Iceland - November, or January? Or not much difference?

[Zephyr]

Hi

I am thinking of going to Iceland, either toward the end of November, of the end of January, has anyone got any advice as to whether either time is preferred for aurora photography, but also general landscapes in the area.

I am thinking of heading to Vik, Jokulsarlon (sp?), Hofn and surrounding areas.

Advice of locations would be great, too, if anyone has any.

I was just curious as to whether my odds of photographing the aurora are greatly enhanced, or reduced by going either time. I read on the web that autumn (september) to the end of february is a good window, but wanted to know from anyone with experience first hand. Of course, not being the cheapest of trips i wanted to make sure i got it right first time, or at least maximised my chances to the best of my ability - I will coincide my trips with new moon to aid in getting darker skies.

As well is the weather any worse in january as opposed to november?

Thanks very much in advance

Graeme

 

[jbw]

The weather and hence clear skies is in the lap of the weather God whatever month you go. November you are likely to get no snow ( but not definite) & hence get better reflection shots from still water. January tends to be more frozen so reflection shots from water is more difficult. Having said that, frozen Island is more spectacular. If you are looking to take aurora shots you would be better off with little or no moon. Check out moon rise and set times before you book.
If you want to see what aurora in Iceland looks like in winter have a flip through my portfolio on this link
http://500px.com/imagesinspiredbynature
I don't mind if you want to email me with questions
Hope this helps
James

 

[Lemaildetom]

Last year January was a record year for northern light with something like 25 display in a months!!! But northern light are unpredictable and some forecast are seeing the oncoming sun activity to be pretty quiet. What you want it's the most darkness, away from town, close to winter solstice and no moon. But the display are so intense in Iceland that I'm sure you would still get a nice northern light with a full moon that can help lightning the scenery.

Wow, james you have some cracking shot! Such as http://500px.com/photo/62408673/aur...al-lagoon-by-james-boardman-woodend?from=user

 

[Zephyr]

The weather and hence clear skies is in the lap of the weather God whatever month you go. November you are likely to get no snow ( but not definite) & hence get better reflection shots from still water. January tends to be more frozen so reflection shots from water is more difficult. Having said that, frozen Island is more spectacular. If you are looking to take aurora shots you would be better off with little or no moon. Check out moon rise and set times before you book.
If you want to see what aurora in Iceland looks like in winter have a flip through my portfolio on this link
http://500px.com/imagesinspiredbynature
I don't mind if you want to email me with questions
Hope this helps
James

Thanks James! I will have a proper look when I get home later, would January still yield decent aurora shots then? and by 'frozen island' are you referring to Jokulsarlon? Have you got any locations you'd personally recommend for a 1st time goer, and are places like Jokulsarlon easily accessible from the main road?
I intend to go during the new moon so there will be little/no moon, but from a few places i've read they seem to suggest that it makes little difference, which confused me - see http://www.natalia-robba.com/myblog...orthern-lights-everything-you-need-to-know/#3

Thank you so much for your help

Graeme
p.s. your shots are stunning

 

[Zephyr]

Last year January was a record year for northern light with something like 25 display in a months!!! But northern light are unpredictable and some forecast are seeing the oncoming sun activity to be pretty quiet. What you want it's the most darkness, away from town, close to winter solstice and no moon. But the display are so intense in Iceland that I'm sure you would still get a nice northern light with a full moon that can help lightning the scenery.

Wow, james you have some cracking shot! Such as http://500px.com/photo/62408673/aur...al-lagoon-by-james-boardman-woodend?from=user

Wow, that's great! But also do you need a particularly wide aperture lens for aurora shots? Would F4 be sufficient?

 

[Lemaildetom]

I think the blog you pointed to is really spot on. Preferably you want a very wide angle lens (8-10mm) something pretty fast (f/2 f/2.8) and some really good iso (ISO1600 or ISO 3200). I have shot in the past with my 30mm f/1.4 and could really see things that were unvisible to the eye (a gentle green glow in the horizon becoming a proper glancing display). But when the northern light is strong (the kind you will remember), then I have shot with my canon 40D at iso 800 using a sigma 10-20 f/3.5 and the picture came out pretty good but of course if I had a faster lens and better iso I could have had a faster shutter speed and get some nicer results. So it's all relative to what you have in front of you!
Last year on 5 attempts of shooting the northern light, only one was really worse it! But I only leave in the north of Scotland, in Iceland they have much better probability to see the northern light.

 

[jbw]

Iceland is good because although it's sub arctic ( below the arctic circle) the Earths magnetic pole is close enough to Iceland to get great aurora ( the earths geo poles and magnetic poles are not in the same place). Jokulsarlon is a great venue - both night and day. Nearly all the great photographic spots in South Iceland are within 200 metres or so of the road. If you in go winter try to hire a 4 wheel drive car and possibly equipped with studded tyres.
Hope this helps
James

 

[jbw]

Just thought - there is a truly fantastic e-book called Forever Light by Sarah Marino. It tells you where all the good photographic spots are, locates them on maps or gps for you, gives advice on what time of day and season fro shooting, etc. even gives advice on car hire company's and how to eat cheap.
James

 

[a1ex2001]

The chances are pretty similar in either of your preferred months, it is all down to luck when your there.

My advice stay out side they big towns it's great to be able to watch the aurora without having to drive into the night.

Vik was our favourite place some lovely little guest houses and amazing scenery.

We had no issue accessing all the main sites in winter but a 4x4 is a good idea in case the weather turns I'd recommend blue car rental (nothing to do with me but a few friends have used them as well and been pleased with price and service)

Camera gear wide fast lens ( I had a 14mm f2.8 on full frame) tripod, cable release and spare batteries. Get fingerless gloves a warm hat and a decent flask after a few hours in the freezing cold you'll be grateful!