Fairbanks Northern Lights Photography Tour
Fairbanks, Alaska
Join me for a once in a lifetime adventure chasing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska—widely regarded as one of the best places on Earth to see the aurora. Nestled beneath the Auroral Oval, Fairbanks sits directly under the band of concentrated aurora activity, and its inland location and low precipitation mean many clear, dark nights. Together, these factors make the Fairbanks region an exceptional destination for witnessing the spectacular aurora borealis.
Workshop Schedule:
Participants will check in to our private Airbnb cabin near Fairbanks on March 13 around 3:00 PM. The cabin features individual private rooms for each guest.
Each evening, we will monitor weather + aurora forecasts and travel as needed to areas with the clearest skies to maximize our chances of capturing the Northern Lights.
Our days will be a perfect mix of rest and Alaskan adventure. When we aren’t relaxing, we’ll be exploring Fairbanks’ local food scene, shopping, and dog sledding. We also plan to take scenic drives to capture Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, discover an ice cave, and photograph local wildlife like moose, caribou, and owls. Be prepared for extended late night shooting sessions, as aurora activity often peaks after midnight. Temperatures during this time of year can range from –20°F to 30°F, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.
To ensure you are well-rested and ready to begin, please plan to arrive in Fairbanks (March 12) ONE DAY PRIOR to the workshop start date. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their accommodation for that additional night. There are multiple hotels near fairbanks airport I recommend doing that and to get there is best by uber or taxi.
Book your departing flight back home on March 18th, anytime during the day is fine…
Recommended Clothing:
- Layering System (Critical for Comfort & Safety)
-Base Layer (Moisture-Wicking)
Merino wool or high-quality synthetic thermal top and bottom
Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and reduces insulation
-Mid Layer (Insulation)
Fleece jacket or wool sweater
Insulated pants or fleece-lined mid layer
-Outer Layer (Protection from Wind & Snow)
Expedition-weight down or synthetic insulated parka (rated for sub-zero temperatures) Windproof and waterproof insulated snow pants
2. Footwear
Insulated winter boots rated to at least –20°F
Thick wool socks (bring an extra pair)
Standing on snow or frozen ground for extended periods will quickly draw heat from your body, so high-quality boots are critical.
3. Head & Face Protection
Insulated winter hat (covering ears)
Balaclava or neck gaiter
Windproof face covering for extreme cold nights
Tour Info:
Dates: March 13-18, 2027
Group Size: 4 participants
Cost: $3,400 USD
More details like deposit amount and other info are located in ”BOOK NOW” button below
Recommended camera gear:
- To achieve the best results in capturing the northern lights, you need a 16-35mm or similar lens that has an aperture of F2.8 or lower. I recommend renting or buying SIGMA 14mm (F1.8) its the best lens to get wide and sharp photos at night. If you already own a 16-35mm F2.8 or similar it should work fine!
- Mirrorless or DSLR camera
- Sturdy tripod (very Important)
- 4-6 batteries
What you will learn:
- Long exposure photography
- Composition
- Understanding how to adjust your settings to achieve best results
- Focus stacking
- Post processing your images on Lightroom or Photoshop
- How do auroras happen
- Understanding + reading aurora data on phone apps
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- camera gear
- Lodging first night you arrive
- Food/Beverages
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION
By attending this workshop, you agree to hold Marc Bouldoukian of Marc bouldoukian photography harmless for all personal injury or loss that may occur during or in connection with this trip.
Do not push your physical abilities past what you are healthy enough to do. You are in charge of deciding if a location is safe for you to travel to.
Travel insurance as well as insurance for your photo gear are both highly recommended. Marc Bouldoukian of Marc Bouldoukian Photography’s role in this workshop is to teach photography in Alaska and guide you to great locations.
You are responsible for your safety as you travel. Marc Bouldoukian of Marc Bouldoukian Photography makes no effort to vet the other attendees of the trip and you need to make sure you are safe in their companionship. In the event of extraordinary events, governmental instability, extreme weather, pandemic, or other condition, Marc Bouldoukian reserves the right to reschedule or cancel this trip and either return all workshop fees or apply paid fees toward a future workshop.