How to Photograph the Northern Lights with iPhone 13: 1 Minute to Capture Stunning Aurora Borealis Photos

Photographing the Northern Lights is a truly magical experience, and with the advanced camera technology in the iPhone 13, it's more accessible than ever—even for beginners. Start by finding a dark and clear location away from city lights to minimize light pollution. Use a sturdy tripod or a stable surface to keep your phone steady, since longer exposures are necessary to capture the aurora’s detail and vibrancy.

Open the Camera app and switch to Night Mode, which automatically activates in low-light conditions on the iPhone 13. For best results, tap the moon icon to manually adjust the exposure time—choose the longest available (up to 10 seconds) to gather as much light as possible. Lock the focus on a bright star or distant light by tapping and holding the screen; this ensures your images of the aurora remain sharp. Set your camera to the ultra wide lens for capturing sweeping landscapes, or the wide lens for more detail.

Use the on-screen timer (3 or 10 seconds) to trigger the shutter, thereby eliminating any vibration from pressing the button. If possible, use the volume up button on your wired headphones as a remote shutter. You can also enhance photos afterward with the iPhone's built-in editing tools—but be careful not to over-process, as the Northern Lights are most enchanting when kept natural.

As a designer, I suggest treating your photos like a blank canvas: consider the composition and how the aurora interacts with the foreground, such as silhouetted trees or distant mountains. This approach transforms your snapshots into stunning artwork and provides inspiration for future home decor with northern lights photography—imagine these ethereal colors becoming a statement piece in your living room or bedroom.

Tips 1:

Make sure your iPhone is fully charged, as cold weather and long exposure photography can drain the battery quickly. Bring along a portable charger if you’ll be out for a while. To protect your device, keep it warm in your pocket when not in use and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures for too long.

FAQ

Q: Can iPhone 13 capture the Northern Lights clearly?

A: Yes, the iPhone 13’s Night Mode and longer exposure settings make it capable of capturing the Northern Lights, though results may vary depending on the brightness of the aurora and local light conditions.

Q: Do I need a tripod for photographing the Northern Lights with iPhone 13?

A: A tripod or stable surface is highly recommended to avoid camera shake during long exposures, resulting in sharper images.

Q: Which iPhone camera lens is best for photographing the Northern Lights?

A: The wide and ultra wide lenses are both suitable. The wide lens offers better low-light performance, while the ultra wide is perfect for capturing more of the night sky.

Q: What are the ideal Camera app settings for the Northern Lights?

A: Use Night Mode with the longest available exposure (usually up to 10 seconds), and lock focus on a distant light source for clarity.

Q: How should I edit my aurora photos afterward?

A: Use subtle adjustments to exposure and contrast, preserving the natural colors of the aurora for the most authentic results. Avoid heavy filters that could distort the true appearance of the Northern Lights.