Tech Users: Capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a dream for many photography enthusiasts. Once reserved for professional cameras and expensive lenses, the game has changed—your smartphone can now do the job, too. With a few tips and the right settings, you can preserve the magic of this celestial phenomenon right from your pocket.
In this article, we’ll share one powerful tech tip—how to optimize your smartphone camera to photograph the Northern Lights, along with some practical steps to prepare, shoot, and edit like a pro.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are natural light displays that occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions release photons, which appear in the sky as glowing waves of green, purple, pink, or red—most often seen near the Arctic Circle.
Can a Smartphone Really Capture the Aurora?
Yes—modern smartphones come with advanced low-light capabilities, night modes, and manual controls that make photographing the aurora possible. While DSLR or mirrorless cameras still provide the highest quality, your smartphone, with the right settings and a little patience, can come surprisingly close.
One Tech Tip: Use Manual Mode to Take Control
The single most important trick for capturing the Northern Lights with your smartphone is this:
Use manual (or pro) mode to adjust your camera settings manually for low-light conditions.
Most default camera apps aren’t optimized for dark scenes. They often prioritize short exposure and low ISO to reduce blur, but that works against you when photographing the aurora. Manual mode puts you in the driver’s seat and lets you capture more light and detail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Capture the Northern Lights with a Smartphone
- Use a Tripod
Stability is crucial. A tripod prevents hand-shake and allows longer exposures. If you don’t have a tripod, lean your phone against a rock or stable surface. - Download a Manual Camera App (if needed)
Many smartphones like Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or iPhones have a Pro or Manual mode built-in. If yours doesn’t, download third-party apps such as:
Android: Camera FV-5, ProShot
iOS: Halide, NightCap Camera
- Set the Exposure Time
Set the shutter speed (exposure time) between 5 to 15 seconds. This allows more light to hit the sensor, making the Northern Lights visible in your shot. - Adjust ISO
Set ISO between 800 and 3200, depending on your phone and brightness of the aurora. Higher ISO makes the image brighter but can introduce noise—experiment to find the sweet spot. - Manual Focus
Set the focus to infinity for sharp stars and aurora edges. If you can’t set it manually, tap on a distant star or light source in your frame to help the camera focus. - Turn Off the Flash
Never use flash—it won’t reach the sky and will ruin your exposure. - Use a Timer or Remote Shutter
Using a 2- or 5-second timer helps eliminate camera shake when pressing the shutter button. Bluetooth remotes or headphones with a shutter button can also work.
Best Conditions for Photographing the Northern Lights
Go North: Iceland, Norway, Alaska, Canada, and Finland offer great views.
Check the Aurora Forecast: Apps like My Aurora Forecast or websites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center provide real-time activity levels.
Avoid Light Pollution: Get away from city lights.
Clear Skies: Clouds will block your view—use weather apps to monitor conditions.
Winter Nights: The lights are strongest between September and March.
Tips to Enhance Your Smartphone Aurora Photos
- Shoot in RAW
If your app allows it, shoot in RAW format. This gives you more flexibility in post-processing without losing image quality. - Edit Your Photos
Use editing apps like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or Photoshop Express to enhance colors, reduce noise, and sharpen details. - Experiment with Composition
Include silhouettes of trees, mountains, or cabins to give your photos a sense of scale and drama.
Best Smartphones for Northern Lights Photography
While almost any recent smartphone can try this, the following phones are particularly good in low-light:
Google Pixel Series (Pixel 6 and above) – Astrophotography mode is impressive.
Samsung Galaxy S22/S23 Ultra – Superb Pro mode and night photography.
iPhone 13 Pro/14 Pro and above – Excellent Night Mode and image processing.
Sony Xperia Pro – Includes DSLR-level manual controls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using auto mode: It often underexposes the aurora or focuses on the wrong part of the scene.
Overexposing: Too long an exposure can blur the Northern Lights.
Low battery: Cold conditions drain batteries quickly—carry a power bank.
No preparation: Always check forecasts and location access beforehand.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a $2,000 camera to capture the wonder of the Northern Lights anymore. With just one powerful tech tip—using manual mode—you can transform your smartphone into a night-sky camera capable of seizing the beauty of nature’s most mesmerizing show.
Whether you’re on a northern adventure or simply chasing the aurora from your backyard, your smartphone can help you make those memories last a lifetime—one breathtaking photo at a time.
