Capturing the Aurora Borealis with an iPhone

Capturing the magic of the Northern Lights, the beautiful Aurora Borealis, has always been on the top of my list. And when I finally got around to it, I only had my iPhone on me! Last night the UK was host to a spectacular display in the sky, it was magical! But it didn’t hold me back. While iPhones may lack the manual controls of a DSLR, a few clever techniques and the right apps will help you achieve beautiful images of the aurora with your smartphone.

1. Enable Night Mode

• Night Mode: If you have an iPhone 11 or newer, Night mode is incredibly useful. It automatically detects low-light scenes and adjusts the exposure accordingly. Set the exposure to around 5-10 seconds for best results. To adjust, tap the “moon” icon in Night mode and slide the exposure timer as needed.
• RAW Capability: Recent iPhone models like the iPhone 12 Pro and newer support shooting in RAW, giving you greater control over editing to bring out the aurora’s colours and details. Enable this setting under Settings > Camera > Formats, if your model supports it.

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2. Find a Dark, Remote Location

Light pollution can easily wash out the aurora’s natural glow, so head to a location as far from artificial lights as possible. Parks, woodlands, or lakes often make ideal backdrops. The darker your surroundings, the better the contrast between the aurora and the night sky will be.

3. Use a Tripod or Stabilise Your Phone

Since Night mode uses long exposure times, keeping your iPhone steady is crucial. A small phone tripod or a stable surface, such as a rock, can help reduce blur. If possible, use a Bluetooth remote or the timer feature (3-10 seconds) to minimise movement when pressing the shutter.

4. Download a Long Exposure App for Greater Control

Night mode works well, but long-exposure apps can offer additional customisation. Try apps like Slow Shutter Cam, ProCam, or NightCap Camera, which let you manually control exposure and ISO.

• Slow Shutter Cam: Choose “Low Light” mode, set the shutter speed to about 15-20 seconds, and adjust sensitivity (ISO) to match the aurora’s brightness.
• NightCap Camera: This app has an “Astronomy” mode that enhances stars and aurora. Select the “Long Exposure” setting, and set ISO to around 800-1600 for improved light capture.

5. Adjust Exposure and Focus

• Exposure Compensation: For iPhones that allow manual exposure adjustments, tap and hold the aurora on your screen to lock the focus, then slide up or down to fine-tune the exposure. Lower the exposure slightly if the aurora appears too bright.
• Focus: Tap on a star or distant light to lock focus, ensuring the aurora and stars appear sharp.

6. Enable HDR or Smart HDR

HDR (High Dynamic Range) can capture more detail in high-contrast scenes, making it ideal for bright auroras against dark skies. HDR merges multiple exposures, enhancing the dynamic range of your photo. To enable HDR, go to Settings > Camera.

7. Experiment with Composition

Add elements in the foreground, like silhouetted trees, lakes for reflections, or mountains, to give your photos depth and context. The landscape can create a unique contrast with the sky and make your images even more compelling. Try shooting in both portrait and landscape orientations to see which best captures the scene.

8. Mind the Battery and Stay Warm

Cold weather can quickly drain your iPhone’s battery, so consider bringing a portable power bank to recharge if needed, and keep your phone in an inner pocket when it’s not in use. Additionally, dress in warm layers, wear gloves, and be ready to stay outside for a while to catch the aurora’s peak. Last night I didn’t get a lot of time and so had a fleece and crocs on, not very well prepared!

9. Edit Your Photos in Post-Processing

Once you’ve taken your shots, a little editing can enhance the aurora’s colours and brightness. Use apps like Adobe Lightroom, VSCO, or even the iPhone’s built-in editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation. Lightroom is especially good for RAW images, offering more control over colours and noise reduction, this is what I use.

10. Enjoy the Experience

Watching the aurora is a unique experience, so remember to enjoy it with your own eyes too. While it’s tempting to focus solely on getting the perfect shot, take a few moments to look up and appreciate the beauty of the Northern Lights as they dance across the sky. I could not believe my eyes, I absolutely loved it, it was so magical.

With these tips and tools, you can capture the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights on your iPhone. It may take some practice and experimentation to find the best settings, but patience and a bit of creativity go a long way. The Northern Lights are mesmerising and ever-changing, so embrace the adventure, and let your iPhone help you preserve these unforgettable moments.

I used my iPhone 15 Pro to capture these photos and edited them in Lightroom to make the colours more vibrant. You can find some fabulous Boxing Day mobile deals if you are looking to upgrade your phone.