northern lights

The Photography Blog

Nordlys in Norway

It's been a year since last I was standing underneath an aurora, looking straight up to the sky above as it danced around my head. I'm hoping the global covid situation will allow us to return to Norway in February, but in the meantime I can travel back in time through the photos and a special podcast episode we recorded on tour.

Moonlight and Auroras

Mixing in the light of the moon can bring a new world of possibilities to your aurora photography.

Fiona and Sharon in Norway

The best thing about getting feedback from my travellers is the way it lets me re-live the moments from a journey. The 2020 Arctic Norway trip was really special because we had such a lovely group of people and so many great experiences. The weather was some of the least helpful we've ever had on a tour, and yet we still got exactly what we came for. The Aurora Borealis.

Norway Off The Dial

Trip report from our adventures in Arctic Norway. This year was an exceptional adventure and one we will treasure for a lifetime.

Aurora Photography Guide

Your guide to chasing the Aurora Borealis and capturing the moment on film. She is an elusive mistress, one that tempts you out into the freezing cold and darkest nights. She or gorgeous though, a mere glimpse worth travelling across the globe.

Doing Our Best

Be Your Best Tours is the natural evolution of my experience in travel. Since 2004 I've been designing and delivering photographic journeys to discerning travellers. Now it's time to make room for people who are happy to leave the camera at home.

Snow and Light in Norway

Snow hides everything you don’t want to see. It silently arrives in the depth of night and fills in the gaps, wipes away the footsteps from yesterdays photographers and leaves you a clean slate to work with every morning. Snow clones out the messy bits better than any Photoshop session.

Auroras vs Shorts

I'll never forget that night standing out in my shorts and capturing auroras. I never expected that to happen in my home state of Victoria. And it's given me that hunger to get back to Arctic Norway and chase some serious photography.

Auroras and The Lumix G9

Big auroras with a very small camera. The key is choosing the right lens, something ultra wide and ideally with fully manual operation.

Why Auroras Look Different on The Camera

What your eyes see and what your camera sees are typically very different when it comes to the Aurora Borealis. Capturing the Northern lights on camera changes our entire perception of this phenomenon, and mostly for the better. Just a word of caution though if you're heading to the Arctic and expect to see those Photoshop colours with the naked eye.