Photographing Aurora Borealis With iPhone: Tips and Techniques

Photographing Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most fascinating things you can do as a photographer. While DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are the best tools for this job, you can also get good results with your iPhone. With the right equipment, technique, and settings, you can capture stunning images of the Northern Lights with your iPhone. In this post, we will share some tips and techniques to help you take pictures of Aurora Borealis using your iPhone.

Equipment You Need

First and foremost, you need the right equipment to capture Aurora Borealis with your iPhone. Here’s what you’ll need:

– iPhone with a good camera (preferably iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, or newer models)
– Tripod to keep your camera steady
– Remote shutter release to prevent camera shake
– An Aurora forecasting app like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alerts to track Aurora activity and plan your shoot.

Camera Settings

To capture the Northern Lights with your iPhone, you need to manually control its camera settings. The iPhone’s native Camera app does not offer manual control options, so you need to use a third-party camera app that allows you to adjust the exposure settings. Here are the recommended camera settings for taking Aurora Borealis photos:

– Use the highest resolution available on your iPhone
– Set focus to infinity, which means all objects in the frame will be in focus.
– Set the shutter speed to 10-30 seconds to allow enough light into the camera for capturing the Aurora’s movement.
– You can set the ISO between 400 and 800, depending on the brightness of the Aurora and the ambient light.
– Turn off the flash, HDR, and Live Photos
– Shoot in RAW format to capture as much detail as possible.

Shooting Techniques

In addition to the camera settings, you need to use some specific techniques to capture the Aurora Borealis with your iPhone. Here are the tips to follow:

– Set up your tripod on a sturdy surface and make sure it won’t move during the shoot.
– Use a remote shutter release or a self-timer to avoid camera shake.
– Try different angles and perspectives to capture the Aurora’s movement and colors.
– Use the rule of thirds to compose your shots and add interest to your photos.
– Experiment with different exposure settings until you get the desired effect.
– Take several photos to increase your chances of getting a good shot.

Post-Processing

Once you have taken the photos, you need to edit them to enhance their quality. The iPhone’s native Photos app offers some basic editing tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, and colors. However, for more advanced editing, you can use third-party apps like Snapseed, Lightroom, or Photoshop Express. Here are some post-processing tips:

– Adjust the exposure, brightness, and contrast to make the Aurora stand out.
– Increase the saturation and vibrancy to enhance the colors.
– Use selective adjustments to target specific areas of the photo for correction or enhancement.
– Adjust the noise reduction settings to reduce the digital noise in the image.
– Use the clone tool or healing brush to remove unwanted objects or distractions.

Conclusion

Photographing Aurora Borealis with your iPhone can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By using the right equipment, camera settings, and shooting techniques, you can capture stunning photos of the Northern Lights. Remember to plan your shoot, be patient and experiment until you get the desired results. With these tips and techniques, you can take your iPhone photography to the next level and create beautiful images of Aurora Borealis.

Insider’s Guide: Captivating Adventures in Tromsø

Are you looking for an unforgettable winter adventure that goes beyond the conventional? Welcome to Tromsø, one of the world’s best destinations for Aurora Borealis photography with an iPhone. But that’s not all that Tromsø has to offer. As a local, I want to share some hidden gems, a unique food culture, cultural experiences, captivating stories from the city’s past, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that you won’t find in tourist brochures.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems in Tromsø

While most tourists flock to The Arctic Cathedral and Fjellheisen, Tromsø has many hidden gems that are worth exploring. Explore the tiny and colorful houses in the oldest part of Tromsø, aptly nicknamed “The tiny houses from the last century.” Take a hike up to Storsteinen, the highest point of Tromsø Island, adorned with snow-capped mountains and the serene sea. You can also head to Tromsø University Museum to learn about the indigenous Sami culture that has existed in Northern Norway for over a thousand years.

Dining Spots: Tromsø’s Unique Food Culture

Tromsø’s food scene is a fusion of Norwegian and Sami cuisine, influenced by seasonal ingredients from the surrounding nature. Try reindeer stew, a traditional Sami dish made with herbs and vegetables, or the Arctic shrimp, the boutique shrimp of the North Sea. Head to Mathallen, an indoor market, to experience some of Norway’s best cheese, cured meats, and fish. Don’t forget to try Aquavit, a Norwegian spirit made from potatoes and herbs.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions, Festivals, and Art

In Tromsø, winter traditions and culture continue to thrive throughout the year. Visit Sami Week, a week-long festival celebrating the Sami culture, language, and traditions. Tromsø International Film Festival brings some of the best movies from all over the world, and the music scene in Tromsø ranges from electronic to jazz. Visit the Tromsø gallery of contemporary art for some of the most beautiful Icelandic art.

Local History: Captivating Stories from Tromsø’s Past

Tromsø’s history is marred with stories of harsh living conditions, polar expeditions, and a military stronghold to fight potential invasions during World War II. In 1920, Roald Amundsen set foot in Tromsø after becoming the first person to reach the South Pole. Visit the Polar Museum to learn about explorers’ and hunters’ adventures in Tromsø.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Tromsø’s Unique Experiences

Embark on a dog-sledding tour through the pristine mountain landscape, or hike across the frozen rivers and lakes with snowshoes. Hop on a snowmobile and explore the wilderness of Northern Norway, or take a reindeer sledride under the northern lights. If you’re feeling adventurous, spend a night in the Tromsø wilderness cabin, a cozy, off-the-grid cabin to experience the Northern Lights and fresh winter air.

In conclusion, Tromsø might not have the best-known tourist attractions, but it sure has an abundance of hidden gems, unique food culture, captivating history, and unforgettable winter adventures. As a local, I invite you to explore the city with an open mind and embrace the winter experience.