How to take pictures of Aurora Borealis with iPhone

Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights is one of the most beautiful natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions. It is a breathtaking sight to behold and a rare opportunity for many people. However, taking pictures of Aurora Borealis can be quite challenging, especially for those who are using their iPhone.

In this blog post, we will teach you how to take pictures of Aurora Borealis with your iPhone. We will cover the basics of photography, the proper settings, and some helpful tips to enhance your Aurora Borealis pictures.

Step 1: Preparation

Before heading out to hunt for Aurora Borealis, you need to prepare yourself and your iPhone. Here are some tips to get started:

Download an Aurora Tracking App

There are many Aurora tracking apps available that can help you determine the best location and time to see Aurora Borealis. Some popular apps include Aurora Forecast, My Aurora Forecast, and Aurora Alerts.

Bring a tripod or stabilizer

To capture the best images, you need to have a steady hand. A tripod or stabilizer can help you maintain stability and avoid blurry images due to camera shake.

Use a Remote Shutter Release

Using a remote shutter release or timer can also help avoid camera shake and ensure that your picture is taken at the right time.

Step 2: Camera Settings

After preparing for your Aurora Borealis excursion, you need to set your iPhone camera to the right settings. Here are the recommended settings:

Turn off the flash

When taking pictures of Aurora Borealis, you need to turn off your iPhone flash. The flash can wash out the natural lights and ruin your shot. To turn off the flash, tap on the lightning bolt icon on your camera app and select “Off.”

Turn on the Grid

The Grid is a helpful tool that can assist you in taking a well-balanced shot. The Grid appears as a faint line that divides the screen into thirds horizontally and vertically. To turn on the Grid, go to Settings > Camera > Grid and toggle the switch on.

Use Manual Focus

Auto-focus can struggle in low light situations like Aurora Borealis. Use manual focus to lock onto a subject and minimize blurriness. To use manual focus, tap and hold on the focus area until the yellow box appears. Then, adjust the focus by dragging up or down on the screen.

Adjust Exposure

Exposure is the amount of light entering your camera lens. When capturing Aurora Borealis, you need to adjust the exposure to achieve the right amount of light in your image. To do this, tap anywhere on the camera screen, and the yellow box will appear. Then, swipe up or down to adjust the exposure level.

Step 3: Helpful Tips

Now that we have covered the basics of camera settings, here are some additional tips to help you take the best possible Aurora Borealis pictures with your iPhone:

Use a low ISO

When the ISO is high, your image will contain a lot of noise or graininess. A low ISO will help you to achieve a clearer image with less noise. To adjust the ISO, go to the Camera app, and swipe up or down on the screen until the ISO control appears.

Use Burst Mode

Burst mode is another useful feature for taking action shots. When you use Burst mode, your iPhone takes multiple images in a short time so you can choose the best one. To use Burst mode, hold down the shutter button, and your iPhone will capture several images.

Shoot in Raw

When you shoot in RAW, you have more flexibility and control over editing your images. This file format does not compress your image, so you get the highest level of detail possible. To shoot in RAW, you need to use a third-party camera app like Camera+ or Halide.

Conclusion

Aurora Borealis is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural phenomena that you can witness. With just a few tips and tricks, you can capture this magical moment on your iPhone camera. Always remember to prepare yourself, set your camera to the right settings, and follow our helpful tips to achieve the best possible shot. We hope that this guide has been useful for you, and happy shooting!

Insider’s Guide to Tromsø, Norway: Chasing Aurora Borealis

If you’re visiting Tromsø, Norway, chances are you’re here to witness the phenomenon of Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. While the breathtaking sight is reason enough to visit this charming Arctic city, Tromsø has much more to offer. Here’s an insider’s guide to the hidden gems, local cuisine, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-track suggestions that will make your stay unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Secrets Only Locals Know

Apart from the obvious attractions, Tromsø has hidden gems that only locals know. Head to Fjellheisen, a cable car that takes you up to Mount Storsteinen for panoramic views of the city and the fjords. Check out the Polar Museum, which showcases the history of Tromsø’s maritime and polar expeditions. If you’re a nature lover, you’d enjoy the Botanical Garden with its Arctic-alpine plants and the Arctic Cathedral, with its striking triangular shape that’s visible from different parts of the city.

Dining Spots: A Taste of Local Cuisine and Culture

Tromsø has a bustling food scene that offers a taste of Norwegian cuisine with Arctic influences. Head to Mathallen, a food hall that features top-quality local producers. Try the reindeer meat or stockfish at Fiskekompaniet, a seafood restaurant with a beautiful view of the harbor. Cafe Sånn, a cozy cafe, serves up Norwegian waffles that are a must-try. Make sure you indulge in some Mack beer, which is brewed locally and is Norway’s oldest brewery.

Cultural Experiences: A Window into Tromsø’s Traditions

Tromsø has a rich cultural history that’s worth exploring. If you’re visiting in January, you’ll witness the annual Sami Week, honoring the indigenous Sami culture and music. Tromsø International Film Festival (TIFF) in January is the largest film festival in Norway and a must-attend for movie buffs. For music lovers, a visit to the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra will provide a unique experience of listening to classical music in the Arctic Circle.

Local History: Captivating Stories That Will Enthrall You

Tromsø’s history is as intriguing as its beauty. Visit the Tromsø Bridge, which stands as a testament to the city’s modern-day progress in infrastructure. Learn about Tromsø’s role in the whaling industry at Polaria, an Arctic aquarium and research center. Visit the Tromsø University Museum, where you’ll find exhibits on Arctic culture and archaeology. Take a stroll through Storgata, Tromsø’s main street, to admire the city’s old wooden houses that date back to the 18th century.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences Awaiting You

For once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you won’t find in guidebooks, venture off-the-beaten-path and enjoy a husky ride or snowmobile trip in the pristine Arctic wilderness. Take a fjord cruise to witness the northern lights dancing in the sky. For adventure seekers, try ice-climbing in Balsfjord, a stunning valley near Tromsø. Visit the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden at midnight when the sun is up, and witness nature’s beauty in daylight at an unusual hour.

Tromsø is a hidden gem that offers not just nature’s wonders but also a rich cultural tapestry and history. With this insider’s guide, you’ll be able to experience the best that Tromsø has to offer from a local’s point of view.