Aurora Photography with a Smartphone
You don’t need a DSLR to capture the aurora anymore. With the latest smartphones, long exposure and Night Mode features make it possible to photograph the northern lights using only your phone — if you know how to set it up correctly.
Whether you're using an iPhone or Android, here’s a guide to help you get great aurora shots without carrying a dedicated camera.
📱 iPhone Users (iPhone 11 and newer)
Most modern iPhones support Night Mode, which allows longer exposures in low light. Night Mode automatically activates in dark conditions, but you can manually adjust it:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point your phone toward the aurora.
- If Night Mode is available, you’ll see a yellow moon icon — tap it.
- Drag the exposure slider (0–10s) and set it as long as possible.
- Hold your phone very steady or use a tripod for best results.
Pro Tip: Use a third-party app like ProCamera or Halide for even more control over ISO and shutter speed.
▲ Captured on iPhone Night Mode — tripod recommended
🤖 Android Users (Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, etc.)
Many Android phones also include long exposure or Night Sight functionality:
- Google Pixel: Use Night Sight mode in the Camera app. It works well in low light, even handheld, but still benefits from a tripod.
- Samsung Galaxy (S21 and newer): Use Pro Mode. Set ISO to 800–1600 and shutter speed to 5–20 seconds.
- OnePlus: Use Nightscape or Pro mode for long exposure control.
If your phone doesn’t support native long exposure, try apps like Camera FV-5 or Manual Camera from the Play Store.
▲ Taken with Pixel Night Sight — aurora over lake reflection
📷 General Tips for All Phones
- Use a tripod or stable surface to avoid blur.
- Turn off your flash and HDR.
- Manually focus to infinity if possible.
- Shoot in wide-angle if available.
- Use a timer (2–3 seconds) to avoid vibrations.
- Avoid digital zoom — crop later for clarity.
If the aurora is moving fast, use a shorter exposure (~5s) to preserve structure. For faint displays, go longer (15–30s) to boost detail.
🧪 Optional: Manual Camera Apps
If your built-in camera doesn’t allow manual control, try one of these apps:
- iOS: Halide, ProCamera, NightCap
- Android: Camera FV-5, Manual Camera DSLR
These apps let you control ISO, shutter speed, focus, and white balance — essential for capturing faint aurora when Night Mode falls short.
🎒 What to Pack
- Phone + charging cable + power bank
- Small tripod or flexible mount
- Lens wipe (cold conditions can fog your lens)
- Red flashlight to preserve night vision