Witnessing the northern lights is a breathtaking experience, but capturing them on a smartphone can feel challenging. Many people instinctively pull out their phones, only to end up with dark or blurry images. Fortunately, modern smartphones are powerful enough to photograph the aurora borealis—if you know how to adjust a few key settings.
With the right preparation and camera setup, your phone can reveal vivid colors and movement in the sky that may not even be visible to the naked eye.
Essential steps before you start shooting
Keeping your phone steady is the most important factor. A tripod is ideal, but if you don’t have one, place your phone on a stable surface such as a rock, railing, or car roof. Turn off the flash, clean your camera lens, and tap to focus on the sky instead of nearby objects.
Take multiple photos in quick succession. Auroras change rapidly, and brightness levels can shift within seconds, so capturing several shots increases your chances of a great image.
Best camera settings for Samsung Galaxy phones
Newer Samsung Galaxy models, especially the S and Ultra series, offer a Pro Mode that gives you more control. Open the Camera app, swipe to “More,” and select Pro.
Set your ISO between 800 and 1600. You can raise it for faint auroras, but higher values may introduce noise. Choose a shutter speed between 5 and 10 seconds, depending on how active the lights are. Switch focus to manual and adjust it to infinity. Using a two-second timer can also help reduce camera shake.
Best camera settings for iPhones
For iPhone 12 and newer models, Night Mode is the easiest way to photograph the aurora. Open the Camera app and confirm Night Mode is active by checking for the yellow moon icon.
Tap the arrow at the top of the screen to access Night Mode controls and slide the exposure time to the maximum available, usually between 10 and 30 seconds. Keeping Live Photos enabled can help capture motion, and if your device supports ProRAW, turning it on can improve detail and color accuracy.
Extra tips for better aurora photos
Avoid digital zoom, as it significantly reduces light and image quality. Including foreground elements such as trees, mountains, or vehicles can add depth and scale to your photos. Since cold temperatures drain batteries quickly, keep your phone warm between shots.
Don’t be surprised if your photos appear brighter or more colorful than what you saw in real time. Long exposures allow your phone to collect light that your eyes can’t always detect.
With a steady setup and the right camera adjustments, your smartphone can capture stunning images of the northern lights when they light up the sky.
