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7 Expert Secrets on How to Take Pictures of Northern Lights with Smartphone Like a Pro

Azahar Ahmed

Azahar Ahmed

— 4 min read
how to take pictures of northern lights with smartphone?

The enchanting glow of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, can be captured stunningly—yes, even with a smartphone! If you’ve ever asked how to take pictures of northern lights with smartphone, you're in for a brilliant guide. This article will walk you through every step to ensure you walk away with breathtaking aurora photos—all from your mobile device.

Understanding the Science Behind the Aurora Borealis

What Are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions emit stunning light displays that shimmer across the night sky, primarily seen near polar regions.

Where Can You See the Northern Lights?

  • Northern Norway
  • Iceland
  • Alaska
  • Northern Canada
  • Finland
  • Greenland

Best Time to View the Aurora

  • September to March (peak season)
  • Between 9 PM and 2 AM
  • On clear, dark nights with little to no moonlight

Why You Can Photograph Auroras with a Smartphone

Why You Can Photograph Auroras with a Smartphone?

Modern smartphones have evolved significantly. High-end models now offer:

  • Low-light sensors
  • Manual camera controls
  • Night Mode
  • AI-powered image enhancements

These features make it possible to capture auroras that were once exclusive to DSLR cameras.

Prepping for Northern Lights Photography with Your Smartphone

Essentials to Prepare Before Shooting

  • Fully charge your device
  • Free up storage space
  • Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth
  • Turn off notifications or enable Airplane Mode

Must-Have Accessories

  • Tripod (essential for long exposures)
  • Remote shutter or use a self-timer
  • Portable power bank
  • Touchscreen-compatible gloves
  • Lens cloth or anti-fog spray

Best Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography

Best Camera Settings for Northern Lights Photography

Manual Settings to Adjust

To master how to take pictures of northern lights with smartphone, adjust these settings using a manual camera app:

  • ISO: 800–1600
  • Shutter Speed: 10–25 seconds
  • Focus: Manual or set to Infinity
  • White Balance: Between 2800K to 4000K
  • Exposure Compensation: +1 or more depending on brightness
  • ProCamera (iOS)
  • Camera FV-5 (Android)
  • Halide
  • NightCap Camera

Top Smartphone Features for Capturing the Aurora

Night Mode: Your Secret Weapon

Night Mode uses longer exposure to capture light. When shooting:

  • Enable Night Mode manually
  • Hold the phone still for up to 30 seconds
  • Use a tripod for best results

Gridlines for Perfect Composition

Turn on gridlines to apply the Rule of Thirds:

  • Align the horizon on a line
  • Place auroras in the top third
  • Include foreground elements like trees or mountains

Focus Techniques for Crystal Clear Aurora Photos

Manual Focus Tips

  • Tap to focus on the distant stars
  • Use focus peaking if available
  • Lock focus to prevent camera from shifting automatically

How to Keep Your Phone Steady During Long Exposures

Tips for Phone Stability

  • Use a mini tripod
  • Set your camera's 2–5 second timer
  • Prop your phone on a stable surface if no tripod is available
  • Use image stabilization, if available

Optimizing Composition and Color in Your Aurora Images

Color Settings to Enhance the Aurora

  • Use RAW format to retain more detail
  • Manually adjust white balance
  • Avoid filters while shooting—use editing apps later

Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes

Aurora Photography Errors to Dodge

  • Using Auto Mode only
  • Shooting in overexposed areas
  • Not using a tripod or timer
  • Ignoring weather and KP index forecasts

Editing Northern Lights Photos on Your Smartphone

Best Mobile Editing Apps

  • Snapseed
  • Lightroom Mobile
  • VSCO
  • Adobe Photoshop Express

Editing Tips for Aurora Shots

  • Boost contrast
  • Reduce noise
  • Adjust highlights and shadows
  • Enhance vibrancy, not saturation

How to Take Time-Lapse of Northern Lights with Smartphone

Step-by-Step Time-Lapse Guide

  • Use apps like Lapse It, Framelapse, or built-in time-lapse modes
  • Set frame interval to 5–10 seconds
  • Capture for 20–40 minutes
  • Mount phone on a stable tripod

Recording Northern Lights Videos on Smartphone

Tips for Aurora Video Recording

  • Enable 4K resolution if possible
  • Reduce frame rate to allow for more light
  • Use gimbal stabilizers or tripod for steady video
  • Keep videos short to conserve storage

Best Smartphones for Capturing the Aurora

Top Models for Night Photography

  • iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max
  • Google Pixel 8 Pro
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
  • Xiaomi 14 Pro
  • Sony Xperia Pro-I

These phones support long exposure, RAW format, and manual settings.

How to Take Pictures of Northern Lights with Smartphone in Cold Weather

Protecting Your Phone from Freezing Temperatures

  • Keep your device inside your jacket
  • Use insulated smartphone cases
  • Carry hand warmers
  • Avoid abrupt temperature changes

Aurora Forecasting: Must-Have Tools and Apps

  • Aurora Alerts
  • NOAA Space Weather App
  • My Aurora Forecast & Alerts
  • Aurora Forecast by TINAC Inc

Track KP index, real-time geomagnetic activity, and weather conditions.

What You Should Know

  • Avoid trespassing on private land
  • Don’t disturb wildlife or locals
  • Use minimal artificial lighting

Top Global Destinations for Smartphone Aurora Photography

Northern Lights Hotspots

  • Tromsø, Norway
  • Fairbanks, Alaska
  • Reykjavík, Iceland
  • Rovaniemi, Finland
  • Yukon, Canada

Best Tips from Real-Life Aurora Hunters

"The first time I captured the lights with my phone, I couldn’t believe how vivid the colors were. A tripod and the right settings made all the difference." – Aurora Hunter in Iceland

Quick Checklist Before You Head Out

  • ✅ Fully charged phone & power bank
  • ✅ Tripod & remote shutter
  • ✅ Aurora forecast apps installed
  • ✅ Night mode or camera app tested
  • ✅ Warm clothes & gloves

Conclusion: Mastering How to Take Pictures of Northern Lights with Smartphone

Capturing the northern lights on a smartphone is no longer a dream—it’s 100% doable with the right settings, tools, and preparation. With the guidance above, you now know exactly how to take pictures of northern lights with smartphone—so go chase the auroras and bring home the sky.

FAQs

Can any smartphone capture the northern lights?
Yes, especially newer models with Night Mode and manual settings.

Do I need an app to take long exposure photos?
Yes, apps like Halide or Camera FV-5 help unlock advanced camera settings.

How do I keep my phone from freezing during the shoot?
Store it in your inner pocket and use a hand warmer or battery case.

What's the ideal shutter speed for aurora photos?
Typically between 10–25 seconds depending on aurora intensity.

Can I shoot aurora videos with a smartphone?
Yes! Use 4K video, a tripod, and low ISO to capture beautiful footage.

What’s the best way to share aurora photos online?
Edit lightly, optimize for mobile dimensions, and post during high engagement times.

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