How to Photograph the Northern Lights
A Complete Guide for DSLR, iPhone, and Android Users
Witnessing the Northern Lights is a breathtaking experience, but capturing them on camera can be just as magical — if you know what you’re doing. Whether you’re using a DSLR, iPhone, or Android phone, the right techniques and settings will help you turn this once-in-a-lifetime moment into a stunning memory.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to photograph the Northern Lights step by step, including essential gear, camera settings, smartphone tips, what each camera setting means, editing tips, and what to expect when shooting under the Arctic sky.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Photographing the Aurora Borealis isn’t like capturing a sunset or cityscape. It requires a bit of preparation and patience. The lights are often dimmer than they appear to the naked eye and constantly shifting in brightness and shape.
To get great photos, you need:
- A stable camera or smartphone
- A tripod (essential for sharp images in long exposure)
- Manual control of ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and focus
- A dark sky location with minimal light pollution
If you’re staying at a resort like ours in the Yukon, you’re in luck. Minimal artificial light, open sky views, and crisp winter air create ideal conditions.
Understanding Key Camera Settings
Before you dive into your camera settings, it’s helpful to know how each one affects your photo — especially when working with low light and moving Auroras:
- ISO: This controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO makes the sensor more sensitive, allowing brighter images in dark settings. However, too high an ISO can introduce grain or noise. Best for aurora: ISO 800–3200.
- Shutter Speed: This is how long the camera’s shutter stays open to capture light. Longer shutter speeds (e.g., 10 seconds) allow more light in, great for dim auroras. But too long and moving lights become blurry.
- Aperture (f-stop): This controls how much light enters the lens. Lower f-numbers (like f/2.8) mean the aperture is wide open, letting in more light. For night photography, always use the lowest number your lens allows.
- RAW Format: RAW images store more data than JPEGs, giving you greater flexibility in editing. They allow you to adjust exposure, white balance, and colors without losing image quality.
- Focus: Autofocus often struggles in the dark. Manual focus set to infinity (or focused on a distant star) is the best way to ensure sharp images.
- White Balance: This setting controls the color temperature of your images. Lower values (around 2800K) create cooler, bluish tones, while higher values (above 5000K) add warmth. For Northern Lights photography, cooler settings often help highlight the green and purple hues in the sky and maintain a natural nighttime feel.
Best Camera Settings for Photographing Northern Lights
If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, these are the top recommended settings to start with:
- Mode: Manual (M)
- ISO: 800 to 3200
- Aperture: f/2.8 to f/4
- Shutter Speed: 5 to 15 seconds
- Focus: Manual focus set to infinity
- White Balance: 2800K to 4000K
Make sure to:
- Turn off flash and noise reduction settings
- Use a remote shutter or timer to avoid camera shake
- Take a test shot and adjust your settings as needed
How to Photograph the Northern Lights with an iPhone
iPhones have come a long way with low-light photography, but you still need to help them a bit. Here’s how:
For Newer iPhones (iPhone 11 and later):
- Use the Night Mode (it activates automatically in low light)
- Stabilize your phone on a tripod or sturdy surface
- Tap the screen to focus on the sky
- Adjust exposure time (if available) to 10s or more
- Use RAW format (via a third-party app like Halide or ProCamera) for better editing later
Extra iPhone Tips:
- Turn off Live Photos and flash
- Use the ultra-wide lens sparingly (it captures less light)
- For serious results, use a camera app that allows manual control
How to Photograph the Northern Lights with an Android Phone
Android phones vary, but most flagship models (Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) are capable of capturing auroras with manual settings.
For Android Users:
- Use Pro Mode or Manual Mode in your camera app
- Set ISO between 800 and 3200
- Shutter speed: 10–20 seconds
- Focus: Manual, set to infinity (or tap to focus on a distant star)
- Use a tripod or flat, stable surface
- Consider apps like Camera FV-5, ProShot, or Manual Camera for full control
Just like with iPhones, the key is to keep your phone still and take multiple shots. Try bracketing different exposure times for variety.
Editing Your Aurora Photos
Even with the best settings, a little editing helps your photos pop. Here’s how you can enhance your images without making them look unrealistic:
If you shoot in RAW (recommended):
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Use tools like Lightroom, Adobe Camera Raw, or Darktable
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Adjust exposure to brighten or correct underexposed shots
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Lower highlights and boost shadows to reveal detail in both bright aurora and dark landscapes
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Fine-tune white balance — adjust between cool and warm tones until the green or purple hues look natural
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Increase clarity for sharper edges without making the photo look over-processed
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Use a light touch on vibrance and contrast to bring out the sky without oversaturating it
If editing on a phone:
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Apps like Snapseed, VSCO, or Lightroom Mobile work well
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Use the same steps: exposure, white balance, shadows, and clarity
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Avoid overdoing filters — the Northern Lights are beautiful enough on their own
Editing is about bringing the photo closer to how the scene felt in the moment, not making it look like something it’s not.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to photograph the Northern Lights takes patience, experimentation, and a little bit of luck with the weather. Whether you’re using a professional camera or a smartphone, understanding the right techniques can make all the difference.
At Northern Lights Resort & Spa, we regularly host photographers from around the world. Our guides are happy to help with basic camera tips, and we offer on-site viewing so you can focus on the sky instead of worrying about where to go.
With the right tools and a bit of practice, you’ll leave not only with beautiful memories — but beautiful photos to match.
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