How to photograph the northern lights as a beginner?
The aurora is alive, shifting, unpredictable. To capture it is not about expensive gear, but about patience and a few simple settings.
Camera or phone?
Modern smartphones can catch auroras if they allow manual night mode. For stronger results, a camera with manual settings and a tripod works best.
Settings to start with:
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ISO 800–3200
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Aperture f/2.8–f/4
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Exposure 5–15 seconds
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Tripod steady, focus on infinity
The real secret: dress warmly. Many beginners give up not because of the camera, but because their fingers freeze.
Do not chase perfection. Even blurred shots carry the memory. The aurora is less about a photo, more about the moment you stood under a moving sky.