Article content continued

Freelance photographer Christy Turner agreed with Drew, but noted it’s not impossible to see them from within the city.

“It definitely is possible, but you want to go somewhere where there’s little light pollution,” she said.

Photo by Christy Turner / Christy Turner Photography

“Even Nose Hill is a great spot because you can definitely see it from Nose Hill.”

Turner said those in the deep south of the city could just drive 10 minutes west or east (preferably east) outside the city limits to find some darker skies.

Be sure to look to the north and northeast to see the lights if they’re out.

Use a DSLR

Drew said the really new cell phones might get you an image of the lights, but really you’ll want a DSLR camera.

“If (the northern lights are) quite bright, the new iPhone 11 or the newest Google pixel phone, they should both give you something at least, but it won’t be as good as a DSLR,” he said.

Long exposure is key

The trick with the aurora is to let as much light as possible hit the camera sensor. Turner said for those familiar with manual setting on a DSLR, they need to use their lowest f-stop, start at an ISO of 1600, and have an exposure time of 12 seconds.

Drew said 15 seconds is not too long an exposure time. He also recommends a wide-angle lens, if you have one.

Both photographers agree that a tripod is a must, and a remote trigger is great to have if you want crisp photos. Turner suggested an easy workaround for those who don’t have a trigger.

“You can just put it on the self-timer for three seconds, and that way there’s no motion on the photo.”