Best Phone Settings for Photographing the Northern Lights
From13 Years of Shooting Alaska’s Winter Skies
When I first moved to Alaska, I thought photographing the northern lights was going to be easy — point, shoot, magic. Eight years later, I can tell you: there’s a little more to it. But here’s the good news — you don’t need a fancy $5,000 camera to capture stunning aurora shots. If you’ve got a newer smartphone and the right settings, you can bring home photos you’ll want to print. Many times I’ll bring my fancy dslr or mirrorless Nikon cameras out but also have my phone, and these tips can help you take great shots on your phone.
This guide is based on hundreds of cold nights out under the Alaskan sky, from Anchorage’s Hillside to the quiet backroads of Fairbanks. These are the settings I use and teach to friends and clients when we’re out on aurora tours.
Step 1: Get the Right Conditions
Even the best phone camera won’t capture much if the aurora is faint or hidden behind clouds. Here’s what to look for:
Clear skies — Check the NOAA Aurora Forecast.
High KP Index — KP 3+ is ideal for Anchorage, KP 2+ for Fairbanks.
Minimal light pollution — The further from city lights, the better. But even in Anchorage, you can find dark spots like Glen Alps or Kincaid Park.
Step 2: Phone Settings for the Northern Lights
These settings work well for most newer iPhones (Pro series) and Androids (Samsung Galaxy S/Ultra, Google Pixel, etc.). Adjust slightly depending on your phone model.
For Manual/Pro Mode:
ISO: 800–1600 (higher if aurora is faint, lower if bright)
Shutter Speed: 5–10 seconds
Focus: Manual, set to infinity (∞)
White Balance: 3500–4000K for natural colors
Image Format: RAW if available (gives you more editing flexibility)
Stabilization: Use a tripod — even the smallest movement will blur your shot.
For Night Mode (No Manual Controls):
Activate Night Mode in your camera app.
Keep the phone perfectly still (tripod or resting on something solid).
Let the phone choose exposure — usually 3–10 seconds.
Lock focus on a distant light or star before shooting.
Step 3: Essential Gear for Aurora Phone Photography
Even with a phone, a few extras will make a big difference:
Compact tripod — I like the K&F Concept Travel Camera Tripod or Joby GorillaPod for quick setups.
Bluetooth remote shutter — Prevents camera shake when tapping the screen.
Hand warmers — Stick one to the back of your phone to keep the battery from draining in the cold.
Headlamp - Get one with a red light to avoid your eyes having to readjust to the dark skies.
Step 4: Tips From the Field
Here’s what thirteen years of frozen fingers and happy dances under the aurora have taught me:
Arrive early — Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark.
Stay patient — Lights can go from nothing to wild in 5 minutes.
Take test shots often — Aurora changes quickly, so keep adjusting your ISO and shutter speed.
Layer up — Good gloves with finger access (like Vallerret Photography Gloves) let you adjust settings without freezing. I have a post about winter photography clothing here
My Go-To Anchorage Area Aurora Spots
If you’re starting in Anchorage, these are my tried-and-true local spots:
Glen Alps / FlatheadTrailhead — Dark skies with a panoramic view of the city lights below.
Kincaid Park Point — Coastal views and less light pollution than downtown.
Eklutna Tailrace — 45 minutes north, clear skies more often than the city.
Jim Creek Bridge - 45 minutes north, near Eklutna Tailrace, there is the driving bridge and then the old bridge that is accessible via walking, but it isn’t maintained so be careful of footing.
The Takeaway
You don’t need to be a pro to capture the magic of the northern lights. With a little preparation, the right phone settings, and some patience, you’ll be going home with your own slice of Alaskan sky. And trust me — once you see the aurora dance in person, you’ll be hooked for life.
