Overnight, the aurora borealis lit up the skies of Northumberland, England, and award-winning PA Media photographer Owen Humphreys was on location to capture the Northern Lights with the Sony α9 III and α7R IV cameras and FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM and FE 16mm F1.8 G lenses.

With the Met Office noting March/April is one of the best times of year to witness stunning auroras in the UK¹, Sony Europe commissioned Owen through PA Media’s Assignments division to put the Sony kit through its paces photographing the awe-inspiring phenomenon.

Owen believes anyone can capture the beauty of the night sky with the right techniques, noting Britons can witness breathtaking auroras without travelling abroad, provided they know what to look for.

“Some of the most powerful moments I’ve experienced throughout my career have happened quietly, under dark skies, and seeing the Northern Lights over parts of the UK is genuinely extraordinary,” Owen Humphreys said.
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​“What excites me is how many people can be part of it—you don’t have to travel hundreds of miles; it can be seen right on your doorstep. You simply need to know what to look for and have the right equipment to capture the magic, which can range from your smartphone to an interchangeable lens Sony camera, which is my kit of choice.”

Strong solar activity creates prime Northern Lights conditions 2026

The Sun is expected to continue at the peak of its solar cycle into the new year, with increased sunspot activity and more frequent geomagnetic storms². These conditions expand the aurora oval, a measured ring around both the Northern and Southern poles with high aurora activity, making the Northern Lights not only visible in the UK, but also brighter and more colourful³.

This offers a limited, but exceptional, opportunity for photographers, skywatchers and creators to capture a natural phenomenon rarely seen at mid-latitudes.

Tips to photograph the night sky and Northern Lights

As prime conditions continue, Sony has tapped into Owen Humphreys’ astrophotography expertise and curated six tips designed to help photographers of all skill levels to capture the night sky and Northern Lights in challenging low-light conditions, ultimately turning rare moments in nature into powerful visual stories.

1. Monitor for the right weather conditions

Check the geomagnetic activity through a website like the Met Office’s Space Weather or Glendale Aurora Alerts UK ​ to understand if the Northern Lights will be visible. In the UK, aim for a KP-index of 4 or higher, with the best chances in darker northern locations. Minimal cloud-cover is essential, as even strong auroras won’t be visible through thick cloud. Clear skies and a rising KP reading together usually signal a good window to head out and start shooting.

2. Pick a spot free from light pollution

Move away from cities, towns, and roadside lighting to capture richer aurora colours and higher contrast. Even small amounts of stray light can create a hazy glow that dulls the greens and purples in the sky. Darker skies also allow finer details and textures within the aurora to appear more clearly especially if timed on the right solar cycle and there is no moonlight.

3. Object of focus

Look to include a clear subject in your image, which will anchor the viewer’s attention. The Northern Lights are stunning on their own, but pairing them with a lighthouse, cabin, mountain range, or reflective lake adds depth and storytelling. A strong foreground or silhouette also helps convey scale and makes the scene more engaging.

4. Choose a wide-angle lens

If shooting from a camera, once you have your basic kit sorted it’s a great option to add a few additional lenses for more detailed shots, for aurora opt for a wide-angle zoom lens, like the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, which allows for capturing vast landscapes. Wider lenses also let you use slightly longer shutter speeds without star trails becoming noticeable. This flexibility is useful when the aurora is bright and moving quickly across the sky.

5. Use a sturdy tripod

Long exposures require absolute stability to keep stars and foreground elements sharp. A heavy, well-built tripod prevents vibrations, especially in windy or icy conditions. Consider using a remote shutter or the camera’s self-timer to avoid shake from pressing the button.

6. Be ready to shoot quickly

Auroras can strengthen, shift position, or fade in mere seconds, meaning quick responsiveness often makes the difference between an average shot and a breathtaking one. Have your settings dialled in beforehand, so you’re ready to point and shoot.

Owen’s expert settings

To capture the Northern Lights, Owen's Sony Alpha camera settings varied based on the strength of the display.

Owen started 13 seconds manual exposure at ISO 2500 with f/2 aperture at its weakest point, and then changed exposure time to 5, 6 and 10 seconds and aperture to f/2.5 and f/2.8 as the lights became stronger.

View Owen’s images of the Northern Lights captured in Northumberland, England, using his Sony kit below:

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α7R IV + FE 16mm F1.8 G lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α7R IV + FE 16mm F1.8 G lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α7R IV + FE 16mm F1.8 G lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Friday 20 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α7R IV + FE 16mm F1.8 G lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α7R IV + FE 16mm F1.8 G lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α7R IV + FE 16mm F1.8 G lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, light up the skies above Bamburgh lighthouse in Northumberland during a G3 solar storm, as Sony Europe encourages people in the UK to make the most of rare viewing conditions. | EDITORIAL USE ONLY | © Owen Humphreys/PA Media Assignments for Sony Europe | Sony α9 III + FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens | Picture date: Saturday 21 March 2026.

Footnotes

¹ Met Office: Northern lights

² NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre: Solar Cycle Progression

³ NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre: Aurora Tutorial

About Sony Europe B.V.

Sony Europe B.V. is a sales and marketing company for Sony’s leading Entertainment, Technology & Services business aimed at consumer and professional markets, as well as the Imaging & Sensing Solutions business across Europe. The company is a subsidiary of Sony Europe Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation. We work to deliver Sony's purpose to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.​ ​ For more information, visit www.sony.net.

About Owen Humphreys

Based in the North East of England, Owen Humphreys is an award-winning photographer at the Press Association. There is little Owen hasn’t photographed over his 30-year career, from the Olympic Games and World Cup finals to Royalty and more, with his most prominent work coming in the form of breathtaking landscapes. Owen has spent an incredible amount of time chasing the Northern Lights throughout the UK and Iceland, and he runs Icelandic Photo Tours, taking small groups a personalised photographic tour away from the crowds to explore and capture Iceland’s beautiful landscapes. View his work on Instagram at @owen.humphreys and on the PA Images website.