Can I photograph the northern lights with my phone?

Modern smartphones (iPhone 14+, Samsung Galaxy S22+, Google Pixel 7+) have night mode capabilities that can capture the aurora. Place the phone on a stable surface or tripod, use the longest night mode exposure available, and keep the phone steady. Results will not match a DSLR or mirrorless camera but can be surprisingly good during strong displays.

What lens is best for northern lights photography?

A wide-angle lens (14–24mm on full frame, 10–18mm on APS-C) with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is ideal. Wide angles capture more of the sky and allow longer exposures before stars trail. Prime lenses like 14mm f/2.8, 20mm f/1.8, or 24mm f/1.4 are popular choices among aurora photographers.

How do I focus in the dark for aurora shots?

Auto-focus struggles in darkness. Switch to manual focus and focus on a bright star or distant light. Use live view zoomed in to 10x on a star to fine-tune focus. Some lenses have an infinity mark, but it is rarely accurate—always verify with live view. Once focused, tape the focus ring in place to prevent accidental changes.

How do I create a northern lights timelapse?

Set your camera on a tripod with an intervalometer (built-in or external). Shoot one frame every 5–8 seconds with 3–5 second exposures. Aim for at least 300–500 frames for a smooth 10–20 second timelapse video. Use consistent manual settings throughout to avoid flicker. Post-process all frames identically and compile with software like LRTimelapse or Adobe Premiere.

Northern Lights Photography: Camera Settings & Tips for Iceland

Camera settings, gear recommendations, and composition techniques for capturing the aurora borealis in Iceland.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Skill Level

Beginner to Advanced

Manual mode required • Tripod essential

Photographing the northern lights is one of the most rewarding challenges in landscape photography. Iceland's dramatic foregrounds—glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and churches—combine with the aurora to create images that are uniquely Icelandic. The key is preparation: understanding your camera settings before you arrive, scouting foreground locations during daylight, and being ready to shoot the moment the aurora appears. Even beginners can capture impressive aurora images with the right settings and a sturdy tripod.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.

Sources to check

Aperture

f/2.8 or wider

Open the aperture as wide as possible to gather maximum light

Shutter Speed

3–15 seconds

Fast aurora needs shorter exposures (3–5s); slow aurora allows 10–15s

ISO

1600–6400

Start at ISO 3200 and adjust based on brightness of the display

What to Expect

Camera Settings (Start Here)

ISO 1600–3200 for full-frame, ISO 3200–6400 for crop sensors. Aperture wide open (f/1.4–f/2.8 ideal, f/4 workable). Shutter speed 8–15 seconds for sharp stars, up to 25s for faint aurora. Manual focus set to infinity — use live view zoomed on a bright star. Shoot RAW for maximum post-processing latitude.

Lens Selection

Wide-angle (14–24mm on full-frame) is standard for aurora. f/2.8 or faster strongly preferred. Good options: Samyang/Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 (~$300, affordable classic), Sigma 14mm f/1.8 Art, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8, Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 GM. Avoid kit zoom lenses — too slow at f/3.5-5.6.

Tripod in Icelandic Wind

Iceland averages 15–25 km/h winds, gusting 50+ km/h. Use a carbon-fibre tripod rated 10+ kg load. Do NOT extend the centre column. Hang your camera bag from the hook. In extreme wind, lower the tripod and shield with your body. Spiked feet or rock bag helps on ice.

Batteries in Cold

Lithium-ion batteries lose 30–50% capacity below -10°C. Carry 3+ spare batteries in your inner chest pocket (body heat). Swap batteries every 30–45 min. Sony NP-FZ100 and Canon LP-E6NH perform best in cold. Consider an external USB battery pack for mirrorless bodies.

Composition with Foreground

Iconic Iceland foregrounds: Kirkjufell mountain, Jökulsárlón icebergs, Þingvellir rift, Búðakirkja church, Vestrahorn reflections. Scout in daylight. Use a headlamp to light-paint foreground during exposure (2–3 seconds of light from 5–10 m distance). Reflections in water double the impact.

Smartphone Photography (iPhone/Pixel)

iPhone 14 Pro+ and Pixel 7+ have Night Mode that captures aurora automatically with 3–10 second exposures. Rest phone on a flat surface or mini tripod (no handheld). Results are usable for social media but lack the detail of dedicated cameras. Samsung Galaxy S23+ also performs well.

Getting There

Scout your shooting locations during daylight so you know the terrain and can compose your shots in the dark. Popular photography locations include Þingvellir (45 min from Reykjavík), Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes peninsula (2.5 hours), Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon (4.5 hours), and Stokksnes/Vestrahorn (5.5 hours). Arrive at your chosen spot before dark, set up your tripod, and pre-focus while there is still light.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, the best months are September–October and February–March. These shoulder months offer dark skies combined with more stable weather and interesting foreground conditions (autumn colors in September, snow in February). New moon periods are ideal for the darkest skies, though a crescent moon can provide subtle foreground illumination. Check the aurora forecast daily and be prepared to drive to clear skies.

Planning help

Aurora Photography FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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