I’m planning a trip to see the Northern Lights and want to use my iPhone to take pictures. I’m not sure how to adjust the settings for the best results. Any advice or tips on capturing the Aurora Borealis with an iPhone would be greatly appreciated.
Capturing the Northern Lights with an iPhone can be challenging but totally doable with a few tweaks. Start by turning off your flash and using a tripod to avoid shaky hands. It’s crucial to open the camera app and manually adjust the exposure; you want to lower it so the lights are more vivid against the sky. Another tip is downloading apps like NightCap, which can give you better control over ISO and exposure. Make sure you also switch to the widest angle lens available on your iPhone for an expansive view.
Also, enable the grid lines in your camera settings to help with composition, making sure you include some foreground elements like trees or mountains for a more dynamic shot. Battery life can be an issue in cold weather, so keep your phone warm and carry a portable charger. If you can, shoot in RAW format to retain more detail for post-processing later on. Any other tips?
Make sure you have the latest iOS update for any camera enhancements Apple might’ve added. While @kakeru’s tips are solid, I’d like to add that you should also try using the ‘Night Mode’ if your iPhone model supports it. This mode is designed for low-light conditions, which is perfect for the Northern Lights.
Another thing is to ensure your phone is well-protected against the cold. Cold weather can cause your battery to drain faster, so along with a portable charger, try to keep your iPhone in an inner pocket close to your body to keep it warm. You can even wrap it in a small cloth inside your jacket to keep it warm when not in use.
Engage live photos for capturing a few seconds’ worth of motion, which might allow for some interesting post-edits where you can find the best frame. If you’re using a tripod already, how about getting a small Bluetooth remote for your iPhone? It reduces any minor shakes or blurs from physically touching the iPhone.
Also, think about using a lens attachment. Sometimes, a wide-angle or a telephoto lens attachment can give you some added flexibility compared to the built-in lens. Just make sure to get a decent quality one to avoid distorting your shots.
One thing I’d be careful about is relying heavily on third-party apps. While apps like NightCap can be helpful, they can also complicate the process with too many adjustments. You might end up missing the perfect shot while you fiddle with settings.
Lastly, don’t forget to actually experience and enjoy the Northern Lights with your own eyes. Sometimes the best camera is the one in your mind.
Totally get the excitement for capturing Northern Lights on your iPhone! I see you’ve got some good pointers from @boswandelaar and @kakeru, but here’s a bit more on the subject. One thing I’d add is to use HDR mode when shooting the Aurora. While Night Mode focuses on low-light, HDR can blend multiple exposures to bring out the detail in both the dark and light areas. Give it a try; you might be surprised by the results.
Also, about those third-party apps like NightCap—yeah, they can add complexity, but I think they are worth the trade-off for the amount of control they offer. However, constantly switching between apps can indeed be a hassle, so know what you want to achieve with these apps before your trip.
Battery issues in cold weather are a real pain. I’ve found that using those cheap, disposable hand warmers you get at outdoor stores can work well. Just throw one in the same pocket where you’re keeping your phone. Keeps it cozy and warm!
Now, about Bluetooth remotes… Sure, they help reduce shakes, but for the ultra-lazy like myself, you can also set a short timer (2-3 seconds). This way, there’s zero physical interaction with the phone when the shot is taken. It’s less gear to carry around too, which is always a plus.
One thing not really mentioned yet is image composition. Besides using the grid lines, imagine the rule of thirds to compose your shot with foreground elements. This is especially great in landscapes full of snow, hills, or distant lights from cabins to provide a reference point and scale.
Lens attachments can be a game-changer, but do watch out for any optical distortions or color fringing with cheaper models. Investing in a good clip-on lens can balance between cost and quality.
Last but not least, star trails can sometimes interfere with the Northern Lights (auroras tend to move faster than stars). When you’re setting long exposures, be mindful of this to prevent a messy shot. Keep an eye out for that perfect balance—too long, and star trails appear; too short, and the aurora doesn’t come out.
Quick bullet pros & cons rundown:
Pros:
- HDR mode for great detail
- Night, Live Photos, and Grid Lines for flexibility
- HDR might bring out more detail
Cons:
- Apps like NightCap can be complex
- Constant freezing battery issues
Competitors to consider are professional DSLRs, which, while bulky and expensive, give unparalleled results for night sky photography. Nonetheless, happy shooting and don’t forget to just soak in the beauty beyond the lens!