Yes, you can see the northern lights in Regina and the surrounding countryside. For a better view of a faint display, look for an open northern horizon away from the city glow. When activity becomes strong, the lights can reach overhead and sometimes be visible from within the city. I was born and raised in Regina, but it took moving back from northern Saskatchewan for me to appreciate what was happening above my own hometown. I had spent so much time looking for the lights in the North that I had underestimated the skies closer to home. This guide brings together that experience, photographs from my original Regina aurora story, and practical planning advice. It is a starting point for your own night outside, with enough room for the sky to surprise you. The quick answer: where should you look near Regina? North and northwest of Regina: research the Condie area and the countryside toward Lumsden and Craven, choosing an open view with as little city glow as possible. Within Regina: Wascana Centre and Douglas Park hill can offer an accessible city option during a strong display, although urban lighting makes faint aurora harder to see. At every location: confirm current access, gates, parking and any closure notices. A place mentioned in a photography story is not automatically open for overnight use. For the broader provincial picture, see my guide to five northern lights viewing areas in Saskatchewan. 1. Condie Nature Refuge and the area northwest of Regina Condie is part of my own Regina aurora story. On one outing, we nearly left before the display became really good. Waiting a little longer gave us the photographs and the memory we would otherwise have missed. Tourism Saskatchewan lists Condie Nature Refuge northwest of Regina, off Highway 11 at Exit A. It has designated parking areas and a reservoir setting. Its listing also says pets are not permitted. Year-round access does not establish overnight opening hours. I could not confirm after-dark gate access for this guide. Check with the site operator and obey the posted hours before planning an aurora visit; keep gates and access roads clear. Check the current Tourism Saskatchewan listing for Condie Nature Refuge before travelling. 2. Lumsden, Craven and the Qu’Appelle Valley area The countryside toward Lumsden and Craven gives Regina residents another area to research for darker skies. The important detail is the view from your exact position: valley walls, trees, nearby lights and the city glow can all affect what you see. Look for a clearly permitted public place with an open sky. Scout it in daylight and confirm where parking is allowed. Rural roads, fields, farm approaches and bridges are not interchangeable with designated viewing areas. Get permission before entering private land and keep well clear of traffic. These are regional suggestions, rather than promises about a particular roadside spot. Tourism Saskatchewan’s Regina-area photography guide is useful background when planning a daytime scouting trip. 3. Wascana Centre and Douglas Park hill A strong aurora can sometimes be visible without leaving Regina. Tourism Saskatchewan’s local photography guide identifies Douglas Park hill in Wascana Centre as a place where northern lights may occasionally be seen when the display is strong. It is a city option, with city lighting. A faint band near the horizon may be washed out even while a camera records some colour. Check current park access and notices, choose permitted paths and parking, and keep away from the water and ice. If the lights become active overhead, remember to look beyond the northern horizon. You can miss a lot by staring in only one direction. When is the best time to see northern lights near Regina? You need darkness, a sufficiently clear sky and aurora activity that reaches your viewing area. Longer autumn and winter nights give you more dark hours; cold temperatures themselves do not create the lights. A display can happen outside those seasons too. Around midnight is often a useful viewing window, but it is not an appointment. Activity can build earlier, fade quickly or return later. Give your eyes time to adjust and check conditions again rather than relying on a single alert. How to decide whether tonight is worth heading out Check the aurora outlook and the time shown on the forecast. Old screenshots and yesterday’s photographs can be misleading. Check cloud cover around Regina and along your route. An active aurora above thick cloud will not give you a clear view. Choose your location before leaving, including permitted parking and a way home. Use local sightings as an extra clue, paying attention to when and where the photograph was taken. Start with NOAA’s aurora dashboard and the Canadian Space Agency’s viewing advice. Treat Kp as a broad activity indicator, not a guarantee that a display will start at a particular time in Regina. A forecast helps you decide whether to try. The sky still gets the final say. Simple phone and camera tips Using a phone If your phone offers Night mode, try it with the phone supported on a tripod or another stable surface. Keep it still until the capture finishes. On supported iPhones, Night mode adjusts for low light and offers exposure options; the exact controls vary by model and software. A phone photograph can reveal colour in a faint aurora that looks grey or subtle to your eyes. That does not mean every display will look as bright in person as it does on a screen. Using a camera Bring a sturdy tripod, use a wide aperture, and focus carefully on a star. Take a test photograph and inspect it. The Canadian Space Agency gives 10–25 seconds as an exposure starting range, while noting that moving aurora can blur during a long exposure. Adjust for the brightness and movement you actually see. For a fuller walkthrough, visit my northern lights photography guide. You do not have to learn every setting before enjoying your first outing. A short checklist before you leave Warm layers, gloves and footwear suitable for the conditions. A charged phone, spare power and a light for finding your way safely. A tripod or stable support, if you want photographs. Current weather and road-condition checks, plus confirmed access and parking. Let someone know your plan, especially when heading into the countryside. Set up your camera before your hands get cold. Use only the light you need around other viewers, and avoid shining a flashlight into someone else’s photograph. The part that keeps me going back We nearly left Condie before the lights really appeared. That night stayed with me because it reminded me how easily we can leave before noticing what is right above us. There is something about stepping outside the rush, waiting, and paying attention. Sometimes you come home with a photograph. Sometimes you come home with a quieter head and a story. Either way, you made space to look. That is the idea behind finding light in the darkness. You do not need the most expensive camera to begin noticing what is beautiful around you. Frequently asked questions Can I see the northern lights from inside Regina? Sometimes, especially during a strong display. City lighting makes faint aurora harder to see. An open view away from bright lights improves your chances, but no location guarantees a sighting. Do I have to drive hours north? No. My original Regina photographs were made much closer to home. Northern locations can offer different opportunities, but an evening near Regina can still be worthwhile when the conditions line up. Is Condie definitely open for late-night aurora viewing? I have not confirmed overnight access. Check current gates, hours and notices with the operator before visiting, and use another permitted location if access is closed. Can I photograph the northern lights with my phone? Yes, many recent phones can capture aurora in low light. Night mode and a stable support can help. Results depend on the phone, the conditions and the strength of the display. Keep exploring Browse photographs by location on my interactive map, or bring a piece of Saskatchewan’s night sky into your home. For stories and creative activities to share with children, visit my books page. Sources and planning links Local access and astronomy references checked in October 2026. Confirm current conditions before travelling. Tourism Saskatchewan: Condie Nature Refuge Tourism Saskatchewan: Photographing Regina and Beyond Canadian Space Agency: Aurora viewing tips Canadian Space Agency: Photographing the aurora NASA: Finding and photographing auroras Apple: Taking Night mode photographs

Updated October 22, 2026. Location guidance, official resources and photo descriptions reviewed; the original article was published April 24, 2023. Saskatchewan has room to get away from city lights, with prairie horizons in the south and lakes and forest farther north. The best place to see the northern lights depends on where the sky is clear, how active the aurora is, and where you can stop safely. No destination can promise a display. This guide brings together places to consider, what to check before leaving, and photographs from my Saskatchewan aurora collection. Start with a location you can reach comfortably, then let the weather and current conditions guide the evening. What makes a good northern-lights viewing spot? Look for a dark location with an open view of the sky and legal, safe access. A lake shoreline or prairie horizon can give a clear view, but a photograph is not proof that a particular shoreline, field or road is open to visitors. Check access before travelling and stay off private land unless you have permission. Northern locations generally improve your chances, while strong activity can bring the aurora much farther south. Bright city lighting can hide a faint display. Look around the whole sky rather than watching only the northern horizon. When can you see the northern lights in Saskatchewan? Aurora can be seen in Saskatchewan throughout the year when it is dark enough and conditions line up. Longer autumn and winter nights offer more darkness; summer outings need to account for late twilight, especially farther north. Cold temperatures do not cause the aurora. There is no dependable start time. The Canadian Space Agency notes that displays often become more intense around midnight, but they can appear earlier or later. Clouds can hide even an active aurora, and bright moonlight can make faint detail harder to see. Plan for patience rather than a fixed appointment with the sky. Canadian Space Agency: aurora viewing tips Check the forecast before you drive Use Space Weather Canada for current geomagnetic conditions and forecasts, then compare that with the local weather forecast. Check the time shown on each forecast. An aurora alert is a reason to look outside, not a guarantee that a particular town will have a visible display. Space Weather Canada: conditions and forecasts Before leaving, check cloud cover, road conditions, park notices and seasonal access. Choose a backup plan close to your destination rather than chasing every alert over a long distance. Where to see the northern lights in Saskatchewan Prince Albert National Park and Waskesiu Parks Canada recommends South Bay and Paignton Beach along Narrows Road for open night-sky views. They are useful places to investigate around Waskesiu when access and conditions allow. Confirm current road and visitor notices before going. Prince Albert National Park offers stargazing opportunities, but it should not be labelled an officially designated Dark-Sky Preserve in this guide. Parks Canada: stargazing in Prince Albert National Park La Ronge and Lac La Ronge Provincial Park La Ronge is a base for exploring the surrounding lake country. Look for an accessible shoreline with a clear view and limited nearby lighting. Check with the park or your accommodation about access, operating seasons and current conditions rather than assuming every campground or launch is available after dark. Lac La Ronge Provincial Park visitor information Pinehouse Lake Pinehouse sits beside Pinehouse Lake in northern Saskatchewan. This recovered photograph from my CBC documentary photo collection shows a red-and-white tent beneath green northern lights reflected in the water. It is a reminder of the photographs that came out of our time there, not a marked public campsite or a promise of conditions on your visit. Confirm local access and choose a safe viewing spot on shore. Respect the community and private property, and arrange any camping or overnight stay in advance. Pinehouse community and visitor information Meadow Lake Provincial Park Meadow Lake Provincial Park offers lakes and boreal-forest scenery to consider for a night-sky trip. The practical question is whether you can reach an open, safe viewing area during your visit. Check seasonal services and park notices first. The earlier version of this article incorrectly called Meadow Lake an official Dark-Sky Preserve; that claim has been removed. Meadow Lake Provincial Park: current visitor information Hudson Bay area If you are staying around Hudson Bay, consider a nearby dark location with permission to park and a clear view of the sky. Treat this as a regional option, not a verified viewing platform or a guaranteed aurora destination. Scout your route in daylight and confirm local access. Regina and Saskatoon You do not always need a northern road trip. During stronger activity, the lights can be visible around Regina and Saskatoon. Moving away from direct streetlights can help, but use an established public place where stopping is permitted. Do not park in traffic lanes, block farm entrances or walk into an unfamiliar field in the dark. My local guide: northern lights near Regina Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills For an officially designated dark-sky destination, consider Grasslands National Park or Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Tourism Saskatchewan identifies these as the province’s two Dark Sky Preserves. Their dark skies are valuable for stargazing even if the aurora does not appear. A designation protects the night-sky experience; it does not guarantee northern lights. Tourism Saskatchewan: stargazing and Dark Sky Preserves Plan for a safe night outside Bring warm layers, a charged phone, a light and enough fuel for the return trip. Let someone know where you are going. Check current park restrictions before camping or lighting a fire; the campfire and tent photographs in this article are images from my collection, not instructions to camp at those exact locations. Stay on safe ground. Do not step onto lake ice simply to improve a photograph, and do not assume ice is safe because it looks frozen. When visibility, access or road conditions are uncertain, choose another night. Bring a camera, but leave time to look A tripod can help keep a camera steady during longer exposures. Keep bright lights away from other viewers and give yourself time to enjoy the sky without a screen. A camera may record colour and detail differently from your eyes, so a photograph should not be treated as a promise of what every display will look like. Start with a clear sky, a safe place to stop and realistic expectations. Some nights give you a photograph. Others give you a quiet view of the stars. Explore more of my northern-lights photographs and guides

The Pinehouse Photography Club — Inspiring Creativity, Building Confidence, and Capturing Memories in Northern Saskatchewan Members of the Pinehouse Photography Club celebrate beneath the breathtaking northern lights along the shores of Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan—a moment of friendship, discovery, and shared experiences that captures the spirit of the club. Some photographs capture a beautiful moment. Others tell a story that extends far beyond the image itself. This photograph, taken beneath the northern lights in northern Saskatchewan, represents something much greater than a remarkable night sky. It reflects a shared experience, a sense of community, and the opportunities that photography can create for young people. Looking back at this image brings back some of my most meaningful memories from the Pinehouse Photography Club, an initiative I founded to introduce youth to photography and encourage them to explore the world around them through a different lens. A memory from my Pinehouse Photography Club days A fresh edit of a photograph from my Pinehouse Photography Club days. Cold nights, northern lights and good company. Photograph by Dre Erwin. Getting outside, learning photography and spending time together were a big part of the club. I founded the Pinehouse Photography Club, but I no longer lead it. I am sharing this photograph as a memory of my time there. The Beginning of the Pinehouse Photography Club Pinehouse Photography Club youth enjoying a campfire during a photography retreat at Norberg Falls, northern Saskatchewan. When I established the Pinehouse Photography Club, my vision was to provide young people in the northern Saskatchewan community of Pinehouse Lake with opportunities to learn photography, develop creative skills, and discover new interests. Photography is about much more than understanding camera settings, composition, or lighting. It encourages curiosity, patience, creativity, and a greater appreciation for the environment. For young people, it can also provide a meaningful opportunity to build confidence, express themselves, and develop a sense of accomplishment. The club was built around these principles, creating opportunities for youth to learn through hands-on experiences while exploring the remarkable landscapes surrounding their community. Pinehouse Photography Club members exploring nighttime photography on a frozen northern Saskatchewan lake under the moonlight. A Night Beneath the Northern Lights Northern Saskatchewan is home to some of the most spectacular night skies in Canada. Far from the light pollution of larger cities, the aurora borealis can transform the landscape into an extraordinary display of color and movement. For those of us who have spent considerable time in the North, the northern lights are a familiar sight. Yet even after witnessing them countless times, there are moments when their beauty remains impossible to describe. This photograph captures one of those moments. Standing together along the shoreline, beneath a sky illuminated by brilliant green auroras, the young photographers raised their arms in celebration. It was a spontaneous moment of excitement and connection, surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Saskatchewan. While the northern lights provided an incredible backdrop, the most important part of the photograph was the group of young people standing beneath them. Their enthusiasm and shared experience are what make this image particularly meaningful to me. Photography as an Opportunity for Growth The Pinehouse Photography Club van beneath the Milky Way, capturing the beauty of northern Saskatchewan's dark skies. Throughout my involvement with the Pinehouse Photography Club, I came to appreciate how photography could become a powerful tool for learning and personal development. A camera offers young people an opportunity to explore their surroundings, recognize beauty in familiar places, and tell stories from their own perspectives. Pinehouse Photography Club members gathering for a group photograph during one of their outdoor photography adventures in northern Saskatchewan. Whether photographing the northern lights, wildlife, landscapes, or everyday life in their community, each experience presented an opportunity to develop new skills. Equally important were the friendships, conversations, and shared memories created along the way. Some of the most rewarding moments had little to do with producing a technically perfect photograph. They came from watching young people become excited about their work, discover their creativity, and take pride in what they had accomplished. Those experiences reinforced my belief that photography can offer something valuable beyond the images themselves. The Pinehouse Photography Club van beside Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan, beneath green northern lights. Photograph by Dre Erwin. The Beauty of Northern Saskatchewan One of the greatest privileges of photographing northern Saskatchewan is experiencing its remarkable natural environment. The aurora borealis dances above the boreal forest, reflecting across the still waters of northern Saskatchewan. The region offers endless photographic opportunities, from expansive boreal forests and peaceful lakes to dramatic night skies and the constantly changing northern lights. For the young photographers of Pinehouse Lake, these landscapes were more than scenic locations. They were part of their home, their community, and their everyday lives. Photography provided another way to appreciate and document that connection. Through the camera, familiar surroundings could become extraordinary subjects, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and unique character of northern Saskatchewan. Looking Back, Moving Forward Over the years, I have captured thousands of photographs, but some of the most meaningful images are not necessarily those with the most dramatic lighting or perfect composition. They are the photographs that bring back memories of people, places, and experiences that made a difference. This image is one of them. Although I have not been as active in photography in recent years, revisiting photographs from the Pinehouse Photography Club reminds me why I became passionate about photography in the first place. It was never simply about capturing beautiful images. It was also about sharing experiences, encouraging creativity, and helping others discover what they could accomplish. The photographs remain, but so do the memories of the people and moments behind them. I hope that the experiences shared through the Pinehouse Photography Club continue to hold meaning for the young people who participated, wherever their journeys have taken them. More Than Just a Photograph When I look at this photograph today, I see much more than silhouettes beneath the aurora borealis. I see friendship, excitement, opportunity, and a group of young people sharing an unforgettable experience beneath the northern sky. It is a reminder that the true value of photography is not always measured by the images we produce, but by the experiences we share and the memories we leave behind. Sometimes the greatest thing we can capture through a camera isn't the light in front of us, but the light we help inspire in others. Dre Erwin Photographer and Founder, Pinehouse Photography ClubNorthern Saskatchewan, Canada

Some photographs say more than words. Two people stand hand in hand on a lakeshore beneath the northern lights, their reflections stretching across the water. This is a moment from the Pinehouse Photography Club in northern Saskatchewan. I founded the Pinehouse Photography Club to create opportunities for young people to explore photography, connect with others and express what matters to them. Working alongside First Nations and Métis communities taught me the value of listening to young people rather than speaking for them. For me, this photograph captures the heart of that work: connection, belonging and finding beauty in the darkness. Explore the Pinehouse Photography Club and my work with therapeutic photography at https://www.dreerwinphoto.com/therapeutic-photography/pinehouse-photography-club.

Updated October 22, 2026 • Viewing advice and photographs refreshed for the 2026–27 season. The best time to look for northern lights in Saskatchewan is on a clear, dark night with aurora activity. Fall and spring are worth watching, winter gives you longer nights, and the hours around midnight are often productive. No month or forecast guarantees a show. Northern lights in Saskatchewan. Photograph by Dre Erwin. I’m hoping you’re not simply thinking about seeing the northern lights. Bring your camera if you can, but leave yourself a few minutes to just look up. These are the things I would check before heading out. What months are best for northern lights in Saskatchewan? Aurora does not switch on for winter and off for summer. Darkness makes it visible. The Canadian Space Agency explains that auroras are more common around the spring and fall equinoxes and easier to see during darker winter nights. For Saskatchewan, that makes fall through early spring a practical starting point, not a promise of activity. Summer can still deliver a display, but the shorter dark window makes timing harder, especially farther north. For a trip, plan several nights if possible instead of relying on one date. In winter, weigh the longer darkness against cold, road conditions and cloud cover. An autumn night under the northern lights in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, October 20, 2026. Photograph by Dre Erwin. What time of night should you go? NOAA’s aurora viewing guidance puts the usual best window within an hour or two of midnight, roughly 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. Treat that as a starting point, not an appointment. Displays can happen earlier or later, especially during stronger activity. Scout your spot in daylight. A safe place to park and a clear view are much easier to find before it gets dark. Once you are there, look overhead as well as toward the northern horizon. The “aurora dragon” over Pinehouse Lake. Photograph by Dre Erwin. Will the northern lights be visible tonight? Check current aurora activity and your local cloud forecast before leaving, then check again as the evening develops. A strong space-weather forecast is little help under solid cloud. Use NOAA’s aurora dashboard for the current viewline and short-range outlook. Kp is a broad guide, not a guarantee that a particular town will see a display. The Canadian Space Agency’s viewing tips recommend escaping light pollution and checking both weather and aurora forecasts. Bright moonlight can make faint aurora harder to see, although a strong display may still be visible. Moonlight and northern lights in the same sky. Photograph by Dre Erwin. Northern Saskatchewan or near Regina and Saskatoon? Northern communities such as Pinehouse Lake and Sandy Bay are part of my photography, but a northern location alone does not guarantee a display. Stronger geomagnetic activity can bring the lights farther south. Near Regina or Saskatoon, choose a legal, safe viewing spot away from the city glow with an open northern horizon. For location ideas, see my five places to look for northern lights in Saskatchewan. Check access before travelling, respect private property and never stop in a traffic lane for a photo. Under the Sandy Bay sky, October 20, 2026. Self-portrait by Dre Erwin. Bring a camera, but keep it simple A steady support and careful focus matter more than chasing one perfect settings recipe. Frame a tree line, shoreline or another foreground you like. Review a test shot, then adjust as the brightness and movement change. Fast-moving curtains need a shorter exposure to hold their shape. If you are getting started, the Canadian Space Agency’s photography guide explains tripod use, focusing on stars and adjusting exposure. You can also explore my aurora photography resources for more ideas. Explore aurora photography resources Look overhead too: the shapes can fill much more than the northern horizon. Photograph by Dre Erwin. A few things to remember before heading out Dress for standing still, carry spare power and let someone know your plan if you are heading somewhere remote. Avoid unfamiliar ice and unsafe roads. A photograph is not worth getting stranded. A winter night beneath the northern lights. Photograph by Dre Erwin. My advice for 2026–27 is simple: watch the conditions, keep the camera ready and make the most of a clear night. Some nights you get the shot, and some nights you just enjoy being out there. Happy hunting, and clear skies! Photographs © Dre Erwin. Please contact me before reproducing them.

A northern lights gift can be a reminder of home, a shared trip, or a sky someone hopes to see. Here are a few ways to choose a northern Saskatchewan photograph for someone you care about. Choose for the person and the occasion For Mom, a partner or a friend: choose colours that suit their home for a birthday, anniversary or Mother’s Day. Ethereal Aurora offers several framed sizes, from C$44.02. See Ethereal Aurora and choose a size For someone with a connection to Saskatchewan: Pinehouse Lake Aurora shows green and purple light above a snowy shoreline. The 42 × 28-inch canvas is C$349. See the Pinehouse Lake canvas For a housewarming, wedding or shared family gift: consider a larger canvas if you know they have room. Measure first, or let them help choose. Set a budget for the finished gift Ethereal Aurora’s 21 × 30 cm option is C$44.02; 30 × 40 cm is C$57.33. Larger framed options cost more. The two canvases below are C$349 each. Digital files cost C$29.99–C$49. Budget separately for printing and framing, and check permitted gifting use before purchasing. Prices are in Canadian dollars, checked October 20, 2026. Confirm your selected size, availability, taxes, shipping and final total on the product page and at checkout. First choose the format A physical product is a canvas or framed artwork shipped according to its listing and checkout details. A digital download is an image file; printing and framing are separate purchases, and no physical artwork is shipped. Choose a physical print if you do not want to arrange printing. Confirm delivery timing for a gift deadline; a download does not guarantee a same-day finished print. Physical prints Ethereal Aurora – Framed Fine Art Print From C$44.02 · Physical framed print on matte paper, with a white mat and hanging hardware. A smaller-size option for limited wall space. View Ethereal Aurora’s sizes and ordering details Pinehouse Lake Aurora – 42 × 28-inch Stretched Canvas C$349 · Physical canvas, 42 inches wide × 28 inches high. A snowy Pinehouse Lake shoreline beneath green and purple northern lights. View the Pinehouse Lake Aurora canvas Enchanting Night – 30 × 40-inch Canvas C$349 · Physical canvas with mirrored edges. Green, purple and pink aurora over Pinehouse Lake. Other sizes require a separate quote. View the Enchanting Night canvas Digital downloads: plan the printing and check the licence Before buying a download for someone else, confirm that the listing’s licence allows your intended gift. Don’t Forget to Look Up explicitly prohibits file distribution. Each listing’s licence terms apply; ask about commercial use before reproducing or distributing an image. The Emerald Reflection | Gordon Lake 2:1 Panorama C$49 · Digital download, file only. Emerald and teal northern lights reflected in still water. Confirm dimensions and any crop with your print lab. View The Emerald Reflection and its licence The Golden Dawn at Nikaya Memorial Island C$29.99 · Digital download, file only. A golden sunrise rather than northern lights, for someone who prefers warmer colours. Printing and framing are separate. View The Golden Dawn’s details Don’t Forget to Look Up C$34.99 · Digital download, file only. A red aurora corona with a story from my nursing work. Personal-use licence; file distribution is prohibited. View Don’t Forget to Look Up and its licence The Pinehouse Corona (Minus Fifty) C$39 · Digital download, file only. Green and teal light radiating across the sky above Pinehouse Lake. The file is 3:2 landscape; some room previews show a different crop. View The Pinehouse Corona’s file and printing details Choose a size before ordering Measure the wall and desired outside frame size. Match the file ratio to the frame, or ask your printer about a border or crop. A square room preview does not necessarily mean a square file. Print quality depends on file dimensions and output size. Divide pixel width by width in inches to estimate ppi: 8500 pixels across 36 inches is about 236 ppi. A 300-DPI file label alone does not guarantee quality at every size. Room previews illustrate a display, not its actual scale. Confirm file dimensions, crop, suitable print size and permitted use before printing. Read the printing and framing guide Custom prints and gifts For a photograph you saw on my social pages, send a screenshot or link with the size and finish you have in mind. For an office, hotel or community space, include the number of images and delivery location. A quote can confirm price, availability, rights and timing. Include your gift budget and the date you need it so we can confirm the options before you order. Ask about a custom print or gifting permission Browse the featured-print collection Browse the full shop

By Dre Erwin – Primary Care Nurse & Aurora Photographer You can look for northern lights in Saskatchewan at Pinehouse Lake, Sandy Bay, Grasslands National Park, Prince Albert National Park and the Qu’Appelle Valley near Regina. A dark location, clear skies and aurora activity matter more than choosing a famous spot. As a nurse working in Northern Saskatchewan and a photographer who has spent countless freezing nights chasing the lights, I’ve learned that not all dark skies are created equal. You need more than just darkness; you need the right foreground, the right angle, and the patience to wait. Use the five areas below as a starting point. Before travelling, check Space Weather Canada’s geomagnetic forecast and your local cloud forecast. The Canadian Space Agency’s viewing tips explain what to look for. A forecast helps you plan; it does not guarantee a display. Explore photographs from Pinehouse Lake, Sandy Bay and other locations on my interactive photography map. It brings together places I’ve photographed across Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Choose your starting point Starting from Regina: For a shorter outing, begin with the Qu’Appelle Valley section below and my Regina aurora guide. For a longer dark-sky trip, compare Grasslands National Park. Starting from Saskatoon: For an early-evening city outing, Gabriel Dumont Park has river views and parking reached from Saskatchewan Crescent West. The City’s listed gate hours are 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; leave before closing and follow current notices. This is a convenient urban starting point, not a dark-sky or all-night site. City glow makes faint aurora harder to see. Planning a northern trip: Waskesiu has officially recommended night-sky locations. Pinehouse Lake and Sandy Bay offer settings from my own photography, but confirm local access, fuel and accommodation before committing to the drive. 1. Pinehouse Lake (The Photographer's Gem) Pinehouse holds a special place in my photography. I founded the Pinehouse Photography Club here, but I no longer lead it. Some of the most vibrant displays I’ve photographed have reflected across the lake. Why it’s great: The lake provides a massive, unobstructed mirror for the lights. The community is welcoming, and the light pollution is almost non-existent. Best view: My photograph below was made at “the point” on Pinehouse Lake. If you’re visiting, confirm the exact location, public access and permitted parking with the Northern Village of Pinehouse at 306-884-2030 before heading out. I haven’t verified current nighttime access, so don’t treat the local nickname as a public-access map pin. 2. Grasslands National Park (The Darkest of the Dark) If you want to see the lights dance without a single streetlamp in the way, this is it. Grasslands is a designated Dark Sky Preserve—one of the darkest spots in Canada. Why it’s great: The open prairie and dark skies offer wide views. Parks Canada lists Two Trees Trail, Frenchman Valley Campground and Rock Creek Campground as car-accessible stargazing locations. Check current access before setting out. Pro tip: Plan for the weather and the drive, dress in layers and check cloud cover before leaving. A dark-sky preserve can improve the viewing conditions, but clear skies and aurora activity still decide what you see. Photo Credit: Kevin Palmer 3. Sandy Bay (The True North) I currently work in Sandy Bay as a nurse, and it is also part of my northern Saskatchewan photography. Displays can spread overhead when conditions line up, but a northern location alone does not guarantee aurora. Check the forecast before planning a night outside. Why it’s great: Intensity. When the lights hit here, they don't just glow on the horizon; they scream overhead in violets and deep greens. The Vibe: This is raw nature. It’s perfect for connecting with the land and finding that moment of solitude. Plan the visit: This is the northern village of Sandy Bay on Highway 135. Use Tourism Saskatchewan’s community listing for its map and local contact, 306-754-2165. Confirm a public viewing place, parking and nighttime access before travelling; this guide does not establish an approved after-dark site. Northern lights above the treeline in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan. Photograph by Dre Erwin. Behind the photograph: The silhouetted treeline gives this Sandy Bay display a sense of scale. For your own photograph, leave room above the trees for the aurora and check that your foreground does not hide the northern horizon. 4. Prince Albert National Park (Waskesiu) Accessible, beautiful, and full of perfect foregrounds. Waskesiu is great for beginners because you have amenities nearby but dark skies just a few minutes away. Why it’s great: The trees. The distinct boreal forest silhouette makes for incredible photos. Best view: Parks Canada recommends South Bay and Paignton Beach along Narrows Road for open night-sky views. Check current road and site access with the Visitor Centre at 306-663-4522 before setting out. Parking matters: Waskesiu’s Main Beach and community hall lots operate 7 a.m.–11 p.m., with no overnight parking, according to Parks Canada’s facilities information. Those townsite hours do not establish access hours at South Bay or Paignton Beach. Use designated parking and obey the signs at your chosen location. 5. The Qu'Appelle Valley (The "City" Escape) You don’t always have to drive 5 hours north. If you live in Regina and the solar data looks good, the Valley is your best bet to escape the city glow. Why it’s great: It’s close. You can decide to go at 10 PM and be home by 1 AM. Best view: Research permitted public locations around Lumsden or Craven with an open northern horizon. Scout in daylight: valley walls and trees can block the view. Confirm parking and access, get permission for private land, and do not use a farm approach or bridge as a viewing area. Starting from Regina? My guide to northern lights near Regina covers Condie, the Lumsden and Craven area, city viewing options, and access checks before you go. Before you head out Check the aurora outlook and the Environment Canada forecast for your destination, including clouds, wind and temperature. Longer autumn and winter nights give you more darkness, but cold itself does not create the lights. Check Saskatchewan’s Highway Hotline for road conditions and closures. Confirm local gates, parking and seasonal services separately. Keep a backup plan if access or the weather changes. Bring warm layers, a charged phone, spare power and a light for the walk back. Let someone know where you’re going, stay on permitted routes, and keep off unfamiliar ice. If you’re taking pictures, bring a tripod and get your camera ready before your hands get cold. Planning links and published access information checked October 20, 2026. Recheck the linked operators before travelling. A Nurse's Prescription for the Cold Chasing the aurora is about more than just a pretty picture. It’s a practice in resilience. Standing in the cold, waiting for the light to break through the darkness, teaches us patience. If you can’t make the drive North tonight, that’s okay. I’ve captured that feeling of resilience in my latest collection. Want to photograph the lights yourself? Start with my northern lights photography guide. You can also browse my northern lights prints and digital downloads.

Introduction: Yes, you can photograph the northern lights with many recent Android phones and iPhones. Start with the camera's Night or Night Sight mode, support the phone on a tripod or steady surface, and keep it still until capture finishes. If the result is too dark or blurred, adjust one setting and try again. Looking for a northern lights photograph for your wall? Browse my curated northern lights prints and digital downloads. Physical artwork and digital files are labelled separately, so you can choose your format. 1. Choose the Right Location: - Look for a clear, dark sky away from bright lights. Planning a Saskatchewan outing? See my five northern lights viewing areas in Saskatchewan. Check current access and permitted parking before travelling. - Research Northern Lights forecasts and choose nights with a high likelihood of auroral activity. 2. Prepare Your Gear: - Use a cell phone with a good camera, preferably one that allows manual control of settings like ISO and exposure. - Ensure your phone is fully charged, and bring a portable charger for extended shooting. 3. Essential Camera Settings: - Start with the built-in Night or Night Sight mode on a supported phone. Use a tripod or stable surface, turn off the flash, and keep the phone still until capture finishes. Manual mode is an option when you want more control; it is not required to get started. - Google Pixel: open Camera and choose Night Sight. Tap the shutter and leave the phone steady. With the phone pointed at the sky on a tripod, supported Pixels can switch to Astrophotography mode; keep it still through the countdown. See Google's Night Sight instructions. - Samsung Galaxy: on supported models, open Camera, choose More, then Night. Take a test photo with the phone supported. The controls and available modes vary by model and software. See Samsung's Night mode guide. - iPhone: Night mode turns on automatically in low light on supported models. Keep the phone steady and use the available Night mode exposure controls if needed. See Apple's Night mode instructions. - Using Pro or manual mode? Check focus on a bright star and review a test photo. Adjust ISO and exposure for the brightness of the display instead of treating one low ISO range as a rule. If moving aurora loses its shape, try a shorter exposure; raise ISO if needed to keep the image bright. 4. Use a Tripod: - A stable platform like a tripod is crucial to avoid camera shake during long exposures. - If you don't have a tripod, improvise by placing your phone on a stable surface. 5. Reduce Camera Shake: - Use a remote shutter release or the timer function on your phone to trigger the shot without touching it. - After pressing the shutter, leave the phone untouched until the countdown ends. Check one photo at full size before taking more. 6. Patience is Key: - The Northern Lights can be unpredictable. Be patient and prepared to spend hours waiting for the perfect moment. 7. Composition: - Frame your shot with an interesting foreground, like trees, mountains, or a lake, to add depth and context. - Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most compelling view. Under the Northern Lights: A Majestic Skyward Gaze 8. Post-Processing: - Use photo editing apps to enhance your images, adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance if needed. - Avoid over-processing, as it can make your photos look unnatural...hint..hint... 9. Share Your Experience: - Share your stunning Northern Lights photos with friends and on social media to inspire others. 10. Respect Nature: - Remember to be respectful of the environment and local regulations when photographing the Northern Lights. Conclusion: Start with a steady phone and a test photograph, then adjust to the sky in front of you. You do not need to master every setting to enjoy being outside. For a fuller camera walkthrough, see my northern lights photography guide. Dre Erwin Dre Erwin Photography

Sometimes you just have to brave the elements alone to get a good shot of the northern lights To photograph the northern lights with a DSLR, use a tripod, focus carefully on a star and take a test exposure in Manual mode. Adjust shutter speed for the movement of the lights, then balance ISO and aperture for the brightness in front of you. This guide walks through DSLR equipment, focus and exposure using my Saskatchewan photographs. If you are taking your phone, use my northern lights phone camera guide for Pixel, Samsung and iPhone steps. Prefer a finished photograph for your wall? View The Emerald Reflection, my Gordon Lake aurora panorama, as a digital download. Printing and framing are separate. You can also browse my curated northern lights prints and digital downloads. Camera Equipment Planning Your Shoot Focusing Your Lens at Night Camera Setup & Settings: F-Stop Settings Shutter Speed & ISO Settings Final Words of Advice This guide covers everything you’ll need including camera settings, equipment recommendations, and tips for planning your shoot. Scroll down & start learning! 1. Camera Equipment It is not necessary to spend a lot of money to shoot the northern lights. Most modern phones can now take decent-looking aurora shots without any additional equipment. If you're anything like me, however, a DSLR will give you far crisper and more detailed photographs, which you can often expand and print. The northern lights Dancing over the point, in Pinehouse Lake Saskatchewan As for a DSLR camera, any camera with manual mode is required for northern lights photography. You must be able to control f-stop, shutter speed, and ISO, each manually to get decent looking pictures. Try to use manual mode and a full frame camera if you can Full-frame cameras, such as the Nikon D850, are what I use and suggest (but in all honesty, the lens might even be more important then the body itself). In comparison to a crop sensor camera, a full-frame camera will provide significantly higher quality images with less noise. If you wish to make huge prints, you can still use a crop sensor camera, but the image quality will be substantially worse. When I initially started, I utilized the Nikon d5500, and the results were actually rather nice. Image taken of the aurora borealis using my old Nikon d5500 crop sensor It's also a good idea to have a portable battery charger with you; keep it in your vehicle, and I recommend having at least 3-4 fully charged batteries ready to go for your shoot! The Best Lens for Photographing the Northern Lights: With a wide-angle lens, you may snap enormous landscapes when the northern lights are visible overhead. For northern lights photography, I recommend using minimum f-stop values of f/1.8 to f/2.8. Full frame focal lengths between 14mm and 30mm are recommended. Crop sensor focal lengths between 10mm and 25mm are recommended. Shooting at f/2.8 produces a very wide aperture opening, in turn, allowing more light to hit the image sensor over a standard exposure time. This is taught below. You’ll learn why this is so important, below. Currently, I shoot with the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 for all my night sky images. Best Tripod for Northern Lights Photography: A carbon fiber tripod, with sturdy legs and adjustable ball head is great for northern lights photography. Cheaper tripods will also work but usually nowhere near as well - often most photographers will say that the best piece of equipment they have is their tripod - so dont cheap out. Carbon fiber tripods reduce vibration in the legs providing sharper images. It’s also essential to use a tripod head that does not move at all over the long exposures required for northern lights photography. A sturdy Tripod is KEY, to good aurora borealis photography! To reduce camera shake and create sharper images I use the Exposure Delay Mode on my camera. Set a 5-10 second timer to wait 5 seconds before taking each shot - that way there is no shake or blur. This will remove any camera shake from pushing the shutter button. 2. Planning Your Shoot Step 1: Scout your location during the day so you can see the access, parking and foreground before it gets dark. For places to research, see my five northern lights viewing areas in Saskatchewan. Confirm current access and permitted parking before travelling. Step 2: Find Dark Skies The easiest way to find an area with dark skies is to check the Dark Sky preserve: in Canada you can check it out here. Map which is a Google / NASA collaboration. The black areas are free of light pollution, while white and grey areas have high light pollution. Shooting in dark areas will provide the best results, most vivid colors & detail. Step 3: Find Clear Skies You don’t need perfectly clear skies to get some great shots. I usually aim for sky cover percentages between 0%-30%, which you can see on the blue line in the graphic below. We recommend downloading the Windy App from Google play store. Night photography means being prepared and knowing your surroundings Some websites call this cloud cover percentage. You can use your local weather website to find the cloud cover percentages. Step 4: Check the Aurora Activity Download a few different aurora forecast apps from the Play store and watch them all Most countries in the Far North have their own Northern Lights activity service. The northern lights activity index ( Kp-index ) ranges from 0-9 with 0 being the lowest amount of activity and 9 being the greatest. Kp-index ratings of 5 or great are considered a storm. I prefer to shoot on nights with a KP index of 4 or greater. You can get some great shots even with a KP index of 2. Here is a list of the forecasting websites I have used in the past: Space Weather Live OVATION Auroral Forecast: A really nice visual website that provides the current aurora forecast as well as other interesting facts which will help you to capture a photo of the Northern Lights. Space Weather Aurora Forecast: Another great website with a broad overview of the aurora forecast for a multi-day time frame. Space Weather’s website is worth spending some time visiting! Just remember, it sometimes doesn't mean anything to just look at an app - often you just need to get outside and wait. Focusing Your Lens at Night Because the sky and northern lights are so far away from where we are on the planet, concentrating at or near infinity will produce sharp photographs. I've tried a variety of methods and watched numerous videos on how to do it the simplest way. The "" symbol on most lenses is used to indicate the near infinity focus position. Find the brightest star and manually focus on it Focusing on this symbol doesn’t always produce the sharpest images. It’s better to test first using the method below to ensure sharp focus for your shoot. Experimentation and practice are key to finding out what works and what doesn’t! There are many different options for focusing your lens at night. But when it comes down to it, I use the simple technique of using live view and focusing on a star until it is the smallest and sharpest it can be - that's it. Other options include: setting your focus during the day. If it’s your first time out shooting at night, this method works really well to cut down on the confusion that can happen when it gets dark. Step 1: Get your camera & lens set up during the day. You will want to use the same lens, focal length, and f-stop that you will use to shoot at night. You can do this at your house, outside a hotel, or anywhere that’s easy. Open the f-stop to f/2.8 or f/4. Use the widest focal length possible. I recommend 14-25mm. Step 2: Focus on something in the distance, approximately 50 feet out in front of your camera. Pick any object in this area and focus on it. Step 3: Verify you have sharp focus by taking a couple of practice shots and zooming in to make sure the focus point is sharp. Next, verify that the horizon in the image is also sharp, or whatever the furthest object in your composition happens to be. Step 4: Use a piece of tape to mark this spot on your lens, or tape it down so the focal ring does not move. White tape is easy to see in the dark. This is the focal point and focal length you will use to shoot the northern lights. I always shoot at my widest focal length for all night sky shots and crop down if required. B as I mentioned earlier, I only use live view at night to focus and I often refocus every 30 mins or just - just in case I might of bumped it or something. Last thing you want is to go home to edit your pictures to find out they are all out of focus - it has happened to me before! Aurora Borealis can be an amazing opportunity - just have patience! ​4. Camera Setup & Settings ​Capturing the northern lights requires stepping away from "Auto" and taking full control of your camera. Since we are shooting in low light, the goal is to gather as much light as possible while keeping the image sharp. ​Here is the breakdown of exactly how I set up my gear to capture the aurora. ​The Essentials: Preparation ​Before you start adjusting your exposure, make sure these foundational settings are locked in. ​Shooting Mode: Manual. You need to manually adjust your ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed. Automatic modes will not be able to read the night sky correctly. ​Image Quality: RAW Format. Shooting in RAW is essential for northern lights photography. It retains the most data, allowing you to bring out the details and colors during the editing process. ​In-Camera Noise Reduction: OFF. If your camera has "Long Exposure Noise Reduction" or "High ISO Noise Reduction," turn it off. These settings can double the time it takes to save an image and may remove star details that you want to keep. ​Metering Mode. At night, your camera's light meter isn't very accurate, so the specific mode doesn't matter much. I personally leave mine on Center-Weighted Average, which is what I use for standard landscapes. ​The Lens Choice ​To capture the scale of the aurora stretching across the sky, you generally want a wide field of view. ​Full Frame Cameras: 14mm – 50mm ​Crop Sensor Cameras: 10mm – 40mm ​The "Exposure Triangle" for Aurora ​These are the three settings you will be juggling depending on the conditions. ​1. Aperture (F-Stop) Open your lens as wide as it can go to let in the maximum amount of light. ​Recommended: f/2.8 (or lower if your lens allows). ​2. Shutter Speed This depends entirely on how fast the aurora is "dancing." You want to freeze the structure of the lights rather than turning them into a blurry green mush. ​Recommended: 1 second – 15 seconds. ​Tip: If the lights are moving fast, use a faster shutter speed (1-5 seconds). If they are slow and faint, you can leave the shutter open longer (10-15 seconds). ​3. ISO Your ISO controls the sensor's sensitivity to light. ​Recommended: ISO 500 – 2000. ​Note: Start at 500. If your image is too dark, bump it up. Some modern cameras can handle higher ISOs, but be careful of introducing too much grain/noise. ​White Balance (Kelvin) ​Getting the color right in-camera saves you a headache later. The goal is to "neutralize" the color so the photo looks exactly like what your eyes are seeing in the sky. ​Setting: Kelvin (K) ​Value: 3000K – 5000K ​Check out my White Balance Shooting Technique Video for a deep dive on how to perfect this. The key is authenticity—matching the image on your screen to the reality in front of you. Northern Lights in Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan ​5. F-Stop Settings In my opinion, f/2.8 is the best aperture setting for aurora photography. The wide lens opening allows your camera’s sensor to collect a lot of light from the scene while keeping your ISO and image noise, low. You can still keep the foreground acceptably sharp while shooting at f/2.8, but can also experiment with f/3.5 or f/4. I don’t recommend opening your aperture any wider than f/2.8. With very wide apertures it becomes hard to focus at night, over the entire depth of field. The key is allowing the most amount of light to hit your camera’s sensor in the least amount of time, in turn maintaining a lower ISO, inducing less image noise. 6. Shutter Speed & ISO Settings I grouped shutter speed & ISO together due to the fact that you’ll need to change them both at the same time since they directly reflect on one another. After a few hours of photographing the Northern Lights, using the skill sets provided below, you will easily be able to adjust both of these settings simultaneously, obtaining great results. Ask yourself the following questions to determine the camera shutter speed and ISO settings for northern lights photography. Question 1: How Quickly is the Aurora Moving Through the Sky? With high-level aurora activity, the Northern lights can move through the sky very quickly. To capture all of the nice color and detail in this scene, without your photo looking like a “blob of color”, you’ll need to shoot at a much shorter exposure time than if the aurora was moving slowly through the sky. Think about it this way… If the aurora is moving very quickly through the sky, and you take a photo at a 30-second exposure, instead of seeing the instantaneous view that your eyes see, your camera will actually pick up the entire movement of the aurora through the sky over that 30-second time frame. The details and colors will become the average of the 30-second exposure for each pixel. As seen with long exposures of water or cloud scenes, all of the color and movement mixes together. This is not the goal for photographing the Northern Lights, we want, vivid color and nice detail. Keeping your shutter speed between 3-25 seconds will work very well for shooting the northern lights. When the aurora is moving quickly, try 3-7 second exposures. When it’s moving slower, or it’s not as bright, try 10-25 seconds. You can increase or decrease these times as you see fit, they are just rules of thumb! Experimenting and taking as many shots as possible, at different shutters speeds will help you to learn what works best! Question 2: How Bright is the Aurora in the Sky? All of the other settings have now be adjusted. It’s time to select an ISO value. Since the northern lights changes color, speed, and brightness all throughout the night, you’ll also need to constantly adjust your camera settings to match this dynamic situation. The goal is to keep your ISO low as possible, while still shooting at the correct f-stop and shutter speed to correctly expose the scene. Here are the steps to adjust ISO: Steps 1: Start out shooting with an ISO of 400-800 and take a practice shot. Step 2: If your practice shot wasn’t bright enough, increase your ISO to approximately 1200 and take a practice shot. Step 3: If the photo still isn’t bright enough, continue to increase your ISO until it is. I usually shoot in the ISO range of 800-4000. Always keep in mind that your image should not be (in terms of the histogram ) correctly exposed, you are shooting at night, so the image can also be dark. You can bring out nearly all of this dark detail in photo editing. Always watch your histogram to make sure you’re not losing any dark detail off of the left-hand side. You will also want to make sure that you’re not “blowing out” any highlights, meaning the histogram isn’t dropping off the right-hand side. Avoid under or over exposing pictures After a few nights practicing the provided skills under the night sky you will easily grasp all of the concepts. Always remember you should never increase the ISO to obtain a brighter image prior to opening your aperture to the widest possible value ( f/2.8 works great ), and dialing in the maximum exposure time while still maintaining nice detail in the Northern Lights. Often, the northern lights only get really bright and active for just a few minutes at a time. be patient and have fun! To summarise, anyone can take pictures of the northern lights, and it can often be done without spending a lot of money. Don't believe the sceptics who insist on solely utilizing digital cameras. Your smartphone can also be used, and you can edit and share your aurora photographs in a matter of seconds. Refocus frequently! After you've taken your pictures, you shouldn't need to do much editing, so practice with trial and error to get your settings right. This guide should have answered some of your questions. Go out and have a good time!

How to Photograph the Northern Lights in Saskatchewan If you follow my page and have ever wondered how I capture my images and edit them, this is where you can find out exactly how I do it. It's not difficult, nor does it take a lot of time—especially with the amazing technology we have available today! See examples from Pinehouse Lake, Sandy Bay and other places I’ve photographed on my interactive Canadian photography map. The Northern Lights in Pinehouse Lake Saskatchewan The Gear: Mirrorless Revolution (And Yes, Phones) Since I first wrote this in 2018, the camera world has shifted from DSLRs to Mirrorless systems. While I loved my old Nikon D800, the new tech handles low light incredibly well. Camera: I have moved from the DSLR world to modern mirrorless bodies. Currently, I recommend cameras like the Nikon Z8 or Nikon Z6 III. The "Star View" mode on these newer cameras makes focusing in the dark so much easier than the old "guess and check" method. Phones: Let’s address the elephant in the room. The computational astrophotography on the Google Pixel 10 is terrifyingly good. No, it’s not replacing my Nikon for massive prints, but for a quick "is this worth freezing my hands off" test? It's phenomenal. Lens: Fast, wide glass is still king. While I used to love my Tamron 15-30mm, I now lean toward native mirrorless lenses like the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S or the incredible Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art. That f/1.4 aperture lets in significantly more light, allowing for shorter exposures and sharper stars. Tripod: A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable. I still swear by my Manfrotto legs—best piece of equipment I own. If your camera moves, your stars blur. And before you ask: no, you cannot hover your DJI Avata or Neo to get a steady 5-second exposure. Keep it on the ground. Memory Card: With larger file sizes, speed matters. I use CFexpress Type B cards or fast UHS-II SD cards now. They are essential if you plan to shoot timelapses without your camera choking on the data buffer like it just swallowed a dry Timbit. How I Capture the Northern Lights (2025 Update) Before You Go: Tracking the Northern Lights in 2026 Back in the day, we just looked out the window. Now, with Solar Cycle 25 past its 2024/2025 peak, you might think the party is over. It’s not. 2026 is in the declining phase, which actually means turbulent space weather that can push massive substorms even further south. Activity is still incredibly high. AuroraMe (New for 2026!): Finally, an app that stops throwing raw Kp numbers at you and actually factors in cloud cover, moon phase, and darkness to give a simple "Yes, go outside now" verdict. SpaceWeatherLive: For the serious data nerd. Real-time solar wind data. My Aurora Forecast & Alerts: Great for quick "Is it happening?" checks. Glendale App: Extremely accurate, user-based reports which are fantastic for knowing exactly when the "substorm" is hitting. The Shoot: Settings & Technique Having a fire, sipping Tim Horton's, and watching the fire in the sky—soon to be my nightly routine again once I'm back up in Sandy Bay this June. 1. Setup: I turn off all automatic functions on the lens and camera: Autofocus OFF, Noise Reduction OFF, Image Stabilization (VR/IBIS) OFF. 2. Focusing: This used to be the hardest part. I switch to manual focus and use "Live View" (or the electronic viewfinder) to zoom in digitally on a bright star. On modern mirrorless cameras, you can often use "Focus Peaking" (where the stars turn red or white when sharp) to nail this instantly. 3. The Exposure Triangle: I shoot in Manual Mode. Period. Aperture: Always wide open (f/2.8 or f/1.4 if you have it). ISO: This has changed drastically! With Lightroom's modern AI denoise doing the heavy lifting in post, I am completely comfortable shooting at ISO 3200, 6400, or even higher. It feels like cheating, but I’ll take it. Shutter Speed: I try to keep this between 5 to 8 seconds. Why faster? In 2018, I shot 15-second exposures. Today, I prefer shorter exposures (under 10 seconds) to keep the "pillars" of the aurora sharp and defined, rather than blurry, washed-out curtains. That higher ISO is what allows for this speed. One of the secrets is to not underexpose. I would personally rather have a picture a tad brighter than too dark; we can always darken it later, but brightening a pitch-black photo introduces a ridiculous amount of noise. WAYS TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN THE CANADIAN NORTH Post-Processing: The AI Revolution This is where everything has changed since 2018. I used to spend hours fiddling with "Luminance" sliders to hide grain. Now, Lightroom's AI Denoise does the work for me. Back in the day, I used to spend hours nudging "Luminance" sliders up and down, trying to find that magical (and mostly fictional) middle ground between "crunchy grain" and "smudged watercolor painting." Now? I just let the robots handle it. My 2026 Workflow: Import to Lightroom: Obviously. Lens Corrections: Check "Remove Chromatic Aberration" and "Enable Profile Corrections." Do this every time. AI Denoise (The Magic Button): In the "Detail" panel, click Denoise. The AI analyzes the image, nukes the noise, and keeps the stars tack-sharp. Big update for 2026: You no longer have to deal with Lightroom spitting out massive, separate "Enhanced" DNG files. It’s now completely non-destructive, meaning you can toggle the strength on and off without instantly filling up your hard drive. It is an absolute lifesaver. Basic Edits: Because the file is now immaculately clean, I can recklessly boost the Shadows and Whites to make the aurora pop without worrying about introducing grain. Masking: Remember my old, convoluted "Windows editor" trick? Yeah, forget that. I now use Lightroom’s AI "Select Sky" mask. It takes half a second to automatically isolate the sky, letting me darken the background slightly so the stars punch through, without turning my foreground trees into completely black silhouettes. Having afire, sipping Tim Horton's and watching the fire by the fire in the sky - Pinehouse Lake Mobile Photography in 2026 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Download Samsung's "Expert RAW" app and use the dedicated "Astro" feature. It even includes a built-in star map overlay right on the screen, so you actually know what constellation you are pointing at in the dark. iPhone 17 Pro: Use Apple's "Night Mode." If you try holding it, you'll get 3 to 10 seconds max. But if the phone detects it is locked down on a tripod, it will automatically allow you to extend the exposure out to a full 30 seconds. Crucial Tip: Even with all the AI magic in a modern phone, use a tripod. You cannot hold your hand still for 30 seconds, let alone 4 minutes. Just buy a cheap phone mount for your Manfrotto. Final Thoughts I hope this helps! The camera technology, the AI software, and the tracking apps have changed drastically since I first started shooting, but the actual feeling of standing in the freezing dark and watching the lights dance over the boreal forest hasn't changed one bit. All the knowledge you need to start shooting the aurora borealis is right at your fingertips. Now you just need to get out there, freeze your fingers a little, and practice, practice, practice! For finished images to enjoy at home or in a workspace, browse my featured northern lights prints and digital downloads. Additional Resources for 2026: Solar Cycle Status: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center Real-time Data: SpaceWeatherLive My Aurora Galleries: dreerwinphoto.com/aurora-borealis Advanced Deep Dive: Capture the Atlas 2026 Aurora Guide

Therapeutic photography is more than just snapping pictures. It’s a powerful tool for healing trauma and nurturing the soul. This creative approach helps people express feelings, process difficult experiences, and find peace through the lens. Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned shutterbug, therapeutic photography offers a fresh way to connect with yourself and the world around you. What Is Therapeutic Photography? Therapeutic photography uses the art of taking and reflecting on photos to support emotional and mental healing. It encourages individuals to explore their inner world by capturing images that represent their feelings, memories, or hopes. This process can reveal hidden emotions and promote self-awareness. Unlike traditional therapy, therapeutic photography is hands-on and creative. It invites people to engage with their surroundings and express themselves visually. This method can be especially helpful for those who find it hard to put their feelings into words. How Does It Work? Capture emotions: Photos become a visual diary of feelings. Reflect: Looking at images helps uncover thoughts and patterns. Express: Sharing photos can open up conversations about trauma. Empower: Taking control of the camera builds confidence and agency. This approach is gentle and non-invasive, making it accessible for many people. It’s also flexible—participants can work alone or with a therapist guiding the process. Therapeutic Photography Benefits You Should Know The benefits of therapeutic photography are wide-ranging and impactful. Here are some key advantages that make it a valuable healing tool: 1. Emotional Release and Processing Taking photos allows people to externalize their emotions. Instead of bottling up pain or confusion, they can channel these feelings into creative expression. This release can reduce stress and anxiety, making trauma easier to face. 2. Increased Mindfulness and Presence Photography requires focus on the present moment. When framing a shot, individuals tune into their surroundings and senses. This mindfulness practice helps break cycles of rumination and negative thinking. 3. Building Self-Esteem and Confidence Mastering photography skills and creating meaningful images boosts self-worth. It shows that even in pain, one can create beauty and meaning. This sense of accomplishment supports resilience. 4. Enhancing Communication Photos can serve as conversation starters with therapists, friends, or support groups. They provide a safe way to share difficult stories without relying solely on words. 5. Creating a Visual Narrative of Healing Over time, a collection of photos can tell a story of growth and recovery. This narrative helps individuals see their progress and maintain hope. 6. Connection to Nature and Environment Many therapeutic photography projects encourage outdoor exploration. Nature’s calming influence combined with creative focus promotes relaxation and grounding. For photo inspiration, explore my Canadian photography map and notice which colours, textures or landscapes catch your attention. Getting Started with Therapeutic Photography Ready to try therapeutic photography? Here’s a simple guide to begin your healing journey with a camera in hand: Step 1: Choose Your Camera You don’t need fancy gear. A smartphone or basic digital camera works perfectly. The goal is to focus on the experience, not technical perfection. Step 2: Set an Intention Before you start, think about what you want to explore or express. It could be a feeling, a memory, or simply a desire to find beauty in your day. Step 3: Find Your Subject Look around for things that catch your eye or resonate emotionally. It might be a flower, a shadow, a pattern, or a landscape. Step 4: Take Your Time Don’t rush. Experiment with angles, light, and composition. Notice how different perspectives change the mood of your photo. Step 5: Reflect on Your Images After your session, spend time looking at your photos. Ask yourself what feelings or thoughts they bring up. Write down any insights or stories. Step 6: Share if You Feel Comfortable Sharing your photos with a trusted person or therapist can deepen the healing process. If not, keep them as a private journal of your journey. For classroom or library ideas, visit Schools & Libraries for books, free activity resources and community enquiries. Tips for Making Therapeutic Photography a Habit Consistency helps deepen the benefits of therapeutic photography. Here are some tips to keep you inspired: Set a regular schedule: Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference. Create a dedicated space: Have a notebook or digital folder for your photos and reflections. Join a community: Look for local or online groups focused on photography and healing. Experiment with themes: Try capturing emotions like joy, sadness, or hope. Use prompts: Challenge yourself with ideas like “light and shadow” or “things that make me smile.” Celebrate progress: Review your collection monthly to see how your story unfolds. Therapeutic Photography in Healing Spaces Hospitals, therapy offices, and corporate wellness centers are increasingly using therapeutic photography to create calming environments. Art that reflects nature and healing themes can reduce stress and promote well-being for patients and staff alike. Luxury homes and commercial spaces also benefit from statement photography pieces that carry emotional depth. These images invite reflection and inspire a positive atmosphere. For artwork for a home, office or community space, browse my featured prints and digital downloads for photographs, formats and ordering details. Embrace the Healing Power of Your Lens Therapeutic photography is a joyful, creative way to heal trauma and nurture your inner world. It invites you to slow down, observe, and express yourself without judgment. Whether you’re capturing the delicate curve of a leaf or the vastness of a prairie sky, each photo is a step toward healing. So grab your camera, step outside, and start your journey today. The world is waiting to be seen through your eyes - and your story deserves to be told! dre erwin photography

It’s not just about the photo—it’s about the person behind the lens. Seeing our youth find their own unique perspective and a sense of accomplishment is the most powerful tool for hope we have. In my years as a Primary Care Nurse working in the ICU and across Northern Saskatchewan, I’ve learned a hard truth: Trauma doesn't always have a vocabulary. Whether it's a youth in a remote Métis community or someone struggling with burnout in the city, being told to "sit down and talk about your feelings" can feel like an impossible task. When you’re overwhelmed, words are heavy. But a camera? A camera changes everything. A Healthy Shield and a New Perspective - Through Therapeutic Photography Through the Pinehouse Photography Club, I’ve seen that the most powerful thing isn't the camera itself—it’s the shift in perspective. When these kids get together, they start seeing the same world through different eyes. They hang out with peers they might not usually talk to, sharing their shots and their "takes" on the world. One kid might see an old, broken-down shack as a sign of decay; another sees the way the sunset hits the wood and finds beauty in the resilience of it. They learn from each other. They realize that someone else’s perspective might be better than theirs in that moment, or at least different. That’s a massive life lesson: there is always more than one way to look at a hard situation. Louis Iron found more than just a hobby in Pinehouse; he found a way to navigate the darkest days of his life. After his father passed, the camera became his companion in nature—a way to explore, to breathe, and to remember that beauty still exists, even when we are hurting. From the North to the World For a kid who feels stuck or hopeless, the world can feel very small. But photography blows the walls down. When our youth post their work and start getting likes and comments from people all over the world, something shifts deep inside them. Take my word for it: that is the most powerful thing that can happen to a kid who doesn't know where to find hope. Suddenly, they aren’t just "a kid from a small town"—they are an artist with a global audience. That sense of purpose and accomplishment is a medicine you can't buy at a pharmacy. The "Visual Anchor" for Resilience I teach the concept of the Visual Anchor. A photo is physical proof that a moment of beauty existed. When you are in a dark season, you can look at that photo of the Northern Lights or a Saskatchewan sunrise and remember: I was there. I captured that. The light came back once, and it will come back again. Therapeutic photography. If you find peace in these images, you can view my full collection of Resilience Art and Northern Lights prints here. Why We Do This We don't need more expensive, technical workshops. We need ways to connect. Photography gives youth: A sense of purpose to get out of bed and find the "golden hour." A way to share thoughts and emotions without the pressure of talking. A tribe of people who see the world differently. By giving a kid a camera, we aren't just teaching a hobby. We are giving them a tool for survival. We are helping them find light in the dark, one frame at a time. In Pinehouse, the landscape changed when the kids started walking around with cameras. It wasn't just about the photos they were taking; it was about the pride they felt carrying a tool that gave them a voice. They weren't just kids on a dirt road anymore—they were storytellers with a purpose. Do you know a youth who needs a new perspective? Don't spend money on a fancy course. Just give them a camera, get them outside, and let the light do the work. If you’d like to support the Pinehouse Photography Club or bring a 'Visual Anchor' into your home, browse my digital downloads below.