Southern Lights wedding shoot! 8 tips you should know

While the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, is a famous and beloved bucket list item for many night sky watchers around the world, the lesser known Southern Lights are no less spectacular and much easier to access and observe than their northern counterpart.

Aurora Australis expert Dr Ian Griffin shares his tips on the best way to enjoy the Southern Lights in New Zealand.

See also: 10 swoon-worthy couple poses to steal for your own wedding shoot

1. Know the best times to view the Southern Lights

While the Aurora Australis can be seen at any time of the year, the best months are March and September, when the equinoxes occur. June and July are also optimal as the sky is darkest then, making the aurora activity easier and more dramatic to observe.

2. Get there early

For keen photographers, get to your designated position early to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness – it takes about 15-20 minutes for the pupils to dilate and allow a sharper view of the night sky.

See also: Seaside wedding shoot? 8 extraordinary beaches you should check out

3. Take advantage of surrounding lakes

Try to incorporate a body of water into the picture for possible reflections, and take time away from the camera lens to observe the light show with your naked eye.

4. Stay as long as you can

Aim to be at your viewing spot an hour after sunset. The lights “perform” in different ways throughout the night, so stay as long as you can to view them in their spectacular and unexpected range.

See also: True Apple fans! This couple had their wedding shoot at the new Apple store in Orchard Road

5. Take note of the best viewing spots

To maximise your chances of seeing the Southern Lights, consider accommodation options on Otago Peninsula, head to Hoopers and Papanui Inlets, or station yourself anywhere along the coastal road south of Brighton, Tunnel Beach or the carpark at Sandfly Bay.

6. Be prepared for the elements

Take a torch, warm clothing, and consider fluoro jackets or reflector patches if you’re heading to the inlets. It’s also a good idea to bring a deck chair, blanket or a snuggly sleeping bag – just in case you get addicted to the night sky, or have to wait for hours for it to appear.

See also: 5 fun, retro wedding shoot venues that are #SoSingapore

7. See the real night sky through a telescope

If you are visiting Dunedin on a Sunday, the local astronomical society opens the Beverley-Begg Observatory to the public from 7.30pm for NZ$5.

8. You may even see it in the north of New Zealand

The lights can occasionally be viewed from Christchurch, Wellington and even Auckland. However, the further south you travel, the better your chances.

See also: Click app and find: Beautiful places in Singapore for your wedding shoot!

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

This article originally appeared on SilverKris.