A Guide to Capturing Northern Lights with iPhone: 1 Minute to Perfect Your Photography Skills

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon that many travelers dream of capturing. Thanks to advances in smartphone technology, it's now entirely possible to photograph the Northern Lights with your iPhone. In this guide, I'll walk you through practical steps to achieve stunning results, blending technical advice with a designer’s touch to maximize aesthetics in your photos.

Preparation & Location

First, research the best time and place for viewing the Northern Lights. Locations within or near the Arctic Circle, such as Norway, Iceland, Alaska, and Northern Canada, are prime spots. Check the weather forecast and aurora activity apps to increase your chances.

iPhone Settings for Night Photography

1. Use the latest iPhone model if possible for improved low-light capabilities.

2. Update your iOS to the latest version for the best camera features.

3. Disable the flash to avoid light pollution in your photo.

4. Set your focus: Tap the screen where you want to focus, usually on the brightest part of the aurora.

5. Adjust exposure: Tap and hold, then slide your finger to adjust the exposure level to avoid overexposed areas.

6. Shoot in Night mode if available—this feature automatically appears in low-light but can be increased to a longer exposure manually for brighter, clearer results.

Composition Tips From a Designer

Great Northern Lights photography isn't just about the aurora—it’s about crafting a compelling image. Use the rule of thirds to balance the sky and foreground, incorporating elements like snowy landscapes, pine trees, or cabins to add context and depth. As a designer, I always think about lines, balance, and how shadows play against illuminated skies.

Stabilize Your iPhone

Night photography demands stability. Use a tripod designed for smartphones or prop your iPhone against a flat, secure surface. Even slight movement can create blurry results due to the longer exposure times.

Edit with Purpose

Once you've captured your photos, enhance them using editing tools either within the Photos app or professional apps like Lightroom. Adjust contrast, highlights, and saturation carefully—aim to preserve the natural look of the aurora while drawing out its vivid colors and the surrounding landscape. As with any design project, subtle tweaks are often more impactful than heavy edits.

While iPhonography gives nearly everyone the chance to become a night sky photographer, design principles elevate those images for memorable, share-worthy results. In fact, choosing the right approach to 3D Render Home can inspire you to think more deeply about spatial design, composition, and lighting in your aurora photography—and in any visual storytelling you pursue.

Tips 1:

Scout your locations during daylight to identify potential foreground subjects and eliminate trip hazards. Planning ahead will help you compose more interesting and balanced photos when the lights appear.

FAQ

Q: Can I really capture the Northern Lights with an iPhone?

A: Yes! Newer iPhone models (iPhone 11 onward) with Night mode and proper settings can capture stunning images of the aurora, especially when stabilized and carefully composed.

Q: Should I use a specific app for photographing the Northern Lights?

A: While the stock Camera app is effective, apps like ProCamera or NightCap let you manually adjust exposure time and ISO for even better results in low light.

Q: What’s the best exposure time for aurora photos on iPhone?

A: In Night mode, select the longest exposure available (often up to 10 seconds on newer iPhones) for vibrant colors and detail. Apps with full manual control can allow even longer exposures.

Q: How do I avoid blurry photos when shooting the Northern Lights?

A: Stabilize your iPhone on a tripod or steady surface and use the timer or remote shutter to minimize shake during shutter release.

Q: What if my photos look grainy or too dark?

A: Increase exposure time, adjust ISO settings if possible, and ensure there’s minimal light pollution. Careful post-processing can also reduce noise and enhance detail.