How to Take Pictures of the Aurora with an iPhone
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions. Capturing the ethereal beauty of the aurora with an iPhone can be challenging, but with the right techniques and settings, you can produce stunning images. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to take pictures of the aurora with an iPhone.
1. Find the Right Location
The first step in capturing the aurora is to find a suitable location. Look for places with a clear view of the northern horizon, away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. The further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the aurora. Keep in mind that the aurora can be unpredictable, so be prepared to wait and watch for extended periods.
2. Choose the Right Time
The best time to capture the aurora is during the peak of the solar cycle, which typically occurs every 11 years. The best months to see the Northern Lights are March, April, September, and October. Additionally, the aurora is more visible during a new moon phase, as the moonlight won’t interfere with your camera settings.
3. Prepare Your iPhone
Before heading out, make sure your iPhone is fully charged and that you have a spare battery or a portable charger. You will also need a tripod to keep your iPhone steady during long exposure shots. Consider using a phone case with a grip or a lens adapter for added stability and protection.
4. Adjust Your iPhone Settings
To capture the aurora, you will need to use manual settings on your iPhone. Here’s how to adjust your camera settings:
– Focus: Set your focus to infinity. This can be done by tapping on the screen and holding your finger until the focus box turns yellow.
– Exposure: Increase the exposure to -2 or -3 to ensure you have enough light. You can adjust the exposure compensation by pressing the screen and sliding the slider to the left.
– White Balance: Set the white balance to “Cloudy” to warm up the colors and bring out the green hues of the aurora.
– ISO: Start with an ISO of 800 and increase it if needed. Be cautious not to go too high, as this can introduce noise into your image.
– Shutter Speed: Use a shutter speed of 10-20 seconds to capture the motion of the aurora. You can experiment with longer shutter speeds to create a more blurred effect.
5. Take Your Shots
Once you have adjusted your iPhone settings, it’s time to take your shots. Keep in mind that the aurora can change rapidly, so be prepared to take multiple shots to capture different moments. Here are some tips for taking successful aurora photos:
– Bracketing: Take multiple shots with different exposure settings to ensure you have a good range of exposures.
– Use a Remote: If your iPhone has a built-in remote shutter, use it to avoid camera shake. Otherwise, use the volume buttons on your headphones to trigger the shutter.
– Composition: Pay attention to the composition of your shots. Include interesting foreground elements, such as trees, rocks, or water, to add depth to your images.
6. Post-Processing
After capturing your aurora photos, you may want to enhance them using photo editing apps. Adjust the contrast, saturation, and sharpness to bring out the details and colors of the aurora. Be careful not to over-process your images, as this can make them look unnatural.
In conclusion, capturing the aurora with an iPhone requires patience, practice, and the right settings. By following these steps, you can produce stunning images of this natural wonder. Happy shooting!
