Chasing Auroras, Cracking Up & Capturing Magic
(A chat with me on the Vallerret “Creative Outsiders” podcast)
I recently had the absolute blast of joining the “Creative Outsiders” podcast by Vallerret (check the episode here: YouTube link). Yes, that’s me: a British photographer living up in the arctic-forum we call the island chain of Lofoten, talking auroras, camera gear, and the kind of northern lights tour stories that make you both gasp and giggle.
What we covered (and why it’s worth your time)
The aurora chase explained – I dive into what it really takes to hunt the lights: from space weather and moon phases to raw perseverance, freezing toes and the moment when the skies explode in green.
Gear talk (because you know I can’t help it) – Cameras, lenses, my go-to setups in sub-zero, plus a few “rookie mistakes” I’ve made so you don’t. If you’re into photography this is gold.
Why Lofoten rocks – I talk about why this region punches above its weight: raw coastline, fewer crowds, a real sense of place. And yes, I might have all the info about the nbest cinnamon buns on the planet.
Storytelling in the cold – How being a guide, photographer & local author (hello The Complete Aurora Guide) shapes the way I tell stories. From guest-experiences to guest “whoops” moments, I wrap it up with humour and heart.
Quick Fire Q&A – I answer some fun questions about the lessons I’ve learned on my journey in life.
Why this episode matters for you
Whether you’re planning a northern-lights trip, building your camera kit, or simply love hearing how humans deal with beauty, cold toes and unpredictable skies: this one’s for you. Hearing someone live it (that’s me) brings a different flavour than any Instagram reel or quick blog post.
If you’ve ever asked yourself: “Should I go to Lofoten? How do I shoot the lights? What’s a guide actually think when the aurora explodes?”—this podcast gives you honest answers, a few laughs, and maybe a little challenge (yes, I dare you to bring proper gloves).
What you can do next
Watch/listen to the episode here.
After, think about your upcoming trip: Are you prepared for the conditions? Is your gear ready? Are you chasing views, or just chasing light?
If you’re heading to Lofoten and want a photo-guide who’s been there, done that, and warmed the coffee in a cold van many times: let’s talk.
Thanks to Vallerret for having me, thank you for reading this. I hope you’ll swing by the episode, grab a laugh, maybe learn a tip or two—and let’s keep chasing those auroras together.
Stay warm (but excited),
Much love
Dave