Capturing the Northern Lights: A Guide to Using Your Smartphone for Photography

I was fortunate enough to witness the breathtaking northern lights on a special delivery flight of Singapore Airlines’ first 787-10 Dreamliner from Charleston, South Carolina, to Osaka, Japan, and finally to Changi Airport. As our flight approached Alaska, passengers on the starboard side were treated to a magnificent display of the elusive lights.

Capturing the northern lights on camera can be a challenging task, especially due to their dim nature. Many photographers use extended exposure to capture the vibrant colors of the aurora borealis. Using a tripod is essential for sharp images, and a flashlight can aid in focusing.

For those using smartphones, newer models like the iPhone 11 Pro Max can produce stunning photos in low light conditions. By following simple steps like selecting the right content, using night mode, and capturing multiple frames, you can achieve impressive results.

Editing photos of the northern lights can further enhance the beauty of the images. Adjusting exposure, highlights, shadows, vibrance, and sharpness can make the colors pop and bring out more detail in the auroras.

To witness the northern lights in person, heading to locations above the Arctic Circle like Alaska or Scandinavia is recommended. Apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts can help predict when the lights will be visible.

Overall, capturing the northern lights is a magical experience that can be enjoyed with the right equipment and techniques. Whether from a plane or on the ground, witnessing this natural phenomenon is a truly unforgettable moment.