Anchorage Aurora Tour and Northern Lights Photo

The Anchorage Aurora Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the captivating Northern Lights. Led by a seasoned photographer, this small-group experience focuses on teaching participants essential photography skills to capture the ethereal aurora. With personalized guidance on camera settings, composition, and techniques, travelers can hone their skills and take home stunning portraits of this natural wonder. Equipped with coffee, snacks, and comfortable viewing gear, the tour ensures a seamless and immersive exploration of the mesmerizing aurora borealis. Whether you’re a budding photographer or simply seeking to marvel at nature’s enchanting display, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• This nocturnal adventure in Anchorage focuses on photographing the Northern Lights, with a professional photographer guide providing personalized assistance and photography tips.

• The tour includes amenities like coffee/tea, snacks, tripods, and blankets to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Northern Lights viewing experience.

• Participants can expect a small group setting, with pickup from Anchorage hotels and flexible schedules to accommodate traveler convenience.

• The tour highlights the science behind the aurora and teaches techniques for capturing the ethereal lights, such as adjusting camera settings and composition.

• Cancellation policies allow for flexibility, with full refunds provided if the tour is canceled due to weather conditions, ensuring the best chance of witnessing the Northern Lights.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a nocturnal adventure to witness the captivating Northern Lights from Anchorage, with a focus on photography and learning new skills to capture the dazzling aurora.

Led by a professional photographer guide, the small group experience allows for personalized attention and photography tips. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills and take home stunning aurora portraits.

The tour includes essential equipment like tripods and blankets, as well as coffee, tea, and snacks to keep you energized throughout the adventure.

This is an immersive experience designed to help you make the most of the Northern Lights display and capture its beauty through your lens.

Inclusions

The tour includes coffee/tea and snacks to keep participants energized throughout the adventure. It also provides a tripod and blanket for comfort during the Northern Lights viewing. Plus, the tour covers state park admission fees, ensuring seamless access to the viewing locations. Travelers will also receive professional aurora portraits captured by the guide, allowing them to preserve memories of the stunning display.

Inclusions	Details
Refreshments	Coffee/tea, snacks
Gear	Tripod, blanket
Fees	State park admission
Guide	Professional photographer
Keepsake	Aurora portraits

Pickup Details

Participants can get picked up from hotels within Anchorage, with pickup times ranging from 8 PM to 12 AM.

However, the tour doesn’t offer pickup service from Girdwood, Eagle River, or Alyeska Resort.

The flexible pickup schedule allows travelers to join the tour at a convenient time, ensuring they don’t miss the opportunity to witness the captivating Northern Lights.

By providing centralized pickups from Anchorage hotels, the tour streamlines the experience, making it accessible for a wider range of participants.

This thoughtful transportation arrangement demonstrates the tour organizers’ commitment to delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience for their guests.

Tour Requirements

Given the nature of the Northern Lights tour, there are certain requirements participants must meet. For instance, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are permitted. Plus, infants must remain on laps throughout the experience.

On top of that, the tour organizers advise against participation for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. These reasonable stipulations help ensure the safety and comfort of all guests during the nocturnal adventure.

To make the most of the tour, consider these tips:

• Dress warmly in layers to stay comfortable during the chilly night
• Bring a camera and extra batteries to capture stunning aurora photos
• Stay hydrated and snack on the provided refreshments
• Follow your guide’s instructions to safely explore the best viewing spots

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can take advantage of a flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

However, the organizers reserve the right to cancel the tour due to weather conditions that could adversely impact aurora visibility. In such cases, full refunds will be provided.

This policy ensures that guests have the best possible chance of witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights, while also allowing them to make last-minute changes to their plans if needed.

Photography Guidance

The tour’s photography expertise empowers guests to capture the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. A professional photographer guide accompanies the group, sharing techniques to optimize camera settings and composition for stunning aurora photographs.

Guests learn how to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to properly expose the Northern Lights.
Composition tips help frame the aurora within the landscape for visually striking images.

The guide provides hands-on assistance to ensure each guest gets the perfect shot.
Tripods and blankets are provided, allowing guests to focus on their photography skills.

Aurora Viewing Insights

The tour takes guests to prime viewing locations around Anchorage, carefully selected by the guide based on weather conditions and current aurora forecasts. These spots offer the best vantage points to witness the dazzling display of the Northern Lights.

With the guide’s expertise, guests learn how to identify the different types of aurora and understand the science behind their formation. The tour also provides insights on the ideal camera settings and techniques to capture the ethereal lights, ensuring visitors come away with stunning photographs to memorialize their experience.

Throughout the adventure, the guide is on hand to offer personalized guidance, ensuring everyone has the best opportunity to witness and photograph the mesmerizing natural spectacle.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the tour, guests should dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, weatherproof boots. The tour takes place during the evening hours when temperatures can drop, so dressing appropriately is crucial for comfort throughout the experience.

Some other tips to keep in mind:

• Bring a camera and extra batteries, as capturing the Northern Lights requires long exposures and can drain camera batteries quickly.
• Consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight to help navigate in the dark.

Pack any necessary medications and snacks or drinks to stay fueled during the tour.

Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, as it can impair your ability to enjoy the natural light show.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Camera Settings Are Recommended for Photographing the Northern Lights?

To capture the northern lights, photographers should use a DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens, long exposure times (10-30 seconds), high ISO (800-3200), and a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/4). Tripod support is also essential for sharp, clear images.

How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?

The tour typically lasts 4-5 hours, allowing ample time to photograph the Northern Lights and learn new photography techniques from the professional guide. Pickup times can vary from 8 PM to 12 AM depending on optimal aurora viewing conditions.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Infants must sit on laps, but otherwise, all ages are welcome to join. The tour is open to both adults and children alike.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes coffee, tea, and snacks, but travelers are welcome to pack additional items if desired.

Will the Guide Provide Instruction on Photographing the Northern Lights?

Yes, the professional photographer guide will provide instruction on photographing the northern lights during the tour. They’ll teach new photography skills to help travelers capture the stunning aurora borealis displays.

Recap

The Anchorage Aurora Tour offers a captivating opportunity to witness the Northern Lights and learn photography skills from a professional.

With personalized guidance, comfortable viewing equipment, and a focus on capturing stunning aurora portraits, the tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable exploration of this natural wonder.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want to experience the magic of the aurora, this tour isn’t to be missed.