Spectacular Northern Lights Photography by Neil Zeller

Photographer Neil Zeller has always been a nighthawk, captivated by the night sky and astronomy. But for a long time, Zeller didn't believe he'd be able to capture the Aurora Borealis' breathtaking display by photograph.

After many attempts, Zeller learned the best conditions to capture the lights, and he became hooked on Aurora photography. He now teaches others how to capture images of the phenomenon.

"I shoot the Aurora all the time, and people always ask 'Is it really like that?' and while the long exposure techniques help to bring out the lights, it is gratifying to show them the lights in real life," Zeller told weather.com.

Most of Zeller's photos are taken outside of Calgary, Canada. He teaches Aurora photography in Alberta and workshops in the Yukon, where he and his students are more likely to see an amazing Northern Lights display. 

Zeller takes the weather into careful consideration before heading out to capture the lights. He studies weather radar and satellite imagery to find the best skies to photograph. He told weather.com that he is willing to drive over 300 miles in a single night if the skies will be clear enough for a good photo shoot.

The photographer recently had the chance to show his 8-year-old son the lights for the first time.

"He was just in awe, so I'll never forget that moment," he said.

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