Noah Johnson 
May 12, 2024
Keep an eye on the skies today as you can be bestowed for another session of a celestial splendour which is going to adorn the skies.
Will we see northern lights again tonight?
Since northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, have been predicted to offer an even rarer appearance tonight, you must be familiar with some fundamental photographic ethics considering you are prone to capture natural displays.
Tips to capture northern lights on an iPhone
Follow the tips listed below if you want to capture the stunning views of northern lights using your iPhone.
Read more: Northern lights predictions — Is the solar storm still happening?
- Choose the right iPhone model
- Enable night mode
- Adjust exposure time
- Fine-tune exposure adjustment
- Preserve settings
Choose the right iPhone model
Although Night Mode is accessible on iPhone 11 and newer versions, the quality of your photos may differ. For superior outcomes, consider using an iPhone 13 or a newer model, which provides improved camera features. The disparity in picture quality, particularly in low-light conditions, can be significant.
Enable night mode
When it comes to capturing the northern lights, Night Mode is indispensable. This function automatically adjusts your iPhone's camera settings for optimal low-light conditions, resulting in sharper and more detailed photographs. To enable Night Mode, simply ensure it's activated in your camera settings. For iPhone 11 and higher models, this feature is readily accessible.
Adjust exposure time
For optimal results, adjust the exposure time to maximise the potential of your photo. Access the hidden settings menu in the iPhone's camera app by tapping the top arrow. Find the Night Mode icon and adjust the exposure time slider to the maximum, typically 30 seconds for tripod setups. This prolonged exposure time allows your iPhone to capture the full magnificence of the northern lights.
Refine exposure adjustment
In certain situations, such as when surrounded by bright snow, you may need to further adjust the exposure to prevent overexposure. Access the hidden settings menu again and modify the Exposure Adjustment to a negative value, balancing the brightness of your photo.
Preserve settings
To simplify your photography experience, ensure your iPhone retains specific settings like Exposure Adjustment and Night Mode. Go to Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings and switch on the desired options to maintain your preferred configurations.
