The first time you witness the Northern Lights in all it's glory is an incredibly inspiring moment. In the midst of a cold Arctic Winter in January 2018, this was my time!

It was almost a week into my first trip to the Arctic before we saw a strong display of the Aurora Borealis and it wasn't from lack of trying. After a lot of research into the best places to see the Northern Lights I had decided to visit the stunning Lofoten Islands, north of the Arctic Circle in Norway.

I was traveling with a close friend from New Zealand and together we chased the lights almost every night. It takes a huge amount of motivation to stand outside in the elements, in the dark, in temperatures as low as -25c (with wind-chill) for hours on end - all in the hope that you might see and capture the elusive Northern Lights!

This particular night, we were finally blessed with clear skies and a beautiful display of the Aurora. As the show began it simply took my breath away. I stood in awe as the lights danced above me.

After enjoying the show from the car park for a little while, I raced down to Uttakleiv Beach slipping and sliding on the ice covered rocks and sand. The tide was rising and there was enough swell to make me nervous but I was determined to find a decent composition.

After moving around a few times I set up my gear on a high enough rock to keep me out of the white water and waited patiently. It seemed like forever before the Aurora moved into my frame but finally it happened. I nailed this shot as a large wave crashed around the rocks then retreated to the safety of the nearby beach.

What an incredible experience!