# How to photograph the Northern Lights with a smartphone

- URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/how-to-photograph-the-northern-lights-with-a-smartphone/
- Published: 2023-10-19
- Last updated: 2026-08-19

> Unlock the secrets to photographing stunning Northern Lights images with your smartphone. Discover tips, camera settings, and techniques to photograph auroras perfectly during your trip to Iceland.

You do not need professional camera gear to photograph the Northern Lights. With today’s smartphones and a bit of preparation, you can capture impressive aurora photos and still enjoy the moment.

For many travelers, seeing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Watching ribbons of green, purple, and pink light move across the night sky is both magical and slightly surreal. In Iceland, auroras are visible from late August through early April, when the nights are dark enough. The lights are active year-round, but darkness is essential for seeing them clearly.

Are you keen to capture Mother Nature's elusive show? You're certainly not alone in wanting to share this magic with friends and family. The good news is that modern smartphones are surprisingly capable in low-light conditions. With the right settings and a steady hand, you can capture beautiful Northern Lights photos without carrying bulky equipment. The key is preparation. Practice adjusting your camera settings before heading out. Cold fingers and darkness are not ideal learning conditions.

*Image: You need dark, clear skies and sightings are greatly improved outside populated areas*

### Smartphone Photography Tips for the Northern Lights:

**Consider a guided tour.** Joining a Northern Lights tour can make the experience much easier. Guides make a living from monitoring weather and aurora forecasts, know where cloud cover is minimal, and can help you find safe, dark locations away from city lights. This allows you to relax and focus on the experience. [Find a Northern Lights tour](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d49d)  
  

**Use a sturdy tripod.** Long exposure times are essential for aurora photography, and even the slightest movement can blur your image. A compact tripod made for smartphones works well. If your tripod has a hook underneath, add weight for stability in windy conditions.  
  
**Turn off the flash.** Your phone’s flash will not help with auroras and can ruin the shot. Make sure it is disabled.

**Use Night mode or manual controls.** Most newer smartphones, including recent iPhone and Android models, have a Night mode that automatically selects longer exposures. If manual controls are available, aim for an exposure of around 10 to 15 seconds. Shorten the exposure if the aurora is moving quickly.  
  
**Lock focus.** Autofocus often struggles in darkness. Tap and hold on the screen to lock focus, ideally set to infinity or the farthest point available. Adjust slightly if the lights appear soft.

**Shoot in RAW if possible.** Many phones now allow RAW capture. This preserves more detail and color, giving you better results if you like to edit the image later.

**Lower your screen brightness.** A bright screen can ruin your night vision and distract others nearby. Dim it as much as possible while shooting.

**Bring a power bank.** Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly. A fully charged phone and an external battery are essential for longer nights outside.

**Use photography apps if needed/** If your default camera app feels limiting, third-party apps can provide more control. Popular options include NightCap Camera, ProCamera, and Slow Shutter for iOS, and ProCam X Lite for Android. (These Apps are subject to change)

**Include the landscape.** Mountains, lava fields, waterfalls, or even a simple horizon line give your photos scale and context. Aurora images are often more powerful when paired with Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.

**Dress warm.** Standing still at night in Iceland can get very cold fast. Wear insulated layers, gloves, and a hat so you can focus on the experience rather than the temperature and shivering.

**Remember to look up.** It is easy to spend the whole night staring at your screen. Take time to put the phone away and simply watch. Savor the Moment.  
  

### [Find Northern Lights tours](https://www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/?category=5ec7d096a90548233654d4ba&page=0&subcategory=5ec7d096a90548233654d49d)