2026 Fairbanks Northern Lights Photo Tour
Capture the Aurora in Alaska
Join us on our Fairbanks Northern Lights Photo Tour, where we’ll capture the beauty of Interior Alaska at the height of winter.
This is the perfect time to photograph frozen lakes, snow-covered forests, and vast Arctic landscapes, all illuminated by the Aurora Borealis dancing above. March is statistically the month with the clearest skies and the highest ratio of aurora sightings, giving us excellent chances to witness and photograph the Northern Lights.
If experiencing great Northern Lights displays is on your bucket list, March in Fairbanks is the perfect time! With a high chance of clear skies, equinox conditions, and expert guidance, it’s the ultimate season to photograph the Aurora in Alaska.
March 20th-25th, 2026
6 days and 5 nights
Involves short walks in snowy/icy terrain
12 participants
+
2 photography guides
(Private room included)
- Accommodation in private rooms at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel
- Transportation in a comfortable minibus for aurora chasing
- Professional aurora guide and photography instructor
- Northern Lights tours in multiple dark-sky locations around Fairbanks
- Aurora talks and presentations on space weather and Aurora chasing
- Photography instruction on site: composition, camera settings, and night techniques
- Time-lapse and video guidance for aurora capture
- Hands-on post-processing and editing classes
- Hot drinks during the Aurora tours
- Pre-tour online meeting with the instructors
- Access to the Capture the Atlas Academy (more info below)
- Flights to/from Fairbanks, Alaska
- Meals beyond breakfast at the hotel
- Outdoor winter clothing for aurora sessions (parkas, boots, gloves, etc.)
- Health/travel insurance
- Telephone, personal expenses, tips, etc.
- Any other service not mentioned in the Included section
Photo Tour Overview
During this Fairbanks Northern Lights photography tour, we will explore the snowy landscapes of Interior Alaska, one of the world’s premier destinations for viewing and photographing the Aurora Borealis.
Over several nights, we’ll chase and capture the Northern Lights across a variety of locations — from frozen lakes to quiet boreal forests and wide-open ridges that offer stunning views of the Alaskan night sky. Each evening, we’ll select the best micro-climates around Fairbanks based on real-time forecasts, ensuring the highest chances to witness and photograph the aurora at its most spectacular.
March is the perfect month for aurora chasing in Alaska. It combines the statistical peak of aurora activity around the spring equinox with the lowest cloud coverage of the winter, giving us excellent odds of success. We’ve carefully scheduled the tour to maximize dark-sky conditions, so you’ll have multiple opportunities to capture stunning displays of Northern Lights.
Beyond the nightly chases, our program also includes aurora talks, presentations about space weather and Aurora chasing strategies, and hands-on sessions covering time-lapse, video, and post-processing techniques.
Throughout the tour, our experienced guides and professional Aurora photographers will be by your side to ensure you’re prepared and supported at every step. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a first-time aurora hunter, our goal is that you return home with not only a portfolio of incredible images but also unforgettable memories of Alaska’s Northern Lights.
Fairbanks Northern Light Photo Tour Highlights
Photo tours in March 2026 (Spring Equinox season)
- Group size: 12 participants + 2 instructors
- Main topics: Northern Lights, time-lapse, and night-sky photography
- Main areas: Fairbanks region, frozen lakes, boreal forests, and surrounding ridges
- Northern Lights sessions (March has the highest ratio of aurora sightings and the clearest skies of winter in Alaska)
- Aurora talks & presentations about space weather and Aurora chasing
- Photography instruction covering composition, settings, time-lapse, video, and editing
- Accommodation in private rooms with daily breakfast included
- Transportation in a comfortable van for aurora chasing and excursions
- Hot drinks during outings
Download the Official Fairbanks Aurora Photo Tour Brochure
2026 Northern Lights Fairbanks Photo Tour Itinerary
Our Fairbanks Northern Lights photo tour is designed with flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing Alaskan weather. Each day, we’ll carefully choose the best locations around Fairbanks to photograph snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, and boreal forests under the most favorable conditions.
This will be the general schedule we’ll follow throughout the tour.
DAY 1: Fairbanks northern lights Photo Tour
Our Fairbanks Northern Lights photo workshop begins with a 2 PM orientation at our hotel in Fairbanks, where we’ll be staying for the duration of the trip. After check-in, we’ll review the itinerary, go over the latest aurora and weather forecasts, and explain how we’ll organize and shoot in the field.
After that, we’ll conduct a personal gear check to ensure everyone is ready for shooting in cold conditions. We’ll review all your camera gear, give recommendations, and double-check your settings are ready for the first Aurora session.
In the evening, we’ll head out on our first aurora chase to capture the elusive Auror Borealis!
DAYs 2-5: Fairbanks northern lights Photo Tour
The daily planning during our Fairbanks Northern Lights photo tour will always depend on the weather and aurora conditions. Our goal is to maximize your chances of capturing unforgettable aurora displays while also making the most of Alaska’s winter landscapes.
Unlike other polar regions, magnetic midnight in Alaska occurs later in the night, which means the prime window for aurora chasing runs from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. This is when we’ll be most active, moving across different micro-climates around Fairbanks in search of the clearest skies and strongest aurora activity.
Each evening, our experienced guides will first analyze the weather forecast to select the most promising areas. Once on location, we’ll monitor solar wind data and real-time magnetometer readings to anticipate activity levels and decide when it’s best to stay put or move to a new spot.
Being right under the auroral oval, clear skies almost always mean aurora, and our team will do everything possible to put you in the right place at the right time.
During these nightly sessions, we’ll help you capture the aurora using the best settings and techniques for your gear. From simple wide-angle compositions to more advanced methods like bracketing, panoramas, blendings, focus stacking, and time-lapse, you’ll have hands-on guidance to make sure you get the shots you came for.
Late mornings and afternoons will be more flexible, depending on how late we stayed out the previous night. We’ll gather for lectures and workshops on space weather, aurora science, and chasing strategies, along with post-processing and editing sessions to bring out the best in your images. We’ll also cover advanced time-lapse editing and workflow tips for those interested.
This balance of late-night aurora chasing and daytime learning will be the rhythm of our tour, ensuring you gain both an unforgettable experience in the field and the knowledge to continue photographing the Northern Lights long after the trip.
DAY 6: Fairbanks northern lights Photo Tour
On our final day, we’ll conclude the tour in Fairbanks. You can schedule your departure at any time, and we’ll assist you with arrangements as needed. This marks the end of our journey together, but you’ll return home with unforgettable memories, new skills, and a portfolio of Northern Lights images from Alaska.
Price: $4,900 USD
Deposit: $2,000 USD
A $2,000 USD deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start of the photo tour. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
What does the price include?
Included
- Accommodation in private rooms with daily breakfast included
- Transportation in a comfortable van for aurora chasing
- Professional Aurora photography instructors
- Nightly Northern Lights chases across different locations around Fairbanks
- Aurora talks on space weather, Northern Lights science, and Aurora chasing.
- Photography instruction in the field
- Hands-on editing and post-processing classes
- Hot drinks during outings
- Pre-tour online meeting with the instructors
*Bonus
- Access to Dan Zafra’s full Capture the Northern Lights Course (Coming up in Winter 2026)
- Access to all recorded material during the expedition
- Access to David Aguilar’s Moody Landscapes course.
Not Included
- Flights to/from Fairbanks, Alaska
- Ground transportation to our hotel in Fairbanks
- Meals beyond breakfasts
- Outdoor winter clothing for aurora sessions (parkas, boots, gloves, etc.)
- Health/travel insurance (we can help you choose the best option for your needs)
- Cell phone, personal expenses, tips, and any other service not mentioned in the Included section
Upcoming Fairbanks Northern Lights Photo Tour Dates
What will I learn during this Fairbanks Photo Workshop?
This workshop is mainly focused on aurora and night photography, combined with Alaska’s stunning winter landscapes.
What you learn during the workshop will depend on your current skills and goals. Our instructors are professional photographers with years of aurora-chasing experience, and they’ll work with you individually to help you take your photography to the next level.
Photography basics
Some of the photography basics you can learn during the workshop are:
- Getting comfortable shooting different types of nightscapes and photos in manual mode
- Adjusting the best camera settings for Northern Lights
- Familiarizing yourself with the basics of night and Northern Lights photography
- Enhancing your compositions with the best techniques
- Designing your own shooting workflow to be more effective in the field
Advanced photography techniques
Some of the advanced photography techniques you can learn during the workshop are:
- Creating powerful compositions that tell a story and engage the viewer
- Building a connection between your photography and your vision
- Advanced night & Aurora photography techniques like stacking and panoramas
- Advanced bracketing and exposure blending to capture the best dynamic range
- Using wide-angle distortion and focal length blending to create powerful images
- Focus stacking to capture tack-sharp images with interesting foregrounds
Post-processing techniques
Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with are:
- How to start using Lightroom and Photoshop (all the basics)
- Preparing your images in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw to start on the right foot
- Stitching panoramas using different software like Lightroom, Photoshop, or PTGui Pro
- Stacking night images using Starry Landscape Stacker or Sequator
- Reducing the noise in your night images using AI
- All types of Blendings (exposure, focal length, focus, etc.)
- Light shaping and Dodge & Burn in your landscape images
- Advanced Aurora editing, with sky and foreground merging, local adjustment, light enhancing and other techniques
*Note: As soon as you sign up for this workshop, you will have access to our online photography courses, which will give you the perfect editing knowledge base before you join this photo tour.
Your Instructors on this Fairbanks Aurora Photo Tour
MaryBeth Kiczenski will be the tour leader on this Fairbanks Northern Lights Photo Tour. She is an experienced nightscape photographer, educator, and passionate stargazer with years of experience chasing and photographing the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks. Her deep fascination with aurora science and space weather makes her the perfect guide for this adventure.
MaryBeth has developed a distinctive, ethereal style that blends advanced technical skills with creative storytelling. She is also the host of Space Weather Unplugged, a podcast where she speaks weekly with experts about solar wind, geomagnetic activity, and aurora forecasting.
As an instructor, MaryBeth is calm, approachable, and highly supportive, meeting students where they are and helping them progress toward their goals. Whether it’s your first time under the aurora or you’re working on advanced techniques, she will ensure you come away with images you are proud of.
Her work has been widely recognized, with multiple NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) features and publications in outlets such as Sky & Telescope, Traverse Magazine, and National Geographic Your Shot.
With MaryBeth, you’ll learn not only the practical skills of aurora photography such as composition, exposure, focusing, and advanced post-processing, but also the science behind the lights. She will share her unique knowledge of space weather, aurora chasing strategies, and years of local experience in Fairbanks to give you the best possible chances of success.
Dorian Sanders will be the co-leader of this tour, helping you capture the night images you’ve always envisioned. He is a skilled astrophotographer with extensive experience leading workshops across iconic U.S. locations, including Death Valley, Monument Valley, Acadia, and the deserts of Utah.
Dorian has spent years chasing and photographing the Northern Lights, not only in high-latitude destinations such as Iceland but also at much lower latitudes. He is an avid aurora chaser who has successfully captured displays in his home state of Vermont, as well as in Maine, New Hampshire, and as far south as Utah and Arizona; experience that gives him a unique perspective on how to anticipate and photograph auroras under different conditions.
As an instructor, Dorian is dedicated to helping participants refine their skills in both fieldwork and post-processing. You’ll learn how to master aurora photography, how to compose scenes for maximum impact, and utilize techniques such as bracketing, focus stacking, and blending to elevate your nightscapes.
Based in Vermont, Dorian has been photographing for over a decade and brings a wealth of technical knowledge, creative vision, and patience to every workshop. With his guidance, you’ll not only capture incredible images of the aurora but also gain the confidence and skills to continue improving your photography long after the trip.
What to bring on this Fairbanks Northern Lights Photo Tour
You will receive a complete list of everything that we recommend for this workshop upon completing your registration for the trip. Below, you can find a summary of things you might need:
Photography Gear
- DSLR/mirrorless camera
- Sturdy tripod (preferably carbon fiber, as aluminum tripods freeze faster)
- A wide-angle lens, such as a 14-24 mm lens, with an aperture of at least f/2.8
- A medium zoom lens, such as a 24-70 mm lens
- L bracket or A-toll type collar ring for shooting in portrait mode
- A camera bag to transport all your equipment.
- A headlamp for the night shoots
We also recommend a fast prime lens for Northern Light photography. Some of the best lenses in this range are:
- 14 mm f/1.8
- 20 mm f/1.8
- 24 mm f/1.4
You can see our full list of recommendations in our “Best Lenses for Northern Lights guide“.
Clothing and Trekking Gear
The weather in Fairbanks during March is still very cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 20°F to -10°F (-7°C to -23°C). While extreme cold spells are less common in March than in mid-winter, it’s still possible for temperatures to dip to -30°F (-34°C).
Because the aurora sessions take place late at night, when you’ll be standing outdoors for extended periods, it’s extremely important to come prepared with proper winter clothing. Dressing in layers is the best way to stay warm and adjust to conditions.
Below is our list of recommendations for this Fairbanks tour:
Essential clothing
- A system of top layers (base thermal layer, fleece, insulated mid-layer, windproof shell)
- Down jacket with at least 800 fill power for aurora sessions
- Waterproof outer coat for windy days
- A system of bottom layers (thermal or merino wool leggings, fleece pants for cold nights, insulated or ski/snowboard overpants)
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots with good traction
- Warm wool socks (bring multiple pairs)
- Wool or synthetic hat, neck gaiter, and insulated gloves/mittens
- Chemical hand warmers and foot warmers
You will receive a full detailed checklist with links and examples once you complete your registration. We will also organize a pre-tour online meeting where we’ll review clothing and gear recommendations and answer all your questions.
Cold
In Fairbanks, March nights can still be extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below −20°C (−4°F). To ensure everyone’s comfort, our vehicle will always remain close by and heated, so you’ll have the option to warm up whenever needed.
That said, we strongly recommend taking full advantage of the aurora sessions. Some of the best displays often happen in bursts, and stepping away for too long could mean missing unforgettable moments under the Northern Lights. Our guides will help you pace yourself with warm-up breaks while still maximizing your time outdoors to capture the best possible images.
Documentation
If you are traveling from outside the US, you may need a specific travel visa or an electronic travel authorization (“ESTA”) depending on your country of origin. We can help you with this process.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Accommodation
During this Fairbanks Northern Lights Photo Tour, we will stay at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center, one of the most comfortable hotels in town. Accommodation is included in private rooms with daily breakfast, ensuring that you have the space and rest you need after late-night aurora sessions.
The Westmark is also equipped with multiple conference rooms, where we will host our aurora talks, space weather presentations, and hands-on editing classes. This gives us a comfortable and professional learning environment during the day, before heading out at night to chase the lights.
Our hotel also features spacious rooms and different on-site amenities, including a restaurant.
Hiking
There’s no hiking on this tour, but we may include some short to moderate walks that you should be prepared for.
Factors like snow and ice can make even easy trails more challenging. Sometimes we’ll also walk off-trail to get better compositions and vantage points. While none of the paths are steep and they are suitable for all levels, walking on deep snow can significantly increase the difficulty compared to regular trails.
Also, keep in mind that the cold can drain your energy faster, so you’ll always have the chance to either shoot from a spot close to the minibus or to jump into the heated minibus whenever you are feeling tired or cold.
We recommend being in good physical condition and prepared to enjoy this experience.
What expenses should you consider for this Fairbanks Northern Lights Tour?
Flights
The recommended airport for this tour is Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), located just 6 miles from our hotel. Most major U.S. airlines offer daily connections to Fairbanks through hubs such as Seattle, Anchorage, or Minneapolis.
Airline ticket prices will vary depending on your departure city and the season. We recommend booking early to secure the best fares.
Transportation
All local transportation for aurora chasing and excursions is included in the tour package, so you won’t need to rent a car during your stay in Fairbanks. Pick-up and drop-off at our hotel is not included, but there are taxi and Uber/Lyft options taking you from the airport to the hotel in 10 minutes.
For our aurora chasing excursions, we’ll travel in a private minibus, driven by a local professional. The vehicle offers plenty of space for you and your gear, and it will remain parked and heated at each location so you can warm up comfortably when needed.
If you plan to extend your trip before or after the workshop, you may want to rent a vehicle to explore other parts of Alaska, but this is not necessary for the tour itself.
Meals
Meals are not included in the tour price, except for daily breakfasts, which are provided at our hotel. For lunch and dinner, you can expect to budget around $50–70 per day, depending on your preferences.
Our hotel, the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center, has a restaurant called “Red Lantern Steak & Spirits”. We’re also conveniently located in the city center and close to some of the best restaurants in Fairbanks. This makes it easy to enjoy a variety of dining options.
We’ll also schedule a few group lunches or dinners at local restaurants so the group can share time together outside of photography sessions. On other days, you’ll be free to explore dining options on your own.
What makes this Fairbanks Photo Tour unique?
Our Fairbanks workshop is entirely focused on aurora photography: chasing the best conditions at night, exploring snowy landscapes by day, and creating an intensive experience that helps you learn quickly and capture outstanding images.
Our workshops are limited to small groups with a ratio of no more than six students per instructor. This is also an essential factor for providing the attentive instruction you need during the tour.
During this workshop, we will photograph some of the most iconic landscapes around Fairbanks, from frozen lakes to boreal forests, as well as hidden spots we’ve scouted that are rarely visited or photographed by others.
We will discuss your goals before the tour so we can create a dedicated instruction plan for you. It doesn’t matter your age or skills; we will design your plan and provide you with materials before, during, and after the workshop so the learning process is not limited to just the tour.
We have spent years designing national and international photo tours with successful results, helping photographers with everything from the simple task of getting off Auto to the ambitious goal of capturing complex images. Our online courses have also helped thousands of photographers over the last years.
Beyond the photography, our photography workshops help build strong bonds that last forever. After our trip, you’ll feel like you have been with a group of friends rather than on a standard tour. We are thankful to have plenty of repeat clients who keep traveling and learning with us.
Frequent asked questions about our Fairbanks photo tour
What level of photography knowledge should I have to attend this photo tour in Fairbanks?
Whether you are experienced or just starting out, you are welcome. Our instructors will adapt to your needs, and we are confident you’ll return home with stronger skills and a deeper understanding of night and landscape photography.
We’ll also organize an online Zoom meeting with the instructors before the tour to share recommendations, answer questions, and help you prepare.
What physical shape do I need to be in?
This is not a hiking-focused photo tour; however, there may be some short to moderate walks through snow. None of the routes include extreme steep sections, and all are suitable for the general public.
That said, snow and ice can make walking more difficult than normal conditions, and deep snow requires extra effort. We recommend being in good physical condition so you can fully enjoy the experience.
Am I too young/old for this Fairbanks photo tour?
There is no age limit. This trip is perfect for anyone 18 years or older who wants to experience and photograph Alaska’s Northern Lights.
Can my non-photographer companion join us on the tour?
Yes, non-photographer companions are welcome to join. They need to book a spot under the same price and conditions as any other participant. We’ve had many non-photographer companions join in the past, and they all enjoyed the experience. As long as they appreciate nature, beautiful landscapes, and don’t mind the schedule of a photo tour, they will have a memorable trip.
What if the aurora forecast looks bad?
We carefully monitor cloud coverage and space weather every day. Fairbanks has multiple micro-climates, so even if the forecast isn’t perfect, we often find clear skies by driving relatively short distances. Our team’s flexibility and experience give us excellent chances of success.
Can I photograph the aurora with a phone?
Yes, modern smartphones have night modes that can capture the aurora. We’ll show you how to set up your phone for the best results. However, for the highest quality, we recommend using a Full-Frame camera.
What time of night is best for aurora photography in Fairbanks?
In Alaska, magnetic midnight occurs later than in other polar regions, making the prime time for aurora chasing between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM. This is when we’ll focus our efforts to capture the most dynamic displays.
Our Happy Students!
We’ve had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers over the last few years. Sharing and teaching photography is my passion, and I love doing this both online and in the field:
Join us in Alaska’s winter wonderland for an unforgettable Fairbanks Northern Lights Photo Tour! I still remember the first time I saw the aurora in Fairbanks — the entire sky lit up in waves of green and purple, and I knew it was a moment I’d never forget. March is the most magical time of year in Fairbanks, with clear skies, snowy landscapes, and the aurora at its most powerful during the spring equinox. With expert guidance, cozy accommodations, and immersive photography sessions, we’ll help you capture this extraordinary phenomenon and create images you’ll treasure forever. Come chase the Northern Lights with us and return home not just with photographs, but with memories that will stay with you for a lifetime!
You’ve probably seen Capture the Atlas in…
Follow our adventures and trips on instagram
© 2025 CAPTURE THE ATLAS | Photography · Travel · Adventure | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED