How to Photograph the Northern Lights: Capture the Essence of the Arctic

1. Choose the location and timing with great care

To get a shot worthy of framing at home, the first step is to understand the ideal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights. Choosing the right time of year may not be enough: you also need to pick an open location where you can see the sky with little to no artificial light. And of course — though it may not be as obvious as it sounds — the best time to photograph the Northern Lights is during the night, when the sky is darker and the phenomenon is more visible.

Choose a striking location and use the landscape around you to make your photos even more atmospheric. Play with light and perspective to create images that capture all the wonder of this extraordinary natural spectacle.

2. Use night mode or adjust the settings manually

Photographing the Northern Lights is an art that combines the natural beauty of the sky with the power of modern smartphone technology. Just as when you want to photograph the stars, getting a good result means making the most of what your iPhone or any other phone can do.

First tip: the vast majority of smartphones now offer a night mode, which is the ideal setup for capturing scenes in low light. And if you are comfortable with manual settings, you can even adjust the exposure to match the changing light of the Northern Lights.

3. Use a stabiliser

If you really want to turn your device into a tool capable of capturing the Northern Lights in all their grandeur, some kind of support is an accessory that should never be missing from your backpack.

Use a tripod or, in an emergency, rest your smartphone on a stable surface to avoid blur during a long-exposure shot. Stability is essential if you want to capture sharp details and achieve a beautiful photo like this one.

4. Minimise backlighting as much as possible

Backlit photography can be a wonderfully creative technique, but when it comes to photographing the Northern Lights with your phone, it’s best to avoid it. Make sure your smartphone’s screen brightness is turned down as much as possible while shooting to avoid reflections and capture a clearer sky.

5. Use dedicated apps for night scenes

If your camera app struggles in low-light situations, you may want to turn to apps designed specifically for night photography. Browse your operating system’s app store: some of these apps let you adjust the settings manually, giving you more precise control over the final result.

iPhone or DSLR: Our final thoughts

There’s no doubt that a professional camera — whether DSLR or mirrorless — can give you a higher-quality shot, with greater detail and more settings to play with. That said, mobile technology has come a long way, and the convenience of having an exceptional device in your pocket is priceless! So… the choice is yours.

Recent iPhones, in fact, offer excellent performance in night photography. Simply switch on Night mode and adjust the exposure manually to achieve an impressive result. If, on the other hand, you own a Nikon camera or a digital DSLR, check your camera manual for the best settings. Usually, modes such as “Bulb” or “Night” can be useful for capturing the Northern Lights.

Now that you know how to capture the Northern Lights, collect the photos from your northern adventure in an even more original way: discover our personalised sticker albums for adventures.