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Basic Camera settings for
photographing the Aurora
android
Using an android
Open camera app and click on more – there may be a night setting – click on that hold your phone steady and that should be good enough when the aurora is visible by eye – even as a haze.
If your camera doesn’t have night mode but does have pro mode – change the iso setting to as high as possible – 800 , and if there’s an option increase the shutter speed to 10 seconds or so.
Iphone
Using an iPhone
If your phone has night mode . A yellow icon appears automatically when using your camera in low light its next to the flash button too left – simply hold up your phone and it should automatically take a photo with a 3 second exposure,If it’s still too dark , tap the up arrow button at the top of the screen a row of icons will appear – tap the one to the right of the flash ( night mode icon) then scroll to the right to increase shutter speed to up to 10 seconds
Phone camera general tips
Use a tripod ideally for the sharpest images, tap on the screen and hold to focus on a bright distant star.If you are unsure about using the auto functions then I reccomend the following camera apps
Nightcap camera for iPhone
Open camera for AndroidWith the following recccomended settings
– iso 2000
lowest number for f ( aperture)
and shutter speed around 10 seconds , again using a tripod, make sure you focus on a distant bright star
Camera
Using a Camera:
DSLR/ Mirrorless
Put your camera on manual mode with manual focus, take off image stabilization / vibration control
Place camera on tripod, focus manually onto a distant star- use live view and zoom in digitally – then turn the focusing ring on your camera lens to ensure stars are pin point sharp.
Start with around iso 3200, shutter speed 5 seconds , aperture as wide as your lens can go ( f1.8 etc)
Use the widest lens you have so you can have longer shutter speeds – 14mm.
If you don’t have a fast lens, then ramp up your iso , do not increase your shutter speed beyond 10 seconds as you will get star trails using a 35mm lens and above.
As the brightness of the aurora changes, change your shutter speed accordingly – bright = faster shutter speed 4 seconds – faint around 10
Remember – focus your camera, everything on manual. Use a tripod, increase shutter speed with a medium/ high iso setting , use timer delay 2 seconds to prevent camera shake.
Tours
tHE TOURS WE OFFER
aURORA HUNTING PRIVATE TOUR
Increase your chances of admiring (and photographing) the elusive northern lights with this high-energy tour that will go to all lengths so you get the show of a lifetime.
OTHER TOURS
We aim to create unforgettable experiences on our other tours as well, where we showcase our rich culture and enchanting landscapes. These delightful activities are sure to enrich your holiday!