How to Photograph the Northern Lights
This blog explains how to photograph the Northern Lights on an iPhone. If you’re looking for professional level camera settings, visit this blog!
Most people assume you need a big, fancy camera to photograph the Northern Lights but that’s not true anymore. With the latest iPhones, you can capture the aurora beautifully if you know a few tricks. Whether you’re traveling to Iceland, Norway, or northern Maine, your phone might be all you need to bring the moment home.
We’ve photographed the Northern Lights on both professional cameras and iPhones and honestly, the iPhone held its own. So, let’s get right to it.
iPhone Settings for Capturing the Northern Lights
Here’s exactly how to photograph the Northern Lights on your iPhone:
Use a tripod or stable surface. Even the smallest movement will blur your shot during long exposures. A mini travel tripod or even resting your phone on a rock works great.
Open the Camera app and enable Night Mode. Tap the moon icon and slide the exposure timer to its maximum (10–30 seconds if possible).
Tap to focus on the sky, and slightly reduce exposure if the image looks too bright.
Turn off flash and Live Photos. You want full manual control.
Use a timer or remote shutter. This prevents shake when you press the button.
Optional: Use manual camera apps like Halide or ProCam to adjust ISO (400–800) and shutter speed (10–30 seconds).
That’s it! The key is to let the phone gather light slowly. You’ll be surprised at how much color and movement the iPhone picks up when the aurora starts dancing.
Understand What You’re Shooting
The Northern Lights aren’t visible every night. They depend on solar activity, clear skies, and a bit of luck. Before you head out, check the KP index (a scale that measures aurora strength). A KP of 4 or higher usually gives you a good chance.
Use apps like My Aurora Forecast, Aurora Alerts, or SpaceWeatherLive to plan your night. And remember: the darker and colder it is, the better your odds of catching something magical.
Pro Tips for Sharper, Brighter Aurora Shots
Keep your phone warm. Cold weather kills batteries fast. Keep it in your pocket until you’re ready to shoot.
Avoid digital zoom. Crop later- zooming lowers image quality.
Shoot RAW using Halide or ProCam for better editing flexibility.
Take multiple shots. The aurora moves fast, so experiment with exposure times.
Wipe your lens often. Cold air and condensation can fog it up without you noticing.
Editing Your Photos
Editing is where the magic really happens. You don’t need fancy software, the iPhone’s built-in editor can handle most tweaks. But if you want a little more control, Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO are great options.
Try this:
Increase exposure slightly to brighten the scene.
Lower highlights to preserve details.
Boost vibrance or saturation carefully, really, just enough to bring out greens and purples.
Adjust white balance toward cooler tones for more natural night skies.
Keep your edits subtle. You want the lights to feel real, not over-processed.
Why iPhone Northern Lights Photos Are Worth It
Sure, a full-frame camera will always give you more dynamic range but that’s not the point. iPhone photos of the Northern Lights often have this dreamy, atmospheric quality that feels more personal than technical.
And that’s kind of the beauty of it. You’re not lugging gear or fiddling with settings in the dark. You’re just there capturing something unbelievable with the device that’s already in your pocket.
It’s proof that great storytelling isn’t about equipment. It’s about being ready when something extraordinary happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you really photograph the Northern Lights on an iPhone?
A: Absolutely. Modern iPhones (especially the 13 Pro, 14 Pro, and 15 models) can handle long exposures up to 30 seconds with Night Mode. Keep your phone steady, use a timer, and you’ll be amazed by what it captures.
Q: What’s the best iPhone model for photographing the Northern Lights?
A: Any iPhone with Night Mode (iPhone 11 and newer) can do it. The Pro models have larger sensors that pull in more light, giving cleaner, more detailed shots.
Q: What tripod should I use with an iPhone?
A: Small, stable travel tripods like the Joby GripTight ONE or Manfrotto PIXI work perfectly. Even propping your phone on a rock can work in a pinch if you use the 3-second timer.
Q: Can I film video of the Northern Lights on my iPhone?
A: Yes, but you’ll need bright, active auroras. Use Cinematic Mode or a third-party app to boost exposure, and don’t expect DSLR-level detail just enjoy the moment.
Q: How should I edit iPhone photos of the Northern Lights?
A: Start with small adjustments like exposure, highlights, and vibrance. Then fine-tune in Lightroom Mobile, VSCO, or even the iPhone Photos app. Less is more when it comes to keeping that natural glow.
Final Thoughts
We’ve shot the Northern Lights on $6,000 cinema cameras and on iPhones and honestly, the magic feels the same either way. What matters most is being there, bundled up under the stars, watching the sky come alive.
So if you’re heading north soon, skip the pressure of bringing all the gear. Grab your iPhone, find a dark sky, and just go for it. The best shot might not be the perfect one but it’ll be the one that takes you right back to that moment.
