Use a camera with manual controls
Mount the camera on a sturdy tripod
Use a wide-angle lens with a large aperture
Set the lens to manual focus and focus on a distant light or infinity
Use a high ISO, starting around 800 to 3200
Use a wide aperture, such as f/1.4 to f/2.8
Start with a shutter speed between 1 and 10 seconds
Adjust shutter speed based on aurora brightness and movement
Shoot in RAW format
Use a remote shutter release or self-timer
Turn off image stabilization when the camera is on a tripod
Check the histogram and adjust exposure as needed
Include foreground elements for composition
Dress warmly and protect your batteries from the cold
Take multiple shots and fine-tune settings as conditions change