Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is high on many traveller’s bucket lists, and with good reason. There are few things that can compare to standing under the Arctic sky while waves of green and purple light shift and ripple overhead. In Rovaniemi, you can join the original Beyond Arctic Aurora Hunters for an evening that combines expert guiding, comfort, and something extra that makes the experience especially rewarding: the night-time adventure is led by a professional photographer. Check available dates and book northern lights tours with a pro photographer here.

When your guide is also a skilled photographer, the evening becomes more than just a chance to witness the northern lights. It is an opportunity to stay in the moment knowing you don’t have to worry about getting a photo as a memory. Instead, you can keep your phone tucked in your pocket and still come away with lasting, high-quality photographs.

The Hunt Begins 

The tour begins with a short meeting where your guide (a.k.a. the Photographer) introduces the conditions and the plan for the night, including the local weather, the current Aurora forecast, and the plan for reaching the best possible viewing spots. Because the northern lights depend so heavily on the right mix of clear skies and solar activity, the route can change even during the night. Sometimes, the journey requires traveling further out of town to reach the most promising conditions. Rather than being a simple sightseeing trip, the northern lights tour with a pro photographer is a genuine adventure, guided by someone who knows how to “read the sky”.



Once we reach our chosen spot, the focus turns to experiencing the northern night in comfort while scanning the sky. Warm clothing and winter boots are provided, and hot drinks and snacks make it easy to enjoy being outdoors for several hours. This practical support means you can concentrate on the lights themselves without worrying about the cold. Safety is always considered, too. Traveling in small groups ensures everyone is well looked after and the atmosphere remains personal and relaxed. Have you ever wondered how people in the Arctic cope with the cold, long winter days and nights? Or maybe you want to know more about exploring the Arctic on your own? Ask your guide! We are happy to share our knowledge to make sure you can make the most of your visit to Rovaniemi.

The Upside of having a Pro Photographer

For many visitors, the greatest benefit of having a professional photographer along is knowing that their memories will be preserved in a way that does justice to the experience. The Northern Lights in Rovaniemi can be surprisingly difficult to photograph. They are often faint at first, they shift quickly, and capturing their true colours requires specific camera settings and a steady hand. While phones and small cameras can also succeed in capturing a decent image, a photographer with the right equipment will reveal added layers of colour and detail. Most importantly, you will receive a portrait of yourself with the northern lights in the background – something that you won’t be able to create on your own and is great for sharing on social media!

The atmosphere of the evening is shaped not only by the lights but also by the landscape. Standing in the quiet of Lapland’s forests or by a frozen river, far from artificial light, adds depth to the experience. For example, before the rivers and lakes freeze over, the surface of the water creates beautiful reflections for “twin auroras”. This eye for composition ensures the photographs capture not just the sky but the feeling of being immersed in the Arctic environment. If it happens that auroras do not appear during the tour, you will still come away with a collection of great photos.

After the Hunt

Many travellers have told us they appreciate being able to stay in the moment without worrying about operating a camera in freezing temperatures. At the same time, those who do want to try photographing the lights themselves can benefit from the guide’s knowledge. With instruction from your guide, you can experiment with long exposures and learn techniques that can be applied long after the trip. You can even rent a DSLR for the tour and take your own photos – and you get to keep the SD card and the images on it for yourself! After the tour, you can download a collection of edited, high-resolution images taken by your guide from gallery.beyondarctic.com.

By the end of the tour (4-5 hours later), the team returns from the hunt, having learned about the science behind the lights, gained insight into the art of night photography, and enjoyed the sense of discovery that comes with hunting in the night.

The price of the Beyond Arctic Northern Lights hunt with pro photographer in Rovaniemi includes transport, warm gear, refreshments, and the set of professional photos delivered afterwards. For many, this combination is what sets the experience apart. The Northern Lights themselves can never be guaranteed, but with an experienced Aurora photographer as your guide, the chances of seeing them—and capturing them in a way that lasts—are as high as possible. Check the available dates and book here.

Are you still looking for more inspiration or just aurora eye candy? Follow us on Instagram (@beyondarctic) and TikTok (@beyondarctic) for more content. Got questions? Contact our Arctic experts by phone  or WhatsApp (+358 50 323 1090) or
email (contact@beyondarctic.com)

See you soon!