The good news? You can absolutely capture the Northern Lights with a modern smartphone. The better news? With a few tips and the right settings, your photos can be stunning regardless of your equipment.
Smartphone Photography: Yes, It Works!
Modern smartphones, especially iPhone 12 and newer or recent Android flagships, have night mode capabilities that can capture the aurora surprisingly well. The key is stability - you'll need a tripod or very stable surface.
Smartphone Tips
- • Use a phone tripod or prop against something stable
- • Enable Night Mode (iPhone) or use a manual camera app
- • Set a 3-second timer to avoid shake when pressing the button
- • Keep your phone warm - cold drains batteries fast
DSLR/Mirrorless: The Professional Choice
For the best results, a camera with manual controls gives you complete creative freedom. You don't need the most expensive gear - even entry-level DSLRs can produce stunning aurora images.
Recommended Settings
- ISO: 1600-3200 (adjust based on aurora brightness)
- Aperture: f/2.8 or wider (the wider the better)
- Shutter Speed: 8-15 seconds
- Focus: Manual, set to infinity
- White Balance: Auto or 3500K
Essential Gear for Any Camera
- Tripod: Non-negotiable. Any camera shake ruins long exposures.
- Spare Batteries: Cold weather drains batteries 3x faster.
- Lens Cloth: Condensation is your enemy in the Arctic.
- Hand Warmers: Keep batteries warm in your pocket.
Join Our Photography Workshop
Our Photography Workshop tours include hands-on guidance from professional aurora photographers. We'll help you get the perfect shot regardless of your camera.
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