Capturing the Aurora: A Samsung S20 Guide to Northern Lights Photography

So, you want to capture the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights with your Samsung S20? Excellent choice! While a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless camera reigns supreme in low-light photography, your trusty S20 can definitely snag some impressive shots with the right techniques. Here’s the direct answer, followed by a deep dive into maximizing your aurora-chasing potential:

How to take pictures of the northern lights with a Samsung S20?

1. Location is Key: Find a location as far away from city lights as possible. Light pollution is the enemy!
2. Gear Up (Tripod Required!): You absolutely need a stable tripod. Long exposures are essential, and even the steadiest hands can’t compete with a tripod.
3. Manual Mode Mastery: Ditch the auto settings. Switch to Pro Mode (sometimes labelled Manual or Expert) in your camera app.
4. ISO Sensitivity (Start Low): Begin with a low ISO (e.g., 400 or 800) to minimize noise. Increase it only if necessary.
5. Aperture Priority (Go Wide): Set your aperture to the widest setting (the lowest f-number, like f/1.8 or f/2.0). This allows the most light to enter the lens.
6. Shutter Speed (Experiment): This is the trickiest part. Start with a shutter speed of 5 seconds. Adjust it based on the aurora’s brightness and movement. Brighter, faster auroras require shorter shutter speeds (e.g., 1-3 seconds). Fainter, slower auroras need longer exposures (e.g., 10-30 seconds).
7. Focus (Infinity is Your Friend): Manually focus to infinity. This ensures that distant objects, including the aurora, are sharp. Some phones have an infinity focus setting directly, others you’ll achieve by moving the focus slider all the way to one side. Use a bright star to help you.
8. White Balance (Play it Cool): Start with the “Fluorescent” or “Cloudy” white balance preset, or experiment with custom settings to achieve the desired color.
9. RAW Power: Shoot in RAW format. This captures more image data, giving you greater flexibility when editing.
10. Stay Warm and Patient: Aurora hunting requires patience! Dress warmly and be prepared to spend time experimenting with different settings.
11. Composition Matters: Don’t forget about the foreground! Find interesting elements like trees, mountains, or bodies of water to add depth and context to your photos.

Essential Gear and Settings for Aurora Photography

Understanding Your Samsung S20’s Camera

The Samsung S20 boasts impressive camera capabilities, including a capable low-light sensor and a Pro Mode that gives you manual control over key settings. Familiarize yourself with these features before heading out to capture the aurora. Understanding how ISO, aperture, and shutter speed interact is crucial. Low light photography requires practice, but the S20 does have a good sensor for nighttime photography.

The Tripod: Your Unwavering Ally

A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable for northern lights photography. Long exposures mean even the slightest movement can result in blurry images. Choose a tripod that can withstand wind and uneven terrain.

Mastering Manual Mode: The Path to Aurora Glory

The Pro Mode on your Samsung S20 is your gateway to aurora photography. Learn how to adjust each setting independently.

• ISO: Controls the sensor’s sensitivity to light. Lower ISOs produce less noise but require longer exposures. Higher ISOs are more sensitive but can introduce noise.
• Aperture: Controls the amount of light entering the lens. A wider aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light, allowing for faster shutter speeds.
• Shutter Speed: Controls the duration the sensor is exposed to light. Longer shutter speeds capture more light but can also result in motion blur.
• Focus: Manual focus to infinity ensures distant objects are sharp.
• White Balance: Adjusts the color temperature of the image.
• RAW Format: Captures more image data for greater editing flexibility.

Post-Processing: Unleashing the Aurora’s Potential

Shooting in RAW gives you incredible flexibility during post-processing. Use apps like Adobe Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO to enhance your aurora photos. Adjust the exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, white balance, and color saturation to bring out the best in your images. Noise reduction is often necessary, especially at higher ISOs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aurora Photography with a Samsung S20

1. What is the best camera app for taking pictures of the northern lights on my S20?

While the stock Samsung camera app has a capable Pro Mode, consider exploring third-party apps like “ProCam X” or “Camera FV-5”. These apps often offer more granular control and features tailored for low-light photography. However, the default app works very well.

2. How do I focus to infinity on my Samsung S20?

In Pro Mode, switch to manual focus. Look for a scale typically represented with an icon resembling mountains or a landscape. Adjust the slider until the indicator reaches or approaches the infinity symbol (∞). A bright star will also help you to focus.

3. What ISO setting should I use for northern lights photography?

Start with ISO 400 or 800. If your images are too dark, increase the ISO in increments (e.g., 1600, 3200). Be mindful of noise at higher ISOs. Always try to keep the ISO as low as possible.

4. How long of an exposure should I use for northern lights photography?

The optimal shutter speed depends on the aurora’s brightness and speed. Start with 5 seconds and adjust as needed. Faster, brighter auroras may only require 1-3 seconds, while fainter, slower displays may need 10-30 seconds. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best.

5. What aperture should I use for northern lights photography?

Use the widest aperture your lens allows (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.0). This lets in the maximum amount of light, allowing for faster shutter speeds and lower ISOs.

6. Why are my northern lights photos blurry?

Blurriness is usually caused by camera shake or incorrect focus. Ensure your phone is securely mounted on a tripod. Double-check your focus by zooming in on a bright star in live view. Using a remote shutter release or the phone’s self-timer can also minimize shake.

7. What is the best white balance setting for northern lights photography?

Start with the “Fluorescent” or “Cloudy” white balance preset. You can also experiment with custom white balance settings in post-processing to achieve the desired color.

8. How do I reduce noise in my northern lights photos?

Shoot in RAW format and use noise reduction tools in post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed. Lowering the ISO when taking the photo will also reduce noise.

9. What is the best time of year to see the northern lights?

The best time to see the aurora is during the winter months (September to April) when the nights are long and dark.

10. What kind of foreground should I include in my northern lights photos?

Look for interesting elements like trees, mountains, lakes, or cabins to add depth and context to your aurora photos. A strong foreground element can greatly enhance the composition.

11. How do I protect my phone from the cold while taking pictures of the northern lights?

Cold weather can drain your phone’s battery quickly. Keep your phone warm by storing it in an inside pocket close to your body. Consider using a hand warmer to keep your phone warm while shooting.

12. Can I take a time-lapse of the northern lights with my Samsung S20?

Yes, you can. The S20’s built-in time-lapse feature or dedicated time-lapse apps allow you to capture the aurora’s movement over time. Experiment with different intervals to achieve the desired effect. Use a fully charged battery or external power source, as time-lapses can consume a lot of energy.

By following these tips and experimenting with different settings, you can capture stunning photos of the northern lights with your Samsung S20. Remember to be patient, dress warmly, and enjoy the magical experience!