TIPS

What is Lapland?

It is no surprise that Lapland is one of Europe's gems and one of the best places in the world to spend winter vacations. But how far away is this place? Where is Lapland? Lapland lies within the Arctic Circle, full of amazing unspoiled nature. "Lapland" is situated in Scandinavia and often referred to as the northern area of Finland. But, in fact, it occupies the northern part of Sweden, Norway (which is ¼ of all Scandinavia), Finland, and even Russia. The word itself is derived from "Lapp" - Scandinavians used this word to refer to the indigenous Sami people, who have been living in the region since ancient times. Interestingly, the Sami find the word "Lapland" offensive and prefer to use their own language and name this region "Sápmi".

Polar night and polar day

Polar night
The period between December and January, when the sun does not shine at all and the whole day consists of twilight.
Nevertheless, the day from 10 am to 3 pm is relatively light. In addition, white snow reflects light, making the day a little lighter. This is a time of amazing glowing blue-red sunsets! Every day for about 15 minutes comes the so-called “blue moment” when the sky and the snow appear blue. This you can see only in the north!

Polar day
Summer in Lapland has a special charm. From mid-May to the end of August, the sun does not set at all. But at the same time, it doesn’t burn, but shines just right so that you can walk and enjoy nature both day and night.

7 easy steps to your own amazing photos of Northern Lights

Step 1: Set to Manual
Set your camera and lens to Manual.
Turn off Image Stabilization
Turn your Flash setting to OFF!

Automatic settings are great in daylight, when the camera can sense and measure it’s surrounding. But cameras don’t see in the dark, and thus the Automatic setting is useless in Northern Lights conditions.
Our flash, however, is a harsh light pollutant and will wash out the Northern Lights and temporarily blind everyone around you.

Step 2: ISO setting
ISO 1600 is a good start

This is what controls the light sensitivity of your ‘film’. The higher the ISO, the less light you need to “develop” a picture.

Step 3: Aperture = f-stop
f-2.8 or the lowest f-number you can get

The aperture, or f-stop (f-2.8, f-4, f-5,6 etc) on your camera tells you how widely your lens is open = the size of the opening letting light through the lens.

Step 4: Shutter speed
20 sec. is a good start

Shutter speed = exposure time = the time your lens is open and absorbing light.

Step 5: Use a Tripod
Mount your camera on a tripod

Holding your breath and keeping very very still is not gonna cut it. You may be taking your photo for 30 seconds, that’s half a minute.

Step 6: Zoom & Focus
Zoom out (lowest mm setting on your lens)
Set to the infinity symbol, if you have one: ∞

The Northern Lights occupy a large space in the sky, and we want to capture as much of it as we can.

Step 7: Remotely release the shutter
Use a remote control, or a 2 sec. self-timer

Every time you touch your camera you will shake it, causing a possible blur in your photo.

Wanna learn more, or have a real chance to make a nice pic of Northern Lights?
Come to Lapland and join our programs.

How to dress in Lapland

How to start a fire in a fireplace correctly

How to start a sauna in a Finnish cottage

How to regulate floor heating in a Finnish cottage

How to use a dishwasher in a Finnish cottage

How to make a final cleaning in a Finnish cottage