Mobile phone cameras have evolved to perform far better than the naked eye when it comes to capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights and Northern Lights. Today’s smartphone technology is best able to capture this unusually shimmering display because our eyes aren’t as sensitive to light as cell phone cameras.
As we reach the peak of this solar cycle, space plasma will interact more frequently with the outer edge of the atmosphere, so our chances of catching auroras will become more and more likely, lasting into early 2025.
Below are iPhone tips from photographers to help you take the best photos of the Northern Lights.
Enable night mode
Night mode is best for photographing the aurora borealis. This feature automatically adjusts your iPhone’s camera settings for optimal low-light conditions to capture clearer, more detailed photos. To enable night mode, make sure it is enabled in your camera settings. For iPhone 11 and newer, this feature is available right away.
UK-based photographer Will Chan of Will Photography explained: “If your phone has a night mode, use it, use a tripod or lean it against something, take a 10-15 second exposure, and click on the screen to focus on a bright spot in the distance. Star And that should work.”
Instead, we recommend downloading an app called Nightcap Camera for iPhone or Open Camera for Android,” Cheung said.
Adjust exposure time
Adjust exposure time to maximize shot potential. Tap the arrow at the top to access the hidden settings menu in your iPhone’s camera app. Find the night mode icon and adjust the exposure time slider to its maximum value (usually 30 seconds for a tripod setup). This extended exposure time allows your iPhone to capture the full glow of the aurora borealis.
“Live” setting off
Make sure your phone’s “live” photo setting is turned off and allow your phone to auto-detect lighting. Ideally you should move to a 3 second exposure.
Try shooting a video
Shoot the video with a fairly low exposure, probably the lowest exposure your phone will allow. Then, when you review the video, you can screenshot some of the best colors.
And finally, try to use the environment to your advantage. Driving to an area with minimal light pollution can help prevent contamination of the northern lights’ colors.
Do you have any photography tips to share? Leave them in the comments section below.
Ken Mahan can be reached at ken.mahan@globe.com. Follow him on Instagram @kenmahantheweatherman.
