How to Take Pictures of the Northern Lights With a Smartphone

Planning to visit Anchorage during aurora season? Don't miss your chance to capture the moment!

You don't need a fancy DSLR to take stunning photos of the Northern Lights. Your trusty smartphone is enough to preserve the memories with a few key settings and techniques to grab those Instagram-worthy shots.

Start by switching off your flash and HDR. Set your focus to infinity, lower your ISO to around 800 (or adjust manually if possible), and use a longer exposure between 10 and 30 seconds (which is ideal). The darker the surroundings, the better the contrast you'll get.

Next, save this guide to your phone for quick access when you need to capture the perfect shot.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights with Your iPhone

Got an iPhone? These simple settings will help you with Northern Lights photography during your Alaska visit.

• Use Night Mode (available on iPhone 11 and newer).
• Set the exposure time manually, hold down the Night Mode icon, and adjust to the max available (usually 10 seconds or more).
• Stabilize your phone using a tripod or resting it on a solid surface.
• Turn off Live Photos to avoid blurriness.
• Use a timer to reduce movement when tapping the shutter button.

Learning how to take a picture of the Northern Lights on an iPhone takes a little practice, but the results are well worth it. Try a few practice shots before lining the frame up for that postcard-worthy feature photo.

Smartphone Photography Gear for the Northern Lights

To level up your aurora photography, consider bringing a few extra items. All of these accessories can fit easily in a carry-on.

• Tripod: Keeps your phone steady during long exposures.

• Bluetooth shutter remote: Helps you avoid shaking the phone.

• Lens attachment: A wide-angle lens can help capture the full sweep of the lights.

• Portable charger: Cold weather drains phone batteries quickly.

These accessories are lightweight, affordable, and can significantly enhance your results.

Tips for Finding and Viewing the Northern Lights in Anchorage

You don't need to venture far from the city to witness the aurora. Here are some great spots near downtown Anchorage to see the Northern Lights.

• Point Woronzof Park: Offers dark skies and a clear view to the north.

• Glen Alps Trailhead: A higher elevation with less light pollution.

• Kincaid Park: A favorite for its expansive viewing areas and quiet surroundings.

• Earthquake Park: Close to downtown and great for spontaneous aurora spotting.

Check the aurora forecast before heading out, and aim for nights with clear skies and low moonlight for the best chance to capture the lights.

The Best Apps for Northern Lights Photography 

Take your photography skills to the next level by planning and enhancing the moment with these helpful apps.

• NightCap Camera (iOS): Gives manual control over ISO, focus, and shutter speed.

• ProCamera (iOS): Advanced features perfect for night photography.

• Camera FV-5 (Android): Offers full manual controls.

• My Aurora Forecast: Helps track when and where the lights will be visible.

These apps can help turn your smartphone into a powerful night photography tool able to capture light, depth, and detail.

Staying Warm and Safe While Photographing the Aurora

Alaska nights can be bitterly cold, so dress in layers, wear insulated boots and gloves, and bring hand warmers. If you're driving out, make sure your car is equipped with emergency supplies, including blankets and extra batteries.

Always let someone know your location if heading out alone at night. Your friendly front desk concierge is the perfect person to notify, especially if you're solo traveling or don't have a local contact.

Get a Room with a View at The Historic Anchorage Hotel

After a night of chasing the lights, there's nothing better than coming back to a warm, inviting room. The Historic Anchorage Hotel provides the perfect basecamp for your Northern Lights adventure. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel is just a short drive from top viewing spots and offers cozy accommodations, local charm, and a restful place to recharge.

Book your stay now and experience the thrill of seeing and capturing the aurora borealis right from Anchorage.

Featured Image: Kerem Yurtseven / Shutterstock