How to Photograph the Stars with an iPhone: 7 Brilliant Tips

1. Make sure you have a recent enough model

Taking great photos with a smartphone is absolutely possible, despite what you may read elsewhere. And if you have an iPhone, a high-quality final result is well within reach — as long as you are using one of the more recent models, with their impressive camera technology.

2. Take a tripod with you

At night, light is in short supply and your device may struggle to find the best exposure. Do not forget: a night shot may require as much as 30 seconds, so you need stability if you do not want to end up with blurred images. What should never be missing from your bag? A tripod is the one truly essential accessory for your midnight photography adventures.

3. No flash

It may seem counterintuitive, but turning on your iPhone’s flash — which would overwhelm the natural light coming from the stars — is not such a great idea after all.

4. Digital zoom is a bad habit

Digital zoom is great — but only if your goal is to ruin an otherwise beautiful photo. In a world where that dreaded pixelated effect is always lurking around the corner, it is best to avoid digital zoom if you want to preserve image quality.

5. Get as far away from light pollution as possible

There is a reason why the best conditions for photographing the Northern Lights are found far away from built-up areas. After all, how could you photograph the stars with an iPhone while standing in the middle of a city, surrounded by artificial light? We will tell you more: take the opportunity to go for a walk in the mountains under the moonlight or along the seashore, and enjoy shooting with the natural light of the night. If travel photography is your passion, you certainly will not regret it.

6. Check the weather forecast first

Before setting off on your adventure, do yourself a favour and check that the weather conditions are as good as possible for night photography. A cloudy sky is far from ideal if you want to photograph the stars with a smartphone, but that is not all: humidity and haze can also be real enemies of your digital shots.

7. Use an app to adjust the settings manually

Choosing a smartphone as your camera comes with countless advantages, not least the wide range of apps you can install to expand its capabilities. Editing is only one of them. Instead, try using an app that gives you full control over the settings and lets you shoot in manual mode. Slow Shutter Cam, for example, can help you manage ISO, exposure and aperture.

Now that you have the essential information you need to capture fantastic memories of your adventures, why not turn them into a story told through stickers? A travel-themed album is just the thing if you never want the holiday feeling to end.