Quick Guide: Photographing the Northern Lights with Your Smartphone
- Get the right gear: Smartphone with good night mode capabilities, sturdy tripod, phone mount, backup battery
- Find dark skies: Get away from light pollution between September-March in northern regions
- Set up properly: Use a tripod, enable night mode or manual settings (ISO 1600-3200, 10-30 second exposure)
- Focus on infinity: Make sure your focus is set to ∞ or manually focus on the stars
- Take multiple shots: Experiment with settings and capture the changing aurora
- Keep your phone warm: Cold drains batteries fast; use hand warmers or keep close to your body
- Edit thoughtfully: Enhance brightness, contrast and clarity without oversaturating
The northern lights (aurora borealis) represent one of nature’s most spectacular displays – a bucket list item for many travelers and photographers alike. While professional cameras have traditionally dominated aurora photography, modern smartphones have evolved to the point where they can capture impressive northern lights photos too.
I’ve been chasing the aurora across Iceland, Norway, and Finland for years now, and I’ve seen the smartphone camera technology improve dramatically. Let’s dive into how you can use that device in your pocket to photograph this magical phenomenon.
Understanding the Northern Lights
Before we jump into photography tips, it helps to understand what we’re shooting. The aurora borealis occurs when solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating those distinctive dancing lights. They’re typically visible in high-latitude regions close to the Arctic.
Best time to see them: September to March, when dark skies dominate northern regions
Common colors: Green (most common), purple, pink, red, and blue (rarer)
The lights can appear as anything from a faint green glow to dramatic, fast-moving curtains of color. This variety makes them both challenging and rewarding to photograph.
Can Smartphones Really Capture the Aurora?
Short answer: Yes, absolutely.
Longer answer: Smartphone capabilities have improved exponentially in recent years. Modern phones have:
- Larger sensors
- Better low-light performance
- Night/astro photography modes
- Manual camera controls (on some models)
While they still can’t match the quality of a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a proper lens, they can capture surprisingly good aurora photos.
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Essential Gear for Smartphone Aurora Photography
You’ll need a few things beyond just your phone:
- Sturdy tripod – absolutely essential! Hand-holding = blurry mess
- Phone tripod mount – to securely attach your phone
- Remote shutter or self-timer functionality
- Backup battery/power bank – cold temps drain batteries crazy fast
- Hand warmers – both for you and possibly your phone
- Headlamp (preferably red light) – to see what you’re doing
- Weather protection – for both you and your gear
Best Smartphones for Aurora Photography
Not all phones are created equal when it comes to night photography. Here’s a quick comparison of some top performers:
| Phone Model | Key Camera Features for Aurora | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro/15 Pro | Night mode, ProRAW, up to 30-sec exposure | Excellent computational photography, intuitive interface | Expensive, limited manual controls |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | Night Sight, Astrophotography mode | Best computational night photography | Can oversoften aurora details |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Expert RAW, Night mode, manual controls | Most extensive manual controls, great sensor | Complex camera interface |
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 1-inch sensor, long exposure modes | Largest smartphone sensor, exceptional light gathering | Limited availability in some regions |
Remember that phones improve every year – newer models generally perform better in low light
Camera Settings for Aurora Photography
The key challenge with aurora photography is capturing enough light while keeping the image sharp. Here’s how to set up your phone:
For Phones with Manual Mode:
- ISO: Start at 1600-3200 (higher = more sensitivity but more noise)
- Shutter Speed: 10-30 seconds (longer for fainter auroras)
- Focus: Manual, set to infinity (∞)
- White Balance: Auto or 3700-4500K
- Format: RAW if available (provides more editing flexibility)
For Phones Without Manual Mode:
- Use Night Mode or Astrophotography Mode
- Enable any sky enhancement features
- Use the self-timer to avoid camera shake
- Try exposure compensation if the aurora appears too dark/bright
Pro tip: Take multiple shots with different settings. The aurora changes constantly, and conditions vary – what works one minute might not work the next.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Shooting the Aurora
- Scout your location during daylight if possible Find a spot with minimal light pollution and an interesting foreground
- Set up your tripod on stable ground Make sure it’s properly balanced and secure
- Attach your phone securely to the tripod Double-check that it won’t slip or fall
- Open your camera app and apply the recommended settings Use manual mode if available; otherwise, night mode
- Frame your shot Include interesting foreground elements if possible
- Focus on infinity This is crucial! Tap the sky and adjust the focus manually if your phone allows
- Take a test shot Review and adjust settings as needed
- Use a remote shutter or self-timer This prevents camera shake when you press the shutter button
- Take multiple exposures The aurora changes rapidly; take lots of photos!
- Check your results periodically Make sure you’re capturing what you want
Remember to occasionally wipe your lens – condensation forms easily in cold conditions and can ruin your shots.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: Blurry Photos
Solution: Check your tripod stability, use self-timer, make sure focus is set correctly to infinity
Problem: Too Dark/Can Barely See the Aurora
Solution: Increase ISO, lengthen exposure time, check if night mode is activated
Problem: Too Bright/Overexposed
Solution: Decrease ISO, shorten exposure time, use exposure compensation
Problem: Phone Keeps Shutting Down
Solution: Keep your phone warm with hand warmers, use a power bank, put phone in airplane mode to conserve battery
Problem: Ugly Light Pollution/Orange Glow
Solution: Move away from towns/cities, try adjusting white balance, shoot in RAW for more editing control
Editing Your Aurora Photos
Most aurora photos benefit from some editing. Here are some basic adjustments that help:
Brightness/Exposure – Often needs a boost
Contrast – Increases definition in the aurora
Clarity/Structure – Enhances the aurora’s texture
Noise Reduction – Reduces graininess (but don’t overdo it)
White Balance – Adjusts color temperature
Saturation – Can enhance colors (again, don’t overdo it)
Popular editing apps:
- Snapseed
- Lightroom Mobile
- VSCO
- Darkroom (iOS)
TIP: Don’t push the editing too far. Over-processed aurora photos look fake and lose the magic of what you actually saw.
Advanced Smartphone Aurora Photography
If you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques:
Aurora Time-lapse
Many newer smartphones can shoot impressive time-lapse footage of the aurora. This requires:
- Extra battery power
- A very stable setup
- An app that allows interval shooting
- Patience!
Aurora Panoramas
For a wider view of the aurora display:
- Use your phone’s panorama mode
- Move VERY slowly and steadily
- Maintain the same exposure throughout
Adding Human Elements
Including a person (usually yourself) in the frame:
- Set up the shot on your tripod
- Use a 10-second timer
- Run into position
- Stay VERY still during the exposure
- Use a headlamp to illuminate yourself if desired
Planning Your Aurora Hunt
Success in aurora photography isn’t just about camera skills – it’s about being in the right place at the right time.
Aurora forecast apps and websites:
- My Aurora Forecast
- Aurora Pro
- Space Weather Live
Best aurora viewing locations:
- Norway: Tromsø, Lofoten Islands
- Iceland: Anywhere away from Reykjavik
- Finland: Lapland region
- Sweden: Abisko National Park
- Canada: Yellowknife, Churchill
- Alaska: Fairbanks area
- Scotland: Isle of Skye, Shetland Islands
My experience with Some Smartphone Photographers
I chatted with several photographers who’ve captured amazing aurora shots on smartphones. Here’s what they shared:
Lina from Sweden says: “The trick is patience. I took maybe 100 photos to get 3 good ones with my iPhone. But when it works, it really works!”
Marco from Finland told me: “I use the ProShot app on my Samsung. It gives better manual control than the default camera app. Total game-changer for aurora shots.”
Sasha from Norway shared: “Don’t forget to enjoy the moment too. Sometimes I get so focused on settings that I forget to look up and just watch the show with my own eyes.”
Final Tips for Smartphone Aurora Photography
- Practice night photography before your aurora trip
- Know your phone’s capabilities and limitations
- Be patient – sometimes the best displays happen after most people have given up
- Dress properly – you can’t take good photos if you’re freezing
- Bring hot drinks – for the same reason
- Check weather forecasts as well as aurora forecasts
- Have a backup plan if clouds roll in
- Protect your gear from moisture and extreme cold
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ANY smartphone capture the northern lights?
Not all smartphones are equal for aurora photography. While most modern mid-range to flagship phones (made in the last 2-3 years) can capture basic aurora photos, phones with dedicated night modes and larger sensors perform significantly better. iPhones 12-15 Pro, Google Pixels 6-8, and Samsung S22-S24 are among the best performers.
Do I really need a tripod? Can’t I just hold my phone steady?
You absolutely need a tripod. Even the slightest hand movement ruins aurora photos because of the long exposure times needed (10-30 seconds). No human can hold perfectly still for that long, no matter how steady you think your hands are!
What’s the best app for shooting aurora on smartphones?
For iPhones, the native Camera app with Night mode works well. On Android, try these specialized apps:
- ProCam X (excellent manual controls)
- Camera FV-5 (DSLR-like interface)
- NightCap (specifically designed for astrophotography)
How do I know when and where to see the northern lights?
Use aurora forecast apps like “My Aurora Forecast” or “Aurora Alert” which predict activity based on solar data. For location, you need to be in high-latitude regions (Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Canada, Alaska) during the winter months, away from city lights.
My photos look nothing like what I saw with my eyes. Why?
This is normal! Cameras (especially smartphones) process aurora differently than human eyes. They often capture more color and detail than we can see, or sometimes less intensity. Also, many dramatic aurora photos online are heavily edited and don’t represent the typical viewing experience.
How cold is too cold for my smartphone?
Most smartphones operate safely down to about 32°F (0°C), but aurora viewing often happens in much colder temperatures. Below this, your battery will drain rapidly and the phone might shut down. Use hand warmers and keep your phone in an inside pocket when not shooting.
Can I shoot aurora from my car?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Car windows can create reflections and distortions. If you must stay in your vehicle due to extreme cold, turn off all interior lights, clean the window thoroughly, and press the lens close to the glass to minimize reflections.
Remember that experiencing the aurora is magical regardless of whether you capture the perfect photo. Sometimes the best approach is to take a few quick shots and then put the phone away to simply enjoy the spectacle.
As the Finnish say, “Revontulet tanssivat taivaalla” – the fox fires dance in the sky. And with your smartphone in hand, you’re now ready to capture that dance.