On November 12, 2025, a remarkable announcement revealed that smartphone photography has reached a point where capturing the northern lights no longer requires expensive professional equipment. If you’re planning to chase the aurora in the USA, United Kingdom, or Canada this November, you might be surprised by what your phone can accomplish.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Modern smartphone cameras rival many digital cameras in low-light performance
- Proper settings matter more than having the latest device
- Free apps can unlock professional-level manual controls
- Preparation and timing are equally important as technical settings
Why Your Smartphone Is More Capable Than You Think
Many travelers assume they need a DSLR camera with expensive lenses to photograph the northern lights effectively. But recent technological advances have dramatically changed this equation. Modern smartphones now pack sophisticated imaging systems that can capture stunning aurora displays with the right techniques.
As HONOR’s photography guide demonstrates, devices like the HONOR 90 contain advanced sensors and computational photography features specifically designed for challenging low-light conditions. The key lies in understanding how to leverage these features effectively.
Essential Settings for Aurora Success
Whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, manual control is your best friend when photographing the northern lights. Most modern smartphones include a Pro mode or manual settings in their native camera apps, but if yours doesn’t, free third-party apps like Camera FV-5 or ProCam X can provide the necessary controls.
According to Fjords and Beaches’ iPhone guide, the magic formula involves three key settings: long exposure, high ISO, and manual focus. Set your exposure time between 10-30 seconds, adjust ISO between 800-3200 depending on aurora brightness, and manually focus to infinity.
Practical Shooting Techniques
Stability is absolutely crucial for clear northern lights photos. Even the slightest movement during long exposures will result in blurry images. Always use a tripod or find a stable surface to rest your phone. If you don’t have a tripod, get creative – use a rock, your backpack, or even a bean bag to keep your device perfectly still.
Timing your shots requires patience. Wait for moments when the aurora appears brightest and most active. The dancing lights often come in waves, so don’t get discouraged during quiet periods. Keep shooting through different phases of the display.
Optimizing for Different Locations and Conditions
The approach varies slightly depending on whether you’re photographing in the USA, United Kingdom, or Canada. Light pollution remains the biggest challenge in all locations. Research dark sky areas near your viewing location and use apps like Dark Sky Finder to identify the best spots away from city lights.
November presents unique opportunities across these regions. In Canada and northern USA states, you’ll typically have clearer, colder nights that often provide excellent viewing conditions. In the United Kingdom, coastal areas away from urban centers offer the best chances for successful photography.
Post-Processing Made Simple
Even the best smartphone shots benefit from subtle editing. Free apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile offer powerful tools for enhancing your aurora photos. Adjust exposure slightly, increase contrast to make the colors pop, and reduce noise if needed. The goal is enhancement, not transformation – keep the edits natural-looking.
Remember that smartphone sensors are smaller than dedicated cameras, so they capture less light overall. This means your images might require slightly more aggressive editing than professional camera shots, but the results can still be spectacular.
The bottom line:
Capturing the northern lights with your smartphone is not only possible – it’s becoming increasingly accessible to budget travelers and casual photographers. The combination of advanced smartphone cameras, proper manual settings, and strategic location planning can produce images that would have required professional gear just a few years ago. Your next aurora adventure doesn’t need to break the bank on camera equipment when the device in your pocket is more capable than you realize.
If you’re interested in related developments, explore our articles on Why Google Just Put Gemini AI in Your TV Remote and Why Android 16 Just Fixed Your Biggest Privacy Concern.
