How to Take Pictures of the Northern Lights with an iPhone
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions of the Earth. Capturing these ethereal lights in photographs can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. If you’re planning a trip to witness the Northern Lights and want to capture them using your iPhone, here are some essential tips to help you take stunning pictures.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to be prepared for the unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights. The lights can appear at any time, so make sure you have a clear schedule and be ready to venture out at a moment’s notice. Additionally, you’ll need to have your iPhone fully charged and a charged external battery pack or a power bank on hand to ensure you have enough battery life for your photography session.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take pictures of the Northern Lights with an iPhone:
1. Choose the right location: Find a dark, clear spot away from artificial light sources, such as streetlights or buildings. The darker the sky, the more vivid the Northern Lights will appear in your photos.
2. Use the camera app: Open the Camera app on your iPhone and switch to the “Night” mode. This mode is specifically designed for low-light conditions and helps to capture the details of the Northern Lights.
3. Adjust exposure: In the “Night” mode, your iPhone will automatically adjust the exposure settings. However, you can manually adjust the exposure to enhance the brightness and details of the lights. To do this, tap on the screen where you want to focus, and then swipe up or down to adjust the exposure compensation.
4. Use a tripod: A tripod is essential for taking stable and clear photographs of the Northern Lights. The motion blur caused by hand-holding the iPhone can result in blurry images. Place your iPhone on a tripod and set the timer to avoid camera shake.
5. Experiment with settings: Play around with different settings, such as ISO and shutter speed, to see which combination works best for your particular situation. A higher ISO and longer shutter speed can help capture more details, but be cautious as it may introduce noise or blur.
6. Capture multiple shots: The Northern Lights can change rapidly, so it’s a good idea to take multiple shots to ensure you get the perfect moment. You can use the Burst mode on your iPhone to take a series of photos in quick succession.
7. Post-processing: Once you’ve taken your photos, you can use editing apps like Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom, or VSCO to enhance the colors and details of the Northern Lights. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and saturation to bring out the true beauty of the lights.
Remember that patience is key when capturing the Northern Lights. It may take several attempts to get the perfect shot, but the results will be worth it. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to taking stunning pictures of the Northern Lights with your iPhone.
