How to Photograph the Northern Lights: A Complete Guide

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of the most unforgettable sights in the night sky. Watching waves of green and purple light dance overhead is a memory that stays with you—and learning how to photograph the Northern Lights is a goal for many travelers who want to capture the magic.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional or have expensive gear to do it. Whether you’re using a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or just your phone, a few simple tricks can help you take photos you’ll be proud to share.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of photographing the Northern Lights—from gear and camera settings to tips that work surprisingly well with a smartphone. And if you’d rather leave the details to someone else, check out our Northern Lights Tours, where local guides help you be in the right place at the right time.

Green northern lights line on the dark sky with many stars. The shadow of mountain and trees beneath it.

Essential Gear for Photographing the Northern Lights

Best Cameras

To photograph the Northern Lights, you’ll need a camera that allows full manual control. DSLR and mirrorless cameras are ideal because they let you adjust key settings like exposure, ISO, and focus—essential for capturing low-light scenes.

Lenses

A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or lower) works best for aurora photography. These lenses let in more light, making it easier to capture the colors and movement of the lights against the dark sky.

Other Equipment

Tripod – Keeps your camera steady during long exposures.
Remote shutter release – Helps reduce camera shake for sharper shots.
Extra batteries – Cold weather drains battery life quickly, so bring a few spares.
Headlamp with red light – Lets you see your camera settings without ruining your night vision.

Manual Camera Settings for the Best Aurora Shots

Switch your camera to manual mode so you can adjust the exposure, aperture, and ISO settings yourself. This gives you the control needed to capture the vivid colors and subtle details of the aurora.

Aperture

Set your aperture as wide as possible (f/2.8 or lower). A wide aperture lets in more light—crucial for photographing the often faint but colorful aurora.

ISO Settings

Start with an ISO between 800 and 3200. Higher ISO increases light sensitivity but may also introduce noise. Try a few different settings to find the best balance for your specific camera and conditions.

Shutter Speed

Use a shutter speed between 5 and 30 seconds, depending on how fast the aurora is moving.

Fast-moving lights: Shorter exposures help prevent blur.
Slower displays: Longer exposures can capture more color and light.

A close up to a camara on a tripod with the blurry orange sunset background behind it.

How to Take Pictures of the Northern Lights with a Phone

You don’t need a fancy camera to capture the Northern Lights. Modern smartphones can handle low-light scenes surprisingly well—and with a few simple tricks, you can snap some impressive shots.

Phone Camera Settings for Northern Lights

Night Mode: Turn it on if your phone has it. It helps the camera gather more light in dark conditions.
Manual Camera Apps: Apps like NightCap let you control ISO, shutter speed, and focus for better results.
Avoid Zooming In: Stick to your phone’s wide lens. Digital zoom lowers image quality and won’t help in the dark.

Tips for Shooting with a Phone

Keep It Steady: Use a tripod or rest your phone on a stable surface to avoid blurry images.
Lock Focus: Tap on a distant light or bright star to help your phone focus clearly.
Watch the Battery: Cold weather drains phone batteries quickly. Keep your phone warm in a pocket when you’re not using it.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights with an iPhone

If you’re using an iPhone—especially models from the iPhone 11 onward—you’ve got some great tools for aurora photography built right in.

Night Mode: This turns on automatically in low light. You can slide the timer to extend the exposure—go as long as it allows for brighter, more detailed shots.
Focus: Tap on a star or faraway light to lock focus and avoid blur.
ISO & Shutter Speed: iPhones usually adjust these on their own, but third-party apps like NightCap give you manual control. Longer exposures can help bring out the aurora’s colors more clearly.

Red and green northern lights on the dark sky with the stars.

Tips for Northern Lights Photography Settings

Getting your camera settings right is key to capturing the aurora. Since the lights can shift quickly, it’s important to experiment and adjust as needed.

Optimizing Camera Settings

Adjust your settings based on the brightness and speed of the aurora.
Take a quick test shot to check your exposure and focus before settling into longer exposures.
Avoid overexposing—keeping the colors natural and vibrant makes for a better photo.

Common Challenges (and How to Fix Them)

Blurry photos → Make sure your tripod is stable. Use a remote shutter or the self-timer to prevent camera shake.
Noisy images → Stick to a mid-range ISO (not too high). You can reduce noise later in editing.
Focusing issues → Switch to manual focus and lock onto a bright star, planet, or the moon for sharp results.

Composition Tips for Better Aurora Photos

Add a foreground: Include trees, mountains, or water to give your photo more depth.
Follow the rule of thirds: Position the aurora slightly off-center to create a more balanced composition.
Look for reflections: Lakes, rivers, or even wet ground can mirror the lights and add drama.
Use silhouettes: Dark shapes like trees or cabins in the foreground can help frame the shot and make the aurora stand out.

Extra Tips for Aurora Photography

Stay warm: Dress in layers and bring hand warmers. You’ll likely be standing still for long periods in the cold.
Get familiar with your gear: Practice using your camera or phone settings ahead of time so you’re not struggling in the dark.
Pack snacks and drinks: A warm drink and a few snacks can make a long night under the stars much more enjoyable.
Use aurora forecast apps: These apps help you track solar activity and improve your chances of catching the lights.
Consider a guided tour: Local guides know where to go and when, saving you time and increasing your odds of a great sighting.

Why Join a Northern Lights Tour?

A guided tour can make your Northern Lights experience even more rewarding. Local guides take you to the best viewing spots, help with camera setup and composition, and offer useful tips based on years of experience.

You’ll spend less time worrying about where to go or how to set up your gear—and more time enjoying the moment.

Our Northern Lights Tours are designed to be smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable—so you can focus on the magic in the sky.

Photographing the Northern Lights takes practice, patience, and a little luck with the weather. But with the tips in this guide, you’ll be ready when the aurora shows up. Want to boost your chances? Join one of our Northern Lights Tours and let experienced guides lead you to the best views—and help you get that perfect shot.