The phenomenon known as Aurora borealis or the Northern Lights is an incredible sight for anyone’s eyes. For photographers, however, there is the added opportunity of a once in a lifetime shot. For the third year now, editor and astrophotographer Dan Zafra of the website Capture the Atlas has curated the best 25 images of the enchanting lights from around the world. The images below are the ones shortlisted to be the winner of Northern Lights Photographer of the Year, so you can be sure each one is truly remarkable.
Such images require great skill and dedication, often shooting at night in freezing weather, and for many photographers, the quest of getting the perfect shot can take years. The results of that hard work, as you can see below, are magical. To see more you can visit Capture the Atlas.

Image Source: Roksolyana Hilevych

Image Source: Timestorm Films

Image Source: Agnieszka Mrowka
Related: A Blaze of Glory in the Skies

Image Source: Risto Leskinen







Australian Wildlife is Extreme. Birds Are No Exception
No other country has astounding wildlife quite like Australia. You can be sure their birds aren't any different!
These Natural Optical Illusions Are Stunning!
Sometimes, chance creates better compositions than any art director ever could. All of these stunning nature photos will make you look twice.
The Mastery of Capturing a Fraction of the World
Professional photographers come in to show us all again the true mastery of capturing the world through a lens. Enjoy.
16 Of Nature's Best Unintentional Works of Art
Sometimes the most moving and beautifully effortless works of art are the ones created by nature, without man's interference.
22 Thought Provoking Winners of Budapest Foto Awards
The Budapest International Foto Awards just published their winners, and the photographs are so thought-provoking and unique, they truly speak for themselves.
17 Breathtaking Landscape Photos by Alexander Ladanivskyy
This collection of nature photography by Alexander Ladanivskyy is sure to remind you of the sheer magnitude and power of the great outdoors.
16 Rare Historical Photos You’ve Never Seen Before
Check out these fascinating and rare historical photos.
The Name of the Game is... Camouflage!
These confusing pictures will challenge your vision and your mind!
This Spring in the Gobi Desert Looks Like Abstract Art!
The Devil's Eye is a natural spring that looks more like a figment of an abstract artist’s imagination than a real place on our planet.
14 of the Most Breathtaking Milky Way Photographs
Check out some of the best Milky Way photographs that captures the ethereal beauty of our galaxy.
17 Unusual Christmas Trees from Around the World
This festive season, get inspired by these creative DIY Christmas trees.
12 Unforgettable Vintage Harley-Davidson Photos
Enjoy this iconic collection of vintage Harley-Davidson photos.
These Historical Building Restorations Only Did More Harm
The restoration projects of these historical buildings didn't go according to plan, it seems, and these 12 buildings were transformed beyond belief...
Wow, You Don't See THIS On a Regular Day...
Each one of these photographs has a whole story behind it, and each is more extraordinary than the last. This photo collection brings together some rare and unusual sights that you probably haven't seen before!
This Photographer Creates Uniquely Magical Illusions
Sometimes perspective is everything in photography and can completely change the way you look at something. Check out these photos.
These Award-Winning Photos are a Visual Delight
you are invited to view 15 selected images from the competition, which will show you that our world has many true and natural artworks, and you only need to know where to point the camera lens.
23 Famous Figures Photographed With Their Beloved Cats
Seeing these 23 famous figures of the 19th and 20th centuries photographed with their spoiled and beloved cats is so heartwarming!
These Photographers Got Their Timing Absolutely Spot On!
These perfectly timed photographs are proof that you don’t need to be a professional photographer to take awesome pictures.
What Are the Odds? These Pics Capture Life's Freaky Flukes
Check out these remarkable photos of unbelievably rare coincidences.
14 Adorable and Funny Coincidences You’ve Got to See!
These 14 pictures are all lucky coincidences captured on camera. They make us all relive that magic moment when the universe aligns perfectly!
17 Creative Ways Old Buildings Found New Lives
These repurposed buildings will surprise you.
These Urban Megaprojects Are the World's Most Ambitious
Two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, and planners are making preparations for that eventuality. Here are 11 urban megaprojects.
Butterflies and Silkmoths Have Never Looked This Good!
Adam Gor is a Hungary-based biology student who has a love for macro nature photography. Take a look at some of his stunning work here.
Paper Cutouts Turn the World Into Small Scale Scenes
15 paper cutouts on world-famous monuments.
This Photographer Captures Mood and Feeling Like No Other
No wonder the photographer Jason M. Peterson has gained an unparalleled following of 1 million people. His outstanding work speaks for itself...
16 Pictures That Will Make You See the World Differently...
Thanks to the following series of images, your point of view about different things is going to change. Just take a look for yourself!
Step into These Charming Vintage Kitchens (15 Pics)
We’ve fallen in love with these retro kitchen designs.
Animal Kingdom Stories Told Through Amazing Pictures
Check out the awe-inspiring wildlife photos of the 2024 Nature inFocus Photography competition.
These Vintage Olympic Photos are PURE GOLD
These vintage photos show just how much the Olympics have changed.
Japanese Artist Lito Creates Magical Leaf Art (18 Pics)
Japanese artist Lito elevates the art of leaf carving with his unbelievably intricate designs.
What Life Looked Like in 1890: 16 Fascinating Photos
Let’s explore the world looked like in 1890 through 16 fascinating photos.
Vintage Photos of the Real Wild West - 16 Rare Pics
These 16 remarkable photographs reveal increasingly surprising glimpses into authentic Wild West life.
15 Famous People In History That Were Really Good-Looking
A collection of 15 vintage photos that prove that some of the famous figures in history were quite attractive...
Relive the 1940s Through These Fascinating Photos
These vivid photos will transport you to a bygone era - the United States during the Great Depression and World War II. Absolutely fascinating!
4:51
How an Insane King Built the World’s Most Beautiful Castle
Neuschwanstein is most recognized castle, famous for its fairy tale like appearance. But the history of this stunning castle is no fairy tale
These Fountains are Some of the Most Stunning in the World
This stunning collection will show you the most remarkable fountains in the world. From world record breakers to ancient landmarks, be sure to take a look.
16 Stunning 3D Murals That Redefine Street Art
Artist Cosimo Cheone Caiffa transforms streets into captivating artworks with his stunning 3D murals.
15 Unique Business Cards That Left a Lasting Impression
Now that's how you make a business card!
500 Years of Living Room Design in 12 Astonishing Pictures
Admire how living room interior design has been changing for the past 500 years in 12 astonishingly beautiful pictures
These Chinese Gardens are the Perfect Place for Relaxation
These gardens combine beauty and function, and are places of pure serenity and unparalleled grace.
In Pictures: International Dog Photography Award Winners
Check out the amazing winniers of the International Dog Photography Awards.
These Amazing Nature Photographs Will Leave You in Awe!
The winners from Nat Geo's 2017 Photography Competition have been announced and they will amaze you!
20 Pictures that Show How the World Changed over 100 Years
A gallery of bizarre, nostalgic or unique black and white pictures
4:27
See Polonnaruwa - A Magical Medieval City In Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa was the seat of the Sinhalese kingdom that ruled over Sri Lanka between the 11th and 14th centuries. Take a look at this stunning city.
14 Famous Things Invented by the Japanese
The Japanese are some of the most creative people in the world. Here are 14 things that we bet you didn’t know were originally invented by the Japanese.
Here Are 14 of the Funniest Wildlife Pictures You Will See
Sometimes wild animals can be pretty amusing without realizing it and these hilarious pictures show them at their funniest!
These Photos Show What People Had to Bear in the Wild West
These photos illustrate what life in the Wild West was like.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.