Capturing the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights is a dream for many photographers, both amateur and professional. While traditional cameras have long been favored for astrophotography, advances in smartphone technology have made it easier than ever to take stunning pictures of the aurora borealis with just your phone. In this article, we will explore how to take pictures of the Northern Lights using a smartphone, recommend the best devices for the job, and discuss essential settings and tips to enhance your nighttime photography experience.
Understanding Light Pollution
Before heading out to capture the Northern Lights, it’s crucial to understand the concept of light pollution. Light pollution refers to the artificial light produced by street lamps, buildings, and other urban sources that brightens the night sky. This brightness can obscure the visibility of celestial phenomena like the aurora borealis, making it harder to see and photograph them effectively.
To achieve the best possible results when photographing the Northern Lights, seek out dark locations away from city lights. For those unfamiliar with their surroundings, various online tools, such as light pollution maps, can help identify suitable locations. Simply search for “light pollution map” to find resources that can guide you to areas with minimal light interference, providing a clearer view of the night sky and enhancing your chances of capturing beautiful aurora images.
Camera Settings Essentials
Before diving into the specifics of which smartphone to choose, it’s important to understand basic camera settings that will help you photograph the Northern Lights effectively.
Aperture Size
Aperture refers to the opening in the lens through which light enters. In photography, a lower f-stop number indicates a larger aperture, which allows more light to enter. This is crucial for low-light situations like aurora photography. For optimal results, aim for an aperture of f/2.8 or lower to capture the vibrant colors of the Northern Lights.
Exposure
Exposure determines how much light reaches the camera sensor. While many smartphone cameras have limited exposure settings, using external camera apps can allow you to manually adjust exposure. Some apps even enable exposure settings of up to 30 seconds, which is particularly beneficial for capturing the dynamic movement of the aurora.
ISO Settings
ISO measures the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. Most modern smartphones allow ISO adjustments up to 3200 or even higher in some cases. A good starting point for photographing the Northern Lights is an ISO setting of 1600, adjusting higher as needed while being cautious of potential noise in your images. Higher ISO settings can introduce graininess, so finding a balance is key.
Choosing the Best Smartphone for Northern Lights Photography
With many smartphones on the market capable of low-light photography, selecting the best one for capturing the Northern Lights can be challenging. Below is a selection of recommended smartphones, based on their performance in astrophotography, particularly for aurora captures. These devices have been vetted by experts in the field, such as Dr. Sten F. Odenwald, an astronomer from NASA.
Criteria for Selection
- Manual Mode: The ability to manually adjust camera settings can significantly improve your photography.
- Aperture Size: A lower aperture number is ideal for low-light conditions.
- Resolution and Pixel Size: More than 12 megapixels and larger pixel sizes contribute to better low-light performance.
Top Smartphone Recommendations
| Smartphone | Manual Mode | Aperture Size | Resolution | Pixel Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 3a (2020) | No | f/1.8 | 12.2 MP, 1.4 µm | 1.4 µm |
| OnePlus 7T Pro (2020) | Yes | f/1.6 | 48 MP, 0.8 µm | 0.8 µm |
| Pixel 4 XL (2020) | No | f/2.4 | 12.2 MP, 1.4 µm | 1.4 µm |
| Galaxy Note 10/S10+ (2020) | Yes | f/1.5-2.4 | 12 MP, 1.4 µm | 1.4 µm |
| iPhone 11 Pro MAX (2020) | Yes | f/1.8 | 12 MP, 1.4 µm | 1.4 µm |
| Huawei Mate 30 Pro (2020) | Yes | f/1.6 | 40 MP, N/A | N/A |
| LG-G8s ThinQ (2019) | Yes | f/1.8 | 12 MP, 1.4 µm | 1.4 µm |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (2019) | Yes | f/1.8 | 48 MP, 0.8 µm | 0.8 µm |
These devices are well-suited for capturing the Northern Lights, each offering features that enhance low-light performance. For example, smartphones like the OnePlus 7T Pro and Huawei Mate 30 Pro stand out due to their lower aperture sizes, enabling them to gather more light for clearer images.
Additional Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights
Tripod Use: A sturdy tripod is essential for stabilizing your phone during long exposures, preventing blurry images. Even the slightest shake can ruin a shot taken with a slow shutter speed.
Remote Shutter: Consider using a remote shutter or the timer function to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
Focus Settings: Ensure your phone is set to manual focus. Autofocus may struggle in low-light conditions, causing your images to appear blurry.
Practice Patience: Capturing the Northern Lights can take time, as they may not appear immediately. Be prepared to wait and adjust your settings as conditions change.
Experiment with Composition: Try different angles and framing techniques to create a visually stunning image. Incorporating foreground elements like trees or mountains can add depth to your photographs.
By understanding the technical aspects of smartphone photography and utilizing the right tools, capturing the Northern Lights becomes an achievable goal. With careful planning, the right smartphone, and a little creativity, you can take breathtaking images of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena.
