Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks, Alaska

Discovering the Northern Lights in Fairbanks: A Deep Dive into the Private Photography Tour

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the elusive aurora borealis, this private Northern Lights photography tour in Fairbanks offers an appealing blend of expert guidance, personalized attention, and stunning scenery. We haven’t done this particular tour ourselves, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it seems like a fantastic choice for those eager to turn night sky magic into memorable photographs.

What excites us most? First, the small-group format—with just your party and a dedicated guide, Riley Bregar, you can count on tailored tips and a more intimate experience. Second, the remote viewing locations away from city lights promise not just pictures but peaceful, awe-inspiring moments.

That said, a potential consideration is the weather dependency. As with any Northern Lights adventure, cloud cover and clear skies are crucial. But the tour’s flexibility, with options for different locations, can help maximize your chances.

This experience is ideally suited for adventurers and photographers of all levels who want more than just a fleeting glimpse—they want to learn, photograph, and truly enjoy the magic of the auroras in a relaxed, personal setting.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and instruction.
• Remote viewing locations away from city light pollution enhance visibility and tranquility.
• Expert guidance from professional photographer Riley Bregar helps you capture stunning aurora photos.
• The 6-8 hour duration offers ample time for aurora chasing, even on nights with unpredictable weather.
• Flexible itineraries include stops along major highways and scenic viewpoints for optimal viewing.
• Photo gear rental options are available, making this accessible even if you’re not traveling with your equipment.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This tour isn’t just about seeing the Northern Lights; it’s about experiencing them with expert guidance and capturing them with confidence. Riley Bregar, the guide and photographer, brings his knowledge of Aurora science and photography to help you get the most out of your night. The tour’s personalized approach, capped at just two guests per night, means you’re not lost in a crowd, and your questions and needs are front and center.

The 6 to 8 hours of dedicated aurora chasing over several remote locations increase your chances of a sighting, even if cloud cover threatens elsewhere. The tour operates between late fall and early spring, with evening starts from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, aligning with prime aurora viewing hours.

Detailed Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

Starting Point: Fairbanks

The tour kicks off in Fairbanks, a city renowned for its aurora activity due to its geographic position. From here, your guide will choose the best route based on weather conditions and aurora forecasts. Whether traveling west along the Parks Highway, north on the Elliott Highway, or south along the Richardson Highway, the goal is to find locations with minimal light pollution and clear skies.

Scenic Viewing Stops on Remote Highways

The Parks Highway, stretching west from Fairbanks, offers several beautiful viewpoints. These spots are ideal for quiet, unobstructed views of the night sky, especially when conditions are right. The Elliott Highway, a more remote route, takes about 70 miles north, leading you into less inhabited, more pristine landscapes—perfect for avoiding light pollution and catching the lights in all their glory.

The Richardson Highway, connecting Fairbanks to Delta Junction, is another excellent route. Along these highways, your guide will select locations that offer the best chances to see the auroras, based on real-time weather updates and aurora forecasts.

What to Expect During the Tour

You can anticipate traveling for about 6 to 8 hours, with plenty of time to settle into different vantage points. Riley, your expert guide, will share insights into the science of auroras—how they form and why they dance across the sky—and, more practically, how to photograph them.

Expect personalized instruction, tailored to your skill level—beginners and pros alike. If needed, gear rentals are available, so you won’t worry about bringing the right equipment. Given the quiet, remote locations, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the stillness of the Alaskan wilderness, illuminated only by the moon and, hopefully, the dazzling Northern Lights.

Photographic Tips and Portraits

One of the most appreciated features of this tour is the focus on aurora photography. Riley’s tips will help you optimize your camera settings, whether you’re using a smartphone or a professional DSLR. The tour also offers aurora portraits, so you can leave with a professional-quality photo of yourself beneath the shimmering sky—an excellent souvenir of your adventure.

Authenticity and Flexibility

The reviews highlight how Riley’s expertise and calm demeanor help ease the nerves of first-time aurora hunters. As one guest put it, “He knew exactly what he was doing,” which is reassuring when you’re facing unpredictable weather and fleeting moments of clear skies.

If conditions are poor, the team offers full refunds or rescheduling options, ensuring you won’t be left empty-handed—an important consideration for a weather-dependent experience.

Price and Value Analysis

At $315 per person, this tour is priced higher than some group excursions, but it’s clear that the personalized service, expert guidance, and remote locations justify the cost. For those passionate about photography or seeking a more intimate experience, the value is evident. The small group size, with only your party and the guide, means you’ll get tailored instruction and better chances for capturing stunning images.

Compared to larger, more general aurora tours, this private experience offers more flexibility and a higher likelihood of seeing and photographing the lights—something many travelers cherish when chasing the northern skies.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour appeals most to photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers looking for a more personal, less commercialized aurora experience. It’s perfect for those who want expert guidance, tailored photography tips, and the chance to visit quiet, scenic spots away from city lights.

While the tour is suitable for all skill levels, those with an interest in photography will especially appreciate the professional tips and portrait opportunities. It’s also a good choice for travelers who value flexible, weather-aware arrangements, given the option to reschedule or get a full refund if conditions aren’t favorable.

The Sum Up

This Private Northern Lights Photography Tour in Fairbanks offers a rare blend of expert guidance, intimate group size, and remote, scenic locations. It’s well-suited for travelers who want to go beyond just seeing the aurora—they want to capture it perfectly and enjoy the stillness of the Alaskan night.

The focus on personalized instruction and photography makes it an excellent investment for those wanting to improve their night sky photography skills while chasing one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. The flexibility and the likelihood of finding clear skies—thanks to Riley’s local knowledge—add to its appeal.

Overall, if you’re looking for a carefully curated, high-quality aurora experience that balances adventure, learning, and stunning views, this tour delivers on all counts. It’s best for those who truly value meaningful, authentic experiences—an unforgettable night under the shimmering lights.

FAQs

What is included in the price of the tour?
For $315, you get a private, guided aurora viewing experience, transportation to remote locations, and professional photography tips. Gear rentals are also available if needed.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 6 to 8 hours of aurora chasing, starting after 8:00 PM, with flexible stops along scenic highways.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with pickup and ends with drop-off in Fairbanks, making it convenient to fit into your travel plans.

Can I participate if I am a beginner in photography?
Absolutely. The guide offers photography tips suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to pros.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on quiet, remote viewing and photography suggests it’s best suited for travelers aged 12 and up who are comfortable in cold outdoor conditions.

Do I need my own camera?
You can bring your own camera, but gear rentals are available on-site if you don’t have equipment suitable for night photography.

This private tour offers a special chance to chase, learn, and photograph the Northern Lights in a setting designed for comfort and success. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply eager for a magical night under the sky, this experience seems to strike the right balance of professionalism, intimacy, and awe.