Capturing the Aurora: Photography tips for beginners and pros
The northern lights are one of the most photographed natural wonders in the world — and for good reason. Here’s how to make sure you bring home unforgettable shots, whether you’re using a smartphone or professional camera gear.
Northern light from a Waterfront cabin at Skårungen
Can you really capture auroras with a smartphone?
Yes — today’s smartphones are surprisingly capable.
Use night mode: Most modern phones have a long-exposure or night mode.
Keep it steady: A tripod or even resting your phone on a rock will avoid blurry results.
Adjust exposure: If possible, lower the exposure time to avoid overexposed green blobs.
Focus: Tap on infinity or the farthest bright object; avoid focusing on nearby lights.
DSLR and mirrorless cameras: Settings that work
If you have a camera with manual controls, try this starting point:
Aperture: f/2.8 or the widest your lens allows.
Shutter Speed: 5–15 seconds (shorter if the aurora moves fast, longer if it’s faint).
ISO: 1600–3200 depending on brightness and your camera’s noise performance.
Focus: Set to manual and adjust to infinity or to a bright star.
Timer: Set a 2-second delay to avoid vibrations when pressing the shutter.
💡 Tip for pros: Faster lenses (f/1.4–f/2.0) and wide angles (14–24 mm) are ideal for capturing both the aurora and the dramatic Lofoten landscapes.
Geomagnetic storms occur when strong solar wind streams or CMEs interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, causing a global disturbance that can make auroras visible far from the poles.
Auroral substorms are smaller, localised bursts of activity in the aurora, often causing rapid brightening and movement. These can happen multiple times in a night, sometimes without a major geomagnetic storm.
Composition: more than just the sky
The aurora is stunning, but photos with foreground elements are more powerful:
Cabins reflected on the fjord.
The silhouette of Vågakallen or other Lofoten peaks.
A person with a headlamp, adding scale and storytelling.
Editing: Bringing out the details
Shoot RAW if possible — it gives you more flexibility in editing.
Boost contrast and clarity to highlight aurora shapes.
Adjust white balance toward cooler tones to keep the greens natural.
Practical tips while shooting
Dress warmly: photography often means standing still in the cold.
Carry spare batteries: cold weather drains them fast.
Turn off your flash.
Don’t spend the whole night looking through a lens — enjoy the show too!
Why Skårungen is a photographer’s dream
Our location offers everything photographers love:
Dark skies with little light pollution.
Waterfront reflections from the fjord.
Mountain backdrops including iconic Vågakallen.
Auroras visible right from your cabin, so you don’t need to chase them far.
In the next Aurora Series post, we’ll leave science and gear behind and dive into the fascinating legends and myths surrounding the northern lights across cultures.