How to photograph the Northern Lights

Getting started

Photographing the aurora can be a little tricky, but with the right approach, and a touch of patience, you can capture shots that feel just as magical as the moment itself.

First things first, find a dark spot away from artificial lights so the colours stand out against the night sky. Remember to wrap up warm too, as you might be standing still for a while.

When you head back indoors, leave your camera in its bag to warm up slowly. This helps prevent condensation from spoiling your pictures.

Pack the right kit

What should you bring to photograph the Northern Lights? If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera at home, this is the moment to let it shine.

Pair it with a wide-angle lens and you’ll capture all those dazzling colours swirling across the Lapland sky.

Prefer to travel light? No problem. Modern phones can take beautiful shots too.

The key is keeping your camera or phone steady. A tripod works best, but even a selfie stick pushed into the snow can do the trick. That way your photos come out clear, bright and truly magical.

Our magical tip: keep spare batteries or a portable power pack tucked into your pockets. The cold Lapland air can drain batteries much faster than you’d expect.

Camera settings

If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, switch it to manual mode and try these starting settings:

• ISO: 800–1600
• Shutter speed: 10–20 seconds
• Aperture: as wide as your lens allows (f/2.8 or lower is ideal)
• White balance: daylight

Use a timer or remote shutter release so the camera doesn’t wobble when you press the button. 

How to photograph the Northern Lights with an iPhone

Good news! You can capture the Northern Lights with an iPhone. In fact, newer models (iPhone 11 and up) are surprisingly good at low-light photography.

Here’s how to get the best results:

• Switch on Night Mode and set the exposure time as long as possible (10 to 30 seconds).

• Keep your ISO between 800 and 1600. Some camera apps let you adjust this manually.

• Place your iPhone on a tripod so it stays completely still.

• Use the wide-angle lens to capture as much of the sky as you can.

• For extra control, try a specialist camera app like ProCamera or NightCap, which let you adjust shutter speed and ISO yourself.

How to photograph the Northern Lights with an Android

Android phones are just as capable of capturing magical shots, especially models like Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel or Huawei.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Switch to Pro Mode or Manual Mode in your camera settings.
• Set your ISO between 800 and 1600.
• Adjust the shutter speed to 10–20 seconds.
• Set focus to infinity so the stars and lights stay sharp.
• Always use a tripod to keep your phone steady.
• Some Androids even include Night Sight or Astrophotography Mode, which can make the whole process as simple as pressing one button.

Our elf-approved tips

Here are a few elf-approved tips to help your photos shine:

• Find a dark spot so the aurora glows at its brightest.
• Wrap up warm, as you may be standing still for a while.
• Keep spare batteries snug in your pocket, since the cold makes them run out faster.
• When you head back inside, leave your camera in its bag so it warms up slowly.

A memory to keep forever

Photographing the Northern Lights isn’t just about cameras and buttons. It’s about the moment the sky suddenly glows and everyone says “wow!” 

With a little practice, your phone or camera can capture those colours so you can bring the magic home.

But don’t forget to stop and look up too. Take it all in and enjoy the show together.