photography tips

Aurora Captured: How to Photograph and Print the Northern Lights with Your Smartphone

Northern Lights Photos Printed on HD Metal

Last night, Canadians were treated to an awe-inspiring display of the northern lights. As those mesmerizing green, purple, and red lights danced across the sky, many of you reached for your phones to capture the moment. At Posterjack, we've seen a surge in customers eager to print these breathtaking images, and we’re excited to help you bring those memories to life. Whether you choose our HD Metal Prints, Acrylic Prints, or Acrylic Blocks, or explore any of our other amazing products, we offer the perfect way to display your northern lights photos.

Here’s why these photos look so incredible on high-gloss materials and some tips for making sure you’re prepared to capture the aurora next time—using just your smartphone.


Why Print Your Northern Lights Photos with Posterjack?

The northern lights are a vivid and dramatic subject, and we’ve found that certain products, like our HD Metal Prints and Acrylic Prints, really enhance their beauty. The glossy surfaces of these materials make the vibrant colours of the aurora pop, while giving your print a sleek, modern finish. Our Acrylic Blocks are perfect if you’re looking for a freestanding option that adds depth and allows the colours to shine from every angle.

But these aren’t your only options! We offer a variety of high-quality print products that can transform your northern lights photos into stunning home decor. From Canvas Prints to Framed Prints, there’s something to suit every style and space.

Now, let’s get into how you can make sure your next northern lights photo is print-worthy, even if you’re only using your smartphone.

5 Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights with Your Smartphone

Man looking at his smartphone at night outdoors

You don’t need to be a professional photographer or have a DSLR to capture incredible photos of the northern lights. Your smartphone has all the tools you need, and with the following tips, you’ll be ready to take amazing photos of the aurora the next time it graces the night sky.

1. Use a Stable Surface or Tripod

To capture the best possible photo of the northern lights, stability is key. A tripod is ideal, but if you don’t have one, improvise by setting your phone on a steady surface like a car roof or a fence. This will reduce blurriness from shaky hands during longer exposures.

2. Switch to Night Mode

Most modern smartphones have a Night Mode that’s perfect for low-light conditions like the northern lights. Night Mode adjusts your phone’s settings to capture more light, helping you photograph the aurora in greater detail and clarity.

3. Find a Dark Sky Location

Light pollution from cities can wash out the northern lights and make it harder to get a great shot. To increase your chances of capturing vivid, detailed images, try heading to a location with little to no artificial light. Rural areas or even just spots away from city lights will help you get clearer photos.

4. Use a Long Exposure App

To take your northern lights photography to the next level, consider downloading a long exposure app. These apps allow you to manually control the exposure time, giving your phone more time to gather light and capture the aurora in all its vibrant glory.

5. Keep Your Phone Warm

Cold weather can quickly drain your phone’s battery, especially when you’re out for a while trying to capture the perfect shot. Keep your phone warm by tucking it into an inside pocket or close to your body when not in use, and consider bringing a portable charger to ensure you don’t miss the moment.

Why Your Phone Camera Sees the Aurora Better Than You Do

Person looking at the northern lights through their smartphone screen

One of the amazing things about using your smartphone to capture the northern lights is that its camera can actually pick up more than your eyes can see. Smartphone cameras are designed to let in more light, so even when the aurora looks faint or less vibrant to your eyes, your phone can enhance and capture the subtle colours and movements that are sometimes invisible in person.

Turn Your Northern Lights Photos into Stunning Prints

Once you’ve captured that magical shot, it’s time to turn your digital photo into something tangible. At Posterjack, we offer a variety of print products to help you showcase your northern lights images. HD Metal Prints and Acrylic Prints are some of our most popular choices because their high-gloss finishes make the colours of the aurora shine, but you can also opt for Canvas Prints, Framed Prints, or even Gallery Boxes to suit your personal style.

Our goal is to make your photos look as stunning in print as they do on your screen, ensuring they’ll become a centrepiece in your home for years to come.

Ready to Print? Let Posterjack Help!

Whether you’re printing your northern lights photos on HD Metal, Acrylic, or another of our premium products, we’re here to help you preserve these magical memories in the highest quality. Explore all your options and start creating your custom prints today!

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