How to Capture Stunning Northern Lights Photos with Your Samsung Android: 1 Minute to Mastering Aurora Photography on Your Phone

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a truly mesmerizing natural phenomenon, and capturing its beauty on your Samsung Android phone is absolutely possible with the right preparation and camera techniques. Start by checking aurora forecasts and heading to a location with minimal light pollution. On your Samsung device, use the Pro or Manual mode in your camera app: lower your ISO to 800–1600, set a long exposure time (around 10–20 seconds), and manually focus to infinity for sharp, bright images. Stabilize your phone with a tripod or by resting it on a stable surface to prevent any motion blur during the long exposure. If available, enable the timer function to reduce shake caused by pressing the shutter button. Don’t forget to shoot in RAW mode if your phone supports it — this gives more flexibility during post-processing.

Tips 1:

As an interior designer, I always remind clients that composition and lighting make all the difference in photography, just as they do in room design. Framing your northern lights photos with some foreground—like a silhouette of trees, a cabin, or snow—adds depth and a sense of place, creating more engaging and memorable visuals. For those interested in creating similarly dynamic compositions indoors, exploring tools such as AI photo shoot solutions can help you master lighting and angles for any space.

FAQ

Q: What camera settings should I use on my Samsung phone for Northern Lights?

A: Use Pro/Manual mode, set ISO between 800–1600, a 10–20 second shutter speed, and manual focus to infinity for best results.

Q: Does my Samsung phone need a tripod for Northern Lights photography?

A: Yes, a tripod (or a stable surface) is essential to eliminate motion blur during long exposures.

Q: Can I capture Northern Lights without professional camera gear?

A: Absolutely. Modern Samsung Android phones with manual controls can produce stunning results when used correctly.

Q: Should I take photos in RAW or JPEG?

A: If your device supports it, shoot in RAW for greater editing flexibility to bring out aurora details.

Q: How do I ensure my Northern Lights photos are sharp?

A: Manually focus to infinity, use a tripod, and enable the timer to reduce camera shake.