, with image locations ranging from Iceland and Norway to Australia and New Zealand and more. Geomagnetic activity was exceptionally high throughout the year, allowing photographers opportunities to capture Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis in unusual locations.
The winning images are curated by Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, with the selection based on image quality, the story behind the shot and the inspiration the photo conveys. You can see all 25 of the winning images and find tips on photographing the Northern Lights at Capture the Atlas.
Lights & Ice
Photographer: Tori Harp
Location: Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand
Camera gear: Sony a7R IV, Sony 20mm F1.8 G
Technical details: Sky and ice cave: F1.8, ISO 2000, 20 sec; Abseiler shot: F2.8, ISO 1250, 1/50 sec
Caption: I originally found this ice cave, called a moulin, 8 months prior to setting up this shot in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Glaciers are a very dynamic environment, so I kept going back to monitor the changes of this moulin over the 8-month period. As the opening of the cave formed, I envisioned setting up a night shot with my friend abseiling down the mouth of the cave with New Zealand’s amazing starry sky in the background.
One magical night, everything finally came together! To my surprise, the Aurora Australis also lit up the sky. I managed to capture my friend’s silhouette perfectly placed in the center of the cave’s opening, and I love how the pinky tones of the aurora contrast with the icy colors of the cave. This dream shot ended up coming out better than I had originally envisioned, and I had a great night with my friends exploring the glacier!
Essence of the Arctic Night
Photographer: Giulio Cobianchi
Location: Haukland Beach, Lofoten islands
Camera gear: Nikon Z6II (astro-modified), Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S
Technical details: Panoramic of 21 shots in 2 rows:
- Sky: 10 shots, 14mm, F2.8, ISO 5000, 10 sec
- Landscape: 10 shots, 14mm, F3.5, ISO 5000, f3.5, 13 sec
- Myself: 1 shot, 14mm, F3,2, ISO 6400, 8 sec
Caption: Autumn in the Arctic is the best time to capture the “double arc” of the Milky Way and the Aurora Borealis. The nights have finally turned dark again after the endless summer days when the sun never sets. The summer Milky Way is already high in the sky shortly after sunset, and the Northern Lights return to dance across the sky in bands of pink, red, violet, and green.
During my last tour in September, I captured this 360° panoramic image at the border between Haukland and Vik Beach, where rugged mountains meet the wild Norwegian Sea. The intense Northern Lights and the bright moonlight softened the Milky Way, but the combination of all these elements in the Arctic sky felt absolutely magical — just as the Lofoten Islands always do.
Frozen Silence Beneath the Lights
Photographer: Nikki Born
Location: Riisitunturi National Park, Finland
Camera gear: Canon EOS R6, Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art
Technical details: 14mm, F2.8, 10 sec
Caption: This night was truly unforgettable. Capturing the famous frozen trees of Riisitunturi beneath the Northern Lights had been a dream for years.
In March 2025, we set out to make it happen, but the weather challenged us with thick clouds all week. On our final night, we hiked into the park, hoping for a glimpse of the sky. The wind was biting, and we took shelter among the frozen trees, waiting in silence. After hours of nothing, we finally gave up and began the hike back to our cabin.
Then, just as we were about to call it a night, a break appeared in the clouds. We grabbed our gear and hurried back up the Riisitunturi Hill. The moment we reached the top, the sky burst into vivid shades of green. It was an explosion of light and wonder.
This night was the experience of a lifetime: the dream shot I had longed for and a moment that words can hardly describe. Photographing the Northern Lights demands patience and persistence, but when they finally appear, time stands still, and nature reminds you just how amazing our world can be.
Sueños en Eystrahorn
Photographer: Pablo Ruiz
Location: Eystrahorn, Iceland
Camera gear: Nikon D810, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm F2.8G ED
Technical details: Panorama 2 rows of 8 photos:
- Sky: F2.8, ISO 6400, 6 sec
- Ground: F2.8, ISO 6400, 15 sec
Caption: Without a doubt, one of the most challenging aurora panoramas I’ve ever taken was this one at one of Iceland’s most spectacular locations.
Capturing a panorama with reflections and auroras that move so quickly is quite difficult. It was the photograph of my dreams, so I arrived in the afternoon to prepare the angles and options for the night. Clear skies and very little wind looked perfect for capturing reflections in the different pools.
Auroras were already visible in the sky during the blue hour, so I quickly headed to the spot where I had planned the composition. The wind shifted, making it difficult to capture the reflections, but the moment the sky exploded, the wind stopped, and for a few brief moments, I achieved my dream photograph. It was a great joy to witness and capture such a moment.
Twisting Turn
Photographer: Virgil Reglioni
Location: Scoresbysund, Greenland
Camera gear: Sony a7C II, Laowa 15mm F2 Zero-D
Technical details: 15mm, F2.0, ISO 2500, 1.3 sec
Caption: Behind every image lies a deliberate process — a fusion of coordination, timing, and technical precision carried out from a ship navigating some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Photographing the aurora over the ice is never about luck; it’s the result of preparation, teamwork, and experience. From the ship’s bridge to the camera deck, every movement is carefully planned to give the lights their best possible stage.
During the day, we navigated through fields of icebergs, scouting for the perfect one — a curve, a ridge, or a translucent arch to anchor the composition. Guided by how the aurora moves across the Greenlandic sky, we aligned our chosen iceberg and ship precisely, uniting earth, ice, and sky in one luminous image.
Working closely with the bridge crew, we searched for newly formed ice strong enough to hold the vessel steady. A stable platform was vital — it allowed us to capture long exposures between half a second and two seconds, every moment of stillness essential as the aurora began to dance above.
When the Northern Lights intensified, our focus shifted. We exposed for the highlights, preserving the delicate shapes of light without losing their definition. Each frame became a balance between nature’s raw power and the patience of observation.
Aurora Comet Lemmon
Photographer: Petr Horálek
Location: Skaulo, Sweden
Camera gear: Canon EOS Ra, Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM
Technical details: F1.4, ISO 2500, 3.2 sec
Caption: The night of 24 October, 2025, was incredible. I had just moved to Sweden, where I organized an astrophotography workshop. We headed to Skaulo, where we found an incredible viewpoint over Suotojärvi Lake.
This night coincided with the C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Comet, which was only discovered back in January 2025. The comet was so bright that we could see it with our naked eyes, even when it was very low on the horizon.
Fortunately, I had my camera with me! I photographed the comet darting through the sky beside the bright Aurora Borealis. Capturing two stunning natural phenomena in one shot was an exhilarating experience. The comet and the aurora appeared to be in a sort of dance, giving us an amazing show that I’ll remember forever.
Corona Blast Aurora Geomagnetic Storm
Photographer: Roi Levi
Location: Kirkjufell, Iceland
Camera gear: Sony a7S III (astro-modified), Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG Art
Technical details:
Caption: This image was captured during the March Equinox, as a geomagnetic storm structure brought a mesmerizing light show. A full-zenith Auroral Corona erupted overhead – powerful, bright pillars of light radiated across the sky, creating a stunning crown-light blast shape.
This rare phenomenon occurred on March 21, 2025, when a CME struck Earth, triggering a G2 geomagnetic storm. The shot is a 360° panoramic stitch of 21 frames, capturing the entire Aurora shape and a complete sky view. I used a Sigma Art fast F1.4 lens to get a fast exposure and capture the pillar structure.
Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most iconic mountains, and witnessing the aurora here was a one-of-a-kind experience. With the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls in the foreground, this image is a dynamic representation of the sweeping auroral corona.
Speechless
Photographer: Ralf Rohner
Location: Hudson Bay, Canada
Camera gear: Canon EOS R (astro-modified), Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
Technical details: F2, ISO 6400, 5 sec
Caption: I was flying at 35,000 feet over Hudson Bay, Canada. As a commercial pilot, night flights often test one’s patience and endurance. Confined to a narrow seat, surrounded by seemingly never-changing instruments, the pilot stares into a boundless darkness and wonders what drives him to endure such long, lonely hours. The monotony can seem endless – until suddenly, everything changes. There are rare nights when the sky rewards you for all that fatigue and isolation.
Above a silent sea of clouds, cocooned within a fragile shell of metal, the pilot witnesses something extraordinary. Curtains of light dance across the heavens, painting the darkness with vivid greens and purples. In that breathtaking moment, every struggle feels justified, and words simply fail. What I couldn’t express with words, I captured in this photograph.
The Northern Crown
Photographer: Mari Jääskeläinen
Location: Pyhäjärvi, Finland
Camera gear: Sony a7 III, Sigma 14mm F1.8 Art DG HSM
Technical details: F2, ISO 2500, 1.6 sec
Caption: I step outside and take a look at the sky above my house. It’s time. I feel the adrenaline rush in as I gather my gear and put on more warm clothes.
Just a quick drive to the lake nearby and I’m all set up for the night! During active nights, I always follow the real-time solar wind data to predict what’s yet to come. On this night, there were no significant CMEs as far as I remember. And I was perfectly fine with that, as this could be the night when I finally get the shot I’ve dreamed about for a long time.
In my mind, I imagine the Northern Lights creating a clear, bright green spiral to the northern sky, just above the trees, so the foreground would fit perfectly into the frame. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the auroral arc started taking the exact shape I had only dreamed about for so long! Perfect reminder of how beautiful these subtle auroras can be!
Neon Nightfall
Photographer: Andres Papp
Location: Türisalu, Estonia
Camera gear: Canon EOS 6D, Samyang 14mm F2.8
Technical details: F2.8, ISO 6400, 5 sec
Caption: I shot this image on a quiet, rocky beach as a strong aurora storm rolled in from the north. At first, it was just a low green arc, but it quickly erupted into vertical curtains of lime and rare magenta. To connect the sky with the foreground, I illuminated the shoreline rocks with a strong 365 nm UV light torch, which made the minerals pop and added the surreal glow you see in the image.
The challenge was balancing everything—an exposure of about 5 seconds to keep the aurora structure sharp and managing the UV spill so it didn’t look artificial. What keeps me coming back to Northern Lights photography is this mix of science and magic: you study forecasts and KP indices, but the real reward is when the sky does something unexpected, and you’re prepared to capture it in a single, colorful frame.
Gibson Steps Aurora
Photographer: Jeff Cullen
Location: Great Ocean Rd, Victoria, Australia
Camera gear: Canon EOS 5DS, Samyang 14mm F2.8
Technical details: F2.8, ISO 1000, 30 sec
Caption: I had been struggling to find the motivation to get out and shoot. The aurora was predicted, as were the clouds, but I decided to take the chance and drive the hour to this iconic destination. The cloud prediction was correct, but I still went down the 86 steps to the beach and crossed the sand to the Gog and Magog sea stacks. The clouds started to clear, and I was able to shoot some great images before the aurora died down. I packed up and had another nearby destination in mind.
Climbing back up the stairs, the beams were so big and bright in the corner of my eye! I ran back down to the beach and quickly set up my camera again. This image shows the magic that happened that night; I was absolutely amazed and astounded that such a weak aurora forecast brought me such a brilliant show.
Moral of the story: Go and shoot! There is nothing to lose, but the finest nature photos to gain.
Guardians of the Aurora
Photographer: Daniel Mickleson
Location: Taranaki, New Zealand
Camera gear: Canon EOS R5, Canon 16-35mm F2.8L II USM
Technical details: F2.8, ISO 1250, 13 sec
Caption: A rare aurora event lit the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island in vivid curtains of pink and green. In the foreground, the rock formations known as the Three Sisters stand as guardians of the shoreline, while the sacred Taranaki Maunga rises in the distance. Within Te ao Māori (the Māori worldview), such natural features are not just landscapes but ancestral presences, carrying the role of guardianship. Beneath the aurora, earth, sky, and ancestry converge in a moment both fleeting and timeless.
After capturing my first aurora during the May 2024 storm, I was hooked. Travelling several hours from my home to this special location, I hoped the forecasts would be correct. Even with a near–full moon, the powerful display shone across the sky. I could see the beams dancing overhead — a truly spectacular sight.
One Autumn Night
Photographer: Jesús Garrido
Location: Abisko, Sweden
Camera gear: Sony a1, Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM
Technical details: F1,8, ISO 4000, 3.2 sec
Caption: The 1st of October 2025. That night, at the very moment I stepped outside my home, I somehow knew it was going to be a great one. The solar activity was looking really good, and I kept thinking that I had to find some open water to catch those reflections. Soon, the lakes would be completely frozen and covered in snow, so this felt like the right time to look for reflections before winter settled in.
I drove to a little bay of Lake Torneträsk in Abisko, a place I like because it’s usually quiet and protected from the wind. A few moments after arriving, the Northern Lights started to move slowly across the sky, and then suddenly they began to dance. Red tones rose on the southern horizon while the lake remained perfectly still, reflecting every single thing that was happening above me.
Celestial Fireworks on New Years
Photographer: Sara Aurorae
Location: The Otways, Victoria, Australia
Camera gear: Nikon Z7II, Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm F1.8 S
Technical details: Panorama: 6 Frames, F2.5, ISO 1250, 13 sec
Caption: On New Year’s Day, beneath the dark Australian sky, my friends and I were met by celestial fireworks with the Aurora Australis unfurling in a sudden, breathtaking bloom above our quiet campsite in the Otways of Victoria. Ribbons of rose, violet, and green shimmered, visible even to the naked eye, as if the universe itself had heard our resolutions for 2025 and joined in our celebration.
The spectacle arrived without warning, giving me only moments to reach for my camera. Though the foreground may be plain, I don’t mind it, as the lines of trees on the right lead your eye to the stunning light show in the sky. This photograph holds something far greater — a reminder that even in life’s simplest scenes, magic can find us when we least expect it.
Auroral Reflections
Photographer: Travis D. Amick
Location: Ketchum, Idaho, USA
Camera gear: Sony a7R IV, Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM
Technical details: Single shot, 14mm, F1.8, ISO 2000, 8 sec
Caption: The night commenced with the eagerly anticipated arrival of a large coronal mass ejection (CME) destined to impact Earth. CMEs, a primary cause of significant aurora displays, serve as an excellent catalyst for the aurora to be observed in lower latitudes, particularly during substorms, which are brief “bursts” of heightened auroral activity.
The notification of a CME impact came ringing in much earlier than expected from SpaceWeatherLive. I was well prepared and quickly headed out to a secluded pond just north of Ketchum, Idaho. After the initial impact, time seemed to slow down, and only a faint auroral glow was present on the horizon. I was ready to throw in the towel when suddenly, there was an explosion of color and the brightest naked-eye red flares I’ve ever seen.
I ran down to the pond to get this particular shot of the vibrant red flares intertwined with the colors of the aurora reflecting off the tranquil pond. Within minutes, the substorm subsided, and the aurora once again receded to just a glow on the horizon. The aurora demands patience and meticulous planning, but it’s worth it for those fleeting moments of awe.
