Fairbanks Aurora Photography Tour Review: Best of 2025

Okay so, you’re thinking of chasing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks in 2025 and maybe grabbing some stunning photos, right? Like your trying to nail that postcard shot of the Aurora dancing over the Alaskan wilderness? Finding the right photography tour can, in some respects, feel like a whole thing, very overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. We had a little look at a bunch of tours, really examining what they offer and basically how they stack up. This review should, arguably, point you in the right direction.

Why Fairbanks for Aurora Photography?

Basically, Fairbanks is almost the spot to see the Aurora. Why? It’s under the “aurora oval,” very a ring around the North Pole where aurora activity is frequently seen. Now, unlike further-north spots, you can usually get to Fairbanks reasonably comfortably. Very convenient than a crazy trek! Its position means that viewing opportunities tends to be awesome from late August to mid-April. Add that to the relatively dark skies near Fairbanks, and its easy to see why aurora-chasers make a beeline. The area offers all different kinds of landscapes too it’s almost so that if you are a photographer, you have lots to choose from for your foreground – snowy forests, frozen rivers, little cabins, what have you.

Okay so, there are things to keep in mind. Fairbanks gets very chilly, especially in winter, yet aurora viewing goes down best on clear, dark nights – that tends to be the coldest time. Second, because it’s kind of popular, light pollution can be more of a concern than in true wilderness locations. Then of course you need the right solar weather!

Read our full review: Fairbanks Aurora Photography Tours Full Review and Details

Picking the Perfect Photography Tour: What to Look For

Alright so, not all aurora photography tours are created equal, that seems fairly obvious. Here’s a list of stuff you should probably think about before whipping out that credit card:

Skill Level Accommodations: The question is are you a complete newbie just figuring out aperture, or are you mostly comfortable shooting in manual mode? A good tour should suit all different experience levels, still offering tips and tricks.
Gear Availability: So, you might not have brought the widest, fastest lens, maybe your tripod isn’t that sturdy. Find out if the tour offers loaner gear and also if they do then how good it basically is.
Group Size: Massive groups mean less personal attention, arguably. Very small groups probably come with a premium price. Try and find a tour that, like your going to give you solid guidance without a ton of people jostling for position.
Location, Location, Location: A tour that only uses one spot may miss opportunities if the aurora shifts. Do they basically have access to a variety of locations to, like your chasing the lights depending on where they are strongest?
Comfort Matters: Are you going to be outside for hours in freezing temperatures, very very important! So, does the tour have heated transportation, warming huts, hot drinks? Basically, little touches makes a gigantic difference in enjoyment.
Post-Processing Support: Okay so, getting the shot is one thing. Very very important also! Learning how to massage that image in editing software helps a lot. The question is, does the tour provide any guidance?

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Top Fairbanks Aurora Photography Tours in 2025: An Overview

Alright so, let’s get down to brass tacks, okay? These are just some of the tours that have a good buzz going into 2025:

Aurora Pointe Activity Center: Just a little way from Fairbanks, so this place almost offers good vantage points. Warm indoor areas, snacks and hot beverages are typically included. Some instructors provides tips and techniques for cameras and phones, too it’s almost for anyone.
Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service: These private aurora viewing tours get you out to the best locations based on what the weather basically is. Tours usually accommodate 1-6 guests, and photo instruction and tripods can sometimes be included.
The Aurora Chasers: These folks seem laser-focused on photography. So, they restrict their tour sizes so you can get personalized instruction out there. Arguably, they tend to go to some prime locations a bit further from Fairbanks. That said, there isn’t lodging or any additional activities aside from going out and viewing the aurora.
1st Alaska Tours: Arguably, the place makes comfort a top priority. Its common knowledge that the tour uses heated viewing locations with chairs. Some of the guides help you learn to operate cameras, which you might want when hunting the perfect image. Lodging, meals and transportation are generally provided.

Now, what tour is better is, as I was saying subjective, depending on experience and whether, like your want luxury touches! We look at all them a little later and find a really awesome one for many travellers. The bottom line is always read recent reviews before putting your money down.

Must-Have Gear for Aurora Photography

Okay so, gear really does matter when shooting the Aurora. Of course it does, okay? Here are just a handful of things to have in the bag:

Camera: I mean, obviously! Arguably, a DSLR or mirrorless camera gives you the most control. But these day’s a cellphone sometimes captures incredible pictures! Try and avoid fully automatic point and shoots if you’re after those gorgeous long-exposure shots.
Lens: You’ll like your want a wide-angle lens (14-24mm usually does it) with a pretty wide maximum aperture (f/2.8 or faster). These kinds of lenses gather up much of that sweet auroral light.
Tripod: Absolutely essential. You may or may not like your doing long exposures, and the ground moves ever so much, arguably, a solid tripod prevents camera shake. Seriously. Invest in a solid one that, like your can handle wind and some Alaskan weather.
Remote Shutter Release: Basically, touching the camera to take a shot tends to cause vibrations, even the slightest vibration is an enemy for long exposure, very a remote lets you trigger the shutter without physically pressing it. A two second self timer works.
Extra Batteries: Batteries deplete quickly in the cold. Batteries drain super fast when temps drop way low, arguably have extras. Keep spares in your coat pocket or in your bra if that what your into.
Memory Cards: The last thing that anyone wants that that notification that the cards are full, which appears as the Aurora fills the sky and a meteor lights everything! Get high-capacity cards, alright? I mean, space is relatively cheap, very prevent having a full memory at that moment.

So also! Layers, hand warmers, very like insulated boots is also pretty crucial.

Making the Most of Your Aurora Photography Tour

You have sprung for the tour, you’ve got (most) of the gear. Then it follows, right that like your going to maximize the experience, isn’t it? A handful of little things can very likely help:

Learn your camera: Not kidding, it is fairly crazy. Do this ahead of time! Very so that you are not wrestling with menus when the aurora fires up, basically have a handle on the main settings.
Arrive Early and talk about your camera settings: Arrive way early! Tour operators are always accommodating with helping people. Get the expert tips for optimal photos based on that location at that time! They often tend to be awesome folks.
Scout Locations in the Daylight: If you are basically using different spots, use up daylight hours looking over composition, a lot goes on in the environment, right? Find some things to make for great foreground elements for nighttime shots.
Be Patient: Then wait for the moment! Aurora viewing could also be a waiting game. Basically, don’t get discouraged if the lights don’t go crazy right away. Chill and enjoy the night sky; the reward could potentially be worth it.
Experiment: Arguably, try different camera settings. Some shots with really long exposures, others with faster shutter speeds. Just have a play and then find the sweet spot in different conditions!
Leave no trace: Keep it natural.

Basically, the Northern Lights might provide very a unique photo opportunity. A handful of simple preps will help with being prepared for the magical event, I promise you!

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Read our full review: Fairbanks Aurora Photography Tours Full Review and Details