How to Capture the Northern Lights on Your Phone: 1 Minute to Perfect Your Night Photography Settings

Capturing the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) on your phone is an achievable goal thanks to improvements in smartphone camera technology. However, photographing these elusive lights can be challenging due to low-light conditions and the constantly shifting nature of the auroras. Here’s how you can make the most out of your phone to get impressive shots:

1. Choose the Right Smartphone: Modern smartphones such as the latest iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixels offer advanced night mode and manual camera controls. If you have a phone with Pro Mode or manual options, you’ll have better control over the necessary settings.

2. Use a Tripod: Stability is crucial when dealing with long exposures in low light. A compact tripod for your phone will minimize blur caused by shaky hands and significantly sharpen your results.

3. Adjust Camera Settings Manually (if possible):

1. Exposure Time: Try to use long exposures (between 1-10 seconds) to let in more light. Longer exposure time captures more of the aurora’s movement and color.
2. ISO: Start with ISO 800-1600. Higher ISO sensitivity increases light capture but can introduce noise/grain.
3. Focus: Set your focus to infinity or use manual focus if your phone allows it. This ensures stars and the aurora remain crisp.
4. White Balance: Set to daylight or a custom white balance to avoid color distortion.

4. Use the Right Apps: If your stock camera app doesn’t offer manual controls, download a third-party camera app (such as ProCamera, Camera FV-5, or Lightroom Mobile) that lets you adjust exposure, ISO, and focus.

5. Reduce Light Pollution: Turn off your phone’s flash and any nearby artificial light sources to prevent reflections and glare in your images.

6. Experiment with Composition: The best Northern Lights shots often incorporate the landscape. Get creative: position mountains, trees, or water in the foreground for a sense of place and depth. This strategy is not so different from AI interior design—where balancing light, color, and structure creates the perfect atmosphere—in this case, nature is your canvas.

7. Post-processing: After capturing, use editing tools or apps to tweak sharpness, contrast, and vibrance, but avoid over-editing to maintain the aurora’s natural beauty.

Tips 1:

Bundle up in warm clothing and bring spare batteries—phone batteries drain quickly in the cold. Scout your location ahead of time, and use a headlamp with a red light to preserve night vision while adjusting your settings in the dark. Don’t forget to enjoy the moment, even as you chase that perfect shot!

FAQ

Q: What phone settings are best for capturing the Northern Lights?

A: Use a long exposure (1-10 seconds), ISO between 800-1600, and set focus manually to infinity if possible. Avoid using your phone’s flash.

Q: Can I capture the Northern Lights without a tripod?

A: While it’s possible, a tripod or at least a stable surface is highly recommended to avoid blurry images caused by movement during long exposures.

Q: Do I need a special camera app to photograph the aurora?

A: A camera app that allows manual control over exposure, ISO, and focus can significantly improve your results. Many top-rated free and paid apps are available for both iOS and Android.

Q: How do I reduce noise in my Northern Lights photos?

A: Balance ISO and exposure; use a lower ISO when possible, and apply gentle noise reduction when editing. Stability during the shot is also crucial.

Q: Why do my aurora photos look different from what I see with my eyes?

A: Cameras can capture more light over a longer period than your eyes can, which can reveal colors and patterns that might not be as vivid in person. This often results in images that can appear more dramatic than the live view.