How to Photograph Aurora with iPhone

If you are planning to go on an Aurora watching tour, capturing the Northern Lights on camera can be a challenging task. However, with the increase in technology, capturing Aurora with an iPhone has become easier than ever. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you capture the Northern Lights’ beauty on your iPhone camera.

1. Get the Right Equipment

You don’t need a fancy camera to capture Aurora. However, you may want to consider purchasing a tripod, which can help steady your iPhone and prevent blurry images. A tripod will also allow you to use slower shutter speeds to capture the beautiful Aurora.

2. Use Manual Focus

While the iPhone’s autofocus is excellent, it may struggle in low-light conditions. To overcome this problem, you can use manual focus to ensure the Aurora is the centre of your image. You can do this by tapping on the Aurora in your camera display, and adjusting the focus manually until it looks sharp.

3. Adjust Exposure

The Northern Lights are best captured in low-light conditions. However, this can also make it challenging to capture the true beauty of the Aurora. You can adjust the exposure by tapping on the screen in the camera app, and then sliding the exposure slider up or down. This will help balance the image’s brightness and darkness.

4. Turn Off Flash

When trying to capture Aurora, flash can be your enemy. It’s essential to turn off the flash when taking Aurora photographs to ensure that the light doesn’t ruin the shot. Also, flashes are usually ineffective in such low-light situations.

5. Shoot in RAW Format

If your iPhone supports it, consider shooting in RAW format. This format allows more post-processing options, such as adjusting the white balance, highlight and shadow details, and sharpening the image. The option to shoot in RAW format is available on newer iPhone models.

6. Use Third-Party Apps

If you want to take even more control over your iPhone camera, you can use external camera apps that offer more advanced features. With these apps, you can shoot in manual mode, adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Some recommended third-party apps for iPhones include ProCamera and Adobe Lightroom.

7. Be Patient

Finally, it’s essential to be patient and take your time while capturing Aurora. Since the Northern Lights are best visible in near-complete darkness, it can take a while for your eyes to adjust to the darkness after being indoors. Also, Aurora can be unpredictable, so be patient and be ready to take a photo when the chance arises.

Conclusion

Capturing Aurora with an iPhone camera can be an exciting challenge. Remember to get the right equipment, use manual focus, adjust the exposure, turn off flash, shoot in RAW format, use third-party apps, and be patient. Follow these tips, and you are sure to capture the beauty of Aurora on your iPhone camera. Happy shooting!

Insider’s Guide to Photographing Aurora in Tromsø, Norway

If you’re looking to capture the stunning aurora borealis on your iPhone, then Tromsø, Norway is the place you need to be. Located in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is renowned for its Northern Lights sightings. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive insider’s guide to Tromsø and suggest some of the best places to photograph the Northern Lights with your iPhone.

Local Attractions

Tromsø has plenty of attractions and activities for visitors who are looking for more than just amazing aurora borealis sightings. If you happen to visit Tromsø in the summer, make sure to visit the Arctic Cathedral, which has a striking design inspired by the Northern Lights. Tromsø also has several museums that are worth visiting, including the Polaria Arctic Experience Centre and the Tromsø University Museum. Moreover, visitors can take a scenic cable car ride to Mount Storsteinen to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjords.

Dining Spots

Tromsø is also a foodie’s paradise, with several local restaurants that serve traditional Norwegian cuisine. For instance, Fiskekompaniet is a seafood restaurant that features fresh seafood and local ingredients. Blå Rock Cafe is a popular hangout spot that serves pizza, burgers, and craft beer. Finally, Huken Pub is a laid-back pub that serves up local beer and classic pub meals.

Cultural Experiences

Tromsø is also home to several cultural experiences that attract visitors from all around the world. The Northern Norway Art Museum showcases contemporary art from Northern Norway, while the Sami Centre provides visitors with an insight into the culture and history of the indigenous Sami people. Visitors can also experience authentic, traditional Sami cuisine and watch traditional Sámi performances at the Pakkhuset Restaurant.

Local History

Apart from its cultural and scenic attractions, Tromsø also has a fascinating history that is worth exploring. The Tromsø Museum houses an extensive collection of archaeological, zoological, and cultural artefacts from Northern Norway. Furthermore, the Tromsø City Museum offers insights into the history of Tromsø, from its beginnings as a trading post to its modern-day status as a hub for scientific research.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Apart from the main attractions and activities, Tromsø also has some off-beat places that are worth exploring. If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider taking a dog-sledding tour or a reindeer sleigh ride. Visitors can also go snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or hiking in the nearby mountains. Kvaløya is an island located just outside Tromsø and is a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching. Finally, the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is a beautiful oasis of tranquillity that is worth visiting.

In conclusion, Tromsø is an incredible destination that offers more than just amazing aurora borealis sightings. From local attractions and cultural experiences to dining spots and local history, there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful Norwegian city. Don’t forget to pack your iPhone and capture some of the best photographs of the Northern Lights.