Aurora Portraits: Fairbanks Photography Tour
5.0
190 Ratings

Experience the Fairbanks Aurora Tour with professional portrait photographer Nathan. Get high-quality aurora portraits and explore Alaska with an expert guide. Book now!

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 93QJ42XR+4R4 - NEW! Experience a timelapse video capturing the entire sky throughout the night. AURORA GUARANTEE! If your photos don’t capture the aurora, you’re entitled to a complimentary second tour within two years of your original tour date, subject to seat availability. Embark on an unparalleled adventure, staying comfortably warm as you…
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What's Included
  • Digital photo album with landscapes and portraits included at no extra cost
  • Bottled water
  • Free hand and toe warmers
  • Heated warming shelter with stools
  • Headlamps provided as needed
  • Aurora guarantee: free tour if no aurora photos, based on availability
  • Snacks
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Nathan is a skilled portrait photographer, a rarity among Aurora tour operators in Fairbanks. With a decade of experience as a full-time wedding photographer, he transitioned to aurora portrait photography over seven years ago. While other tours may offer “free portraits,” none match Nathan’s level of expertise. He employs controlled supplemental studio…

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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(190 Ratings)
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Karin_a
Sep 23, 2025
An Aurora guide who goes the extra mile - Nathan was really great. He picked us and others up in a van and took us to a good location outside of Fairbanks that had less cloud coverage than some other nearby areas. Unfortunately the clouds were stubborn and kept us from viewing the Aurora directly, but they were thin enough that cameras picked up the glow behind them which made for some really pretty pictures. Nathan is an excellent photographer and had the right equipment and took better pictures of us than we were able to get. The tent and pizza oven he set up was great and he set it up surprisingly fast. He also set up some other unique and fun camera shots while we waited to see if the clouds lifted. He was great answering questions, particularly about finding and seeing the Aurora. It was overall a nice night and experience and I highly recommend him as a guide to see the Aurora. For me, the place where he really stood out as a guide was how we interacted after the evening. I asked about his policy for a second night and wasn’t sure what his response would be since we saw the lights through cameras through the clouds. He said he would take us out again as that wasn’t a proper viewing, which was nice of him. I suggested that we didn’t need the whole trip with pizza and photos etc - we just wanted to see the northern lights, and so over the next few days I texted him for tips and he gave me valuable information. He gave us some locations that would work, tips on seeing where clouds are, and just general information we needed. Overall, it left me with the feeling that not only is he a really nice person, but that he cares if visitors are successful. That’s the main reason I recommend him as a guide. I felt he went above and beyond what one would expect from booking a tour. If we had gone with him a second night I would have paid him again (I like supporting these types of businesses) and I gave him a tip as well. The clouds have remained stubborn. It’s been overcast the whole trip. That said, using Nathan’s tips, one of our nights there was a hole in the cloud cover that we positioned ourselves at the right spot and got a decent viewing and some pretty pictures. I can only imagine if the sky was clear on an active night - we’ll have to come again, and will be sure to use Nathan again for the next trip.
Review provided by Viator
Linet_m
Apr 21, 2025
Amazing tour, totally worth it - The most amazing and unforgettable day we weren’t able to see the lights on our first night, but he brought us back the following day and we saw an amazing show for Pizza that tend to everything was amazing the first night when we didn’t see the lights, he took some amazing pictures of us and it was totally worth it, but do this again in a heartbeat
Review provided by Viator
Donitag955
Apr 8, 2025
Awesome Experience! - There are no words to describe the beauty of the auroras that we observed north of Fairbanks, Alaska in March. While planning for this trip, my friends and I read many reviews of aurora tours. We finally selected Electric Moose Studios by Nathan Cox due to his reviews. We could not have asked for a better tour. Nathan found the perfect spot to view the auroras. He set up his ice-fishing tent, turned on the butane heaters, cooked us all pizzas, and explained the science behind the aurora. He monitored the aurora on his phone and when the time was right we went out and viewed the beauty as he took photos of each member of our nine-person tour group. We later moved to another spot to launch our Chinese hot-air balloons and viewed more auroras. We headed back to town, and the aurora exploded all over the sky. Nathan pulled the van over again and we witnessed the most spectacular auroras of the night. The entire sky was ablaze with the aurora. If you are looking for an outstanding aurora tour guide, Nathan Cox with Electric Moose Studios is your man!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sachi_v
Apr 6, 2025
Bucket List Aurora Experience - My mom and sister and I had the absolute best time on our aurora tour in March. Nathan our guide is a gem and took care of all of us with such care, professionalism and attention to detail. After picking us up from our hotel and driving to the aurora viewing location, he realized that the aurora was already out and active and jumped right into taking the most amazing pictures. He took his time with everyone in our group and helped us capture some amazing memories and moments. Nathan then set up the warming tent and prepared pizzas in his portable oven and hot drinks to help us get warmed back up. We finished the night with lighting Chinese lanterns and taking some amazing steel wool photography. 10/10 would recommend this tour to anyone wanting an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Review provided by Viator
Gretchen_p
Apr 2, 2025
A night you won't forget! - Nathan is the absolute best! He went above and beyond to make sure everyone got the most out of the tour. We were extremely fortunate with a night of breathtaking auroras, but even without such luck, he made the experience worthwhile with Chinese lanterns and steel wool photography. We enjoyed learning about the aurora phenomenon and a little about him personally. His energy and enthusiasm kept us charged the whole night through. The flight of pizzas was a hit (especially with my teenage son) and the drinks and heaters kept us toasty warm! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Compass16245124346
Mar 31, 2025
A Unique and Fun Adventure!... - Enthusiastic, Adventurous, Creative, Fun! -- These are just a few words to describe both Nathan and the vibe of his tour. Nathan creates an environment (and provides activities) designed to delight each person in his group...from a cozy, warm place to eat straight-out-of-the oven (really!) pizza to floating Chinese lanterns! However, don't be fooled. Nathan is constantly and adeptly calculating and watching for the Northern Lights for everyone to experience (understanding that this is a natural phenomenon and not guaranteed). Throughout the evening, Nathan takes professional pictures that memorialize the magical evening, whatever it brings. Thank you so much, Nathan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Starlene_h
Mar 30, 2025
The BEST Aurora Tour & BEST Photos in Alaska - Count your lucky stars this tour exists! This aurora tour was the ABSOLUTE highlight of our entire 2 week Alaska Trip! Every night we looked forward to being picked up and see the magic happen with him! Nathan is both an incredible Aurora guide & photographer all in one in addition to his friendly, engaging & professional demeanor. He makes the experience SO magical and takes STUNNING photos-with his professional wedding photography background every portrait comes out drop dead gorgeous! If it wasn’t enough that he shows you the Aurora, he also entertains with other fun activities if it doesn’t appear. No other tour will do that. If you want to be stuffed in a van with a bunch of people and drive to random fields “chasing the Aurora” and be out in the freezing cold and have dry snacks & mediocre portraits of yourself with the Aurora then go elsewhere. His prices are extremely reasonable and he sends photos by the time you wake up the next morning, no waiting. If you want to be in a warm tent eating PIZZA, so warm that you are peeling layers off yourself (We’re from Florida first time in Alaska & felt amazingly cozy) being entertained then book before it sells out! He even offers another date to come out again on a tour if the Aurora doesn’t show the night you booked. NO other tour is going to give you delicious hot fresh pizza made on the spot, variety hot drinks, make you laugh all night, entertain you giving you your own Chinese lanterns to fly and steel wool art if the Aurora doesn’t show! Also, other Aurora guides are just Aurora guides, this gentleman is also a photographer so he isn’t just showing you auroras, he’s getting the best photos of you and your family. Try finding another tour that’s better! My fiancé proposed to be during this tour and the photos are amazing. You will be so comfortable in his warm huge tent & awe inspired by his tours! We booked 4 nights in a row with complete confidence after reading so many happy reviews, and we were SO sad when our last night ended. The only regret we have is not booking more nights.
Review provided by Viator
Stephaniesh1
Mar 29, 2025
BEST Aurora Tour & BEST Photos in Alaska - Count your lucky stars this tour exists! This aurora tour was the ABSOLUTE highlight of our entire 2 week Alaska Trip! Every night we looked forward to being picked up and see the magic happen with him! Nathan is both an incredible Aurora guide & photographer all in one in addition to his friendly, engaging & professional demeanor. He makes the experience SO magical and takes STUNNING photos-with his professional wedding photography background every portrait comes out drop dead gorgeous! If it wasn’t enough that he shows you the Aurora, he also entertains with other fun activities if it doesn’t appear. No other tour will do that. If you want to be stuffed in a van with a bunch of people and drive to random fields “chasing the Aurora” and be out in the freezing cold and have dry snacks & mediocre portraits of yourself with the Aurora then go elsewhere. His prices are extremely reasonable and he sends photos by the time you wake up the next morning, no waiting. If you want to be in a warm tent eating PIZZA, so warm that you are peeling layers off yourself (We’re from Florida first time in Alaska & felt amazingly cozy) being entertained then book before it sells out! He even offers another date to come out again on a tour if the Aurora doesn’t show the night you booked. NO other tour is going to give you delicious hot fresh pizza made on the spot, variety hot drinks, make you laugh all night, entertain you giving you your own Chinese lanterns to fly and steel wool art if the Aurora doesn’t show! Also, other Aurora guides are just Aurora guides, this gentleman is also a photographer so he isn’t just showing you auroras, he’s getting the best photos of you and your family. Try finding another tour that’s better! My fiancé proposed during this tour and the photos are amazing. You will be so comfortable in his warm huge tent & awe inspired by his tours! He has such a positive and energetic demeanor to all ages, all families and all travelers that makes the whole night magical. We booked 4 nights in a row in March 2025 with complete confidence after reading so many happy reviews, and we were SO sad when our last night ended. The only regret we have is not booking more nights.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Starlene_h
Mar 29, 2025
The BEST Aurora Tour & BEST PHOTOS in all Alaska - Count your lucky stars this tour exists! This aurora tour was the ABSOLUTE highlight of our entire 2 week Alaska Trip! Every night we looked forward to being picked up and see the magic happen with him! Nathan is both an incredible Aurora guide & photographer all in one in addition to his friendly, engaging & professional demeanor. He makes the experience SO magical and takes STUNNING photos-with his professional wedding photography background every portrait comes out drop dead gorgeous! If it wasn’t enough that he shows you the Aurora, he also entertains with other fun activities if it doesn’t appear. No other tour will do that. If you want to be stuffed in a van with a bunch of people and drive to random fields “chasing the Aurora” and be out in the freezing cold and have dry snacks & mediocre portraits of yourself with the Aurora then go elsewhere. His prices are extremely reasonable and he sends photos by the time you wake up the next morning, no waiting. If you want to be in a warm tent eating PIZZA, so warm that you are peeling layers off yourself (We’re from Florida first time in Alaska & felt amazingly cozy) being entertained then book before it sells out! He even offers another date to come out again on a tour if the Aurora doesn’t show the night you booked. NO other tour is going to give you delicious hot fresh pizza made on the spot, variety hot drinks, make you laugh all night, entertain you giving you your own Chinese lanterns to fly and steel wool art if the Aurora doesn’t show! Also, other Aurora guides are just Aurora guides, this gentleman is also a photographer so he isn’t just showing you auroras, he’s getting the best photos of you and your family. Try finding another tour that’s better! My fiancé proposed to be during this tour and the photos are amazing. You will be so comfortable in his warm huge tent & awe inspired by his tours! We booked 4 nights in a row with complete confidence after reading so many happy reviews, and we were SO sad when our last night ended. The only regret we have is not booking more nights.
Review provided by Viator
Amber_h
Mar 29, 2025
Amazing Aurora Trip - Nathan was an awesome and knowledgeable guide. He was efficient with his setup. We all had tasty pizza and hot beverages when we got to our location. We also got to fly Chinese lanterns and take steel wool photos with our groups while waiting for the aurora to appear. We were able to see an amazing show at the end of the night with cotton candy, watermelon and tie-dye sky's. This tour was the highlight of our Fairbanks trip.
Review provided by Viator
Check Availability
From $385
From $385
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).