Here's a simple guide on how to photograph the Northern Lights using a mobile phone
CAMERA APPS
Depending on your phone, install a camera app that allows you to manually adjust settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and focus. Apps like 'ProCam X' or 'Manual Camera' work well."
STABILITY
Stability is crucial for capturing clear shots. Use a tripod to eliminate camera shake during the long exposure required for low-light conditions.
MANUAL MODE
If your phone's camera app allows manual settings, use them. Adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus manually for better control.
ISO SETTINGS
Start with a low ISO (around 100 or 200) to minimize noise. Increase it gradually if needed, but be cautious not to go too high, as it may introduce grain.
SHUTTER SPEED
Experiment with longer exposure times (start with 10-30 seconds) to capture more light. Adjust accordingly based on the brightness of the Northern Lights.
FOCUS
Set your phone's focus to infinity or manually focus on a distant object to ensure sharp images. Auto-focus may struggle in low-light conditions.
TURN OFF FLASH
Disable the flash as it won't contribute positively to your Northern Lights shots and might spoil the natural colors.
HDR MODE
Turn off HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode, as it may not be effective in capturing the dynamic and fast-changing lights of the Aurora.
EXPERIMENT
Take multiple shots with different settings to find the optimal combination for your specific conditions.
EDIT AFTERWARDS
You can use photo editing apps to enhance your images, adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance to bring out the beauty of the Northern Lights.
PATIENCE
Be patient and enjoy the experience. Sometimes the lights can be faint, and it might take a while to capture that perfect shot.
LIMITATIONS
While capturing the Northern Lights with a cell phone has its limitations, I hope that with these tips, you can increase your chances of capturing some impressive photos.
Not sure if you are seeing the Northern Lights?
If you think you are seeing the Northern Lights but are not sure, follow the methods explained above: point your lens to the spot and take a shot. If the lights are present, you will see them on your camera. Remember, they are unpredictable; in a heartbeat, they can become very visible or not, depending a lot on the activity. Check forecasts for more information on activity. GOOD LUCK!