Surprise in Spain: An aurora borealis appeared in several towns in Spain. So, if you don't want to miss the opportunity, as it will be repeated. Learn how to photograph the northern lights with your mobile phone.
We're going to give you the best tips and tricks to take the best photos of the Northern Lights with a smartphone. So, take note and get ready to surprise your loved ones. Considering that this phenomenon is appearing in the northern hemisphere, you better be prepared.
Tips for taking better photos of the Northern Lights with your mobile phone
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, It is one of the most impressive and magical natural phenomena that we can observe. Plus, you can take a great photo with your mobile phone.
It's true that traditionally you've needed professional photography equipment to achieve good results. But today, thanks to advances in mobile technology, it's possible to capture quality images of the Northern Lights with your own phone. Even more so if you have a powerful model.
So don't miss out on the best tips and tricks for photographing the Northern Lights with your mobile phone and getting stunning images.
The location is very important
Location is key to photographing the Northern Lights. You should stay away from artificial light sources, such as cities, as light pollution makes it difficult to see the auroras.. Look for rural areas or open spaces where the sky is as dark as possible, even if it is a little more difficult to get there, you will always get the best results. We leave you with a perfect app to find areas without light pollution.
Use aurora prediction apps
To maximize your chances of capturing this phenomenonOr, it is advisable to use applications that predict aurora activity. These apps tell you about the probability of events occurring in your area based on atmospheric and solar conditions. And we're leaving you with one that won't disappoint you at all. You'll see that it has very good ratings on the Google Play Store.
Weather conditions
Weather conditions are essential for good Northern Lights photography. The sky should be clear, with no clouds, as these will block the view of the auroras. The presence of the moon can also affect the photo; a full moon illuminates the landscape, but can take away the importance of the northern lights.
Wear these accessories
Even if you're going to take photos with your mobile phone, keep in mind that there are a number of accessories that you should bring with you. Even if you're going to use a mobile phone, taking the right equipment is essential. And first of all, a tripod should not be missing. Please note that this item is essential to avoid camera shake and capture sharp images, as auroras require long exposures.
Furthermore, Low temperatures can quickly drain the batteries of mobile devices, so bring a power bank or external battery.
Camera settings you shouldn't ignore
Obviously, if you want to get the most out of your mobile and take a good photo of the Northern Lights, You should forget about the automatic mode. Let's see what settings you have to make to take photos of the boreal author with the mobile phone
Manual or professional mode
Please note that the first step to getting quality images of the Northern Lights is to set your phone to manual mode or professional mode, which allows control camera settings such as exposure, ISO, and focus. We are going to give you a breakdown of each section, so that even if you do not have experience in professional photography, you can follow our instructions step by step.
- I This setting controls the camera's sensitivity to light. For photographing auroras, it's best to use a high ISO value, usually between 800 and 1600, but you should avoid setting it too high to avoid creating too much noise in the image.
- Shutter speed: This is the most important factor. To capture the moving light of the auroras, you need a long exposure. Set the speed between 5 and 15 seconds, depending on the intensity of the aurora.
- Focus: To ensure the aurora and stars are captured clearly, set your camera's focus to "infinity" or use the manual focus feature, if available.
- Opening: If your phone allows you to adjust the aperture, select the lowest value possible (f/1.8 or f/2.0). This will allow more light to enter the camera sensor.
Take care of the composition
Although the Northern Lights are the protagonist of the image, You should try to include landscape elements to improve the quality. Whether it's trees or mountains, they will give it a different touch.
Avoid overexposure
And run away from exposure. Remember that a long exposure can capture more light, but it can also make the auroras look too bright or blurry. Look at the first few images you take and adjust the exposure if necessary to avoid overexposure.
Don't touch your phone to take a photo
Also, and no less important, Avoid touching the phone when taking the photo to avoid unwanted movements. Use a remote shutter release or set your camera's timer to take the picture a few seconds after you press the button. This will reduce vibrations that could ruin the sharpness of the image.
edit your photo
Lastly, Don't hesitate to enhance the colors of the Northern Lights with an editing tool. Have no idea? Just follow these tips:
- Adjust the contrast to help bring out the aurora lights.
- Feel free to increase the saturation slightly, as this will make the aurora colors (greens, reds, and purples) more vivid.
As you can see, these are very easy tips to follow, even if you have no experience in photography, and they will help you take the best photos of the Northern Lights with your mobile phone, even if you don't have much knowledge. So follow this tutorial and surprise your loved ones with some unique shots. And take the best photo of the Northern Lights with your smartphone!
