How to Capture the Northern Lights with Your Cell Phone
Tips, Tricks & Must-Have Gear
There’s nothing quite like standing under a sky that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. The Northern Lights (or aurora borealis if you want to sound fancy) are one of those bucket-list moments that you never forget. But let’s be honest: if you don’t get a good photo, did it even happen?
If you’re thinking, “There’s no way my phone can capture that,” think again! With the right tips and a few key gadgets, you can absolutely snag frame-worthy shots of the dancing lights using just your cell phone. Let’s break down exactly how to do it.
Other Posts You Might Find Helpful:
Timing is Everything
First things first — you need the aurora to actually show up. Apps like Aurora Forecast or My Aurora Forecast are lifesavers for tracking solar activity and cloud cover. Aim for a Kp index of 4 or higher, and try to find the darkest spot possible (think: away from city lights).
Pro Tip: Northern Lights usually make an appearance between 10 PM and 2 AM, but nature is unpredictable — grab some coffee and stay warm!
Stabilize or Surrender
This is the biggest game-changer. The Northern Lights require long exposure shots, which means any little wobble is going to give you a blurry mess.
What you need:
-
-
-
Tripod: A mini tripod like the Joby GripTight One is a game-changer. It’s compact, lightweight, and keeps your phone steady.
-
Bluetooth Shutter Remote: Nobody wants to tap the screen and shake the whole setup. A cheap wireless remote will let you snap photos without touching your phone.
-
-
Tripod: A mini tripod like the Joby GripTight One is a game-changer. It’s compact, lightweight, and keeps your phone steady.
-
Bluetooth Shutter Remote: Nobody wants to tap the screen and shake the whole setup. A cheap wireless remote will let you snap photos without touching your phone.
-
Adjust Your Camera Settings
Most phone cameras have a “Pro” or “Manual” mode — if yours doesn’t, download an app like ProCam or NightCap. Here’s how to dial it in:
-
-
-
ISO: Set it between 800–3200 to let in more light.
-
Shutter Speed: Aim for 5–15 seconds — longer exposure = more light trails.
-
Focus: Manually set it to infinity or as far away as possible.
-
White Balance: Around 3500K is a good starting point for that icy blue vibe.
Night Mode Tips
If your phone has a night mode (like on newer iPhones or Samsung models):
-
-
-
Exposure Time: Aim for 10–30 seconds for maximum light capture.
-
Keep it Steady: Even the smallest movement will blur the shot — that tripod is your best friend.
-
Use a Timer: Set a 3-second timer to avoid any shake from pressing the button.
-
-
ISO: Set it between 800–3200 to let in more light.
-
Shutter Speed: Aim for 5–15 seconds — longer exposure = more light trails.
-
Focus: Manually set it to infinity or as far away as possible.
-
White Balance: Around 3500K is a good starting point for that icy blue vibe.
-
-
-
Exposure Time: Aim for 10–30 seconds for maximum light capture.
-
Keep it Steady: Even the smallest movement will blur the shot — that tripod is your best friend.
-
Use a Timer: Set a 3-second timer to avoid any shake from pressing the button.
-
Gear Up for Success
Want to take your shots from “meh” to “OMG”? Here’s the gear that can help:
-
-
-
Tripod: As mentioned, the Joby GripTight One is clutch.
-
Lens Attachments: A wide-angle lens helps capture more of the sky.
-
External Battery Pack: Cold weather drains your battery FAST. We love the Jackery Explorer for keeping everything charged.
-
Gloves with Touchscreen Fingers: Trust us — you don’t want frostbite while fumbling with settings. These gloves keep you warm without the hassle.
-
Hand Warmers: Keep your fingers toasty while you wait for the perfect shot. These hand warmers are a lifesaver in freezing temps.
-
Highcamp Flask & Hot Beverage: Stay warm from the inside out. A Highcamp Flask filled with your favorite hot drink is the perfect companion for long, chilly nights.
-
-
Composition is Key
A sky full of lights is cool, but throw in some foreground, and suddenly it’s magic. Look for trees, mountains, or even a frozen lake to add depth to your shot.
Pro Tip: Play around with reflections! If you’re near water, angle your phone to catch the aurora reflecting on the surface. It’s an instant wow factor.
Practice Makes Perfect (Seriously)
Look, no one nails it on the first try. The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and it might take a few adjustments to find the sweet spot. The good news? It’s a pretty awesome thing to practice.
Take LOTS of shots. Adjust settings slightly between shots to see what works.
Use Burst Mode if your phone allows it — better to have 50 shots to pick from than none.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Moment
This might sound cheesy, but don’t get so caught up in getting the perfect shot that you forget to actually look up. Trust us — the memories will outlast the photos. (But also… get the photo. 😉)
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fancy DSLR to capture the magic of the Northern Lights — just a little patience, the right gear, and a willingness to freeze your butt off. (Totally worth it.) Whether you’re in Alaska or chasing the aurora elsewhere, these tips will help you snag the shot of a lifetime.
So bundle up, charge your phone, and let those lights dance. Happy snapping!