How to Image the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) from South Australia: Including Smartphone Photography

August 2024 Solar Storm, Adelaide Hills South Australia

Photographing the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, is an exhilarating and rewarding experience. Over my 20 years of experience, I’ve seen many Aurora’s. However, the most memorable are the ones that I’ve been able to share with someone else.
For those living in South Australia, while we’re not at southern latitudes like Tasmania or New Zealand, we can still see a fantastic display of Auroras. Waiting for auroras can be unpredictable—you may know there’s a solar storm on the way, but not how strong or exactly where it will hit—if you're ready with the right equipment, you could capture one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. Being out there under the night sky is the first step. Whether you have a professional camera or a smartphone, there are ways to photograph the Southern Lights and preserve the memory of this celestial event.

Here’s how to capture the Aurora Australis, whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a smartphone.

1. Understanding the Unpredictability of Auroras

Auroras are caused by solar winds interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, producing stunning displays of light in the sky. Despite advancements in forecasting solar activity, auroras remain highly unpredictable. Even if a solar storm is predicted, there’s no guarantee of the intensity or visibility of the aurora, especially in South Australia. Often, you’ll have to wait and hope for clear skies and favourable conditions.

If you’re keen on photographing the Southern Lights, patience and flexibility are key. Sometimes, auroral activity only lasts a few minutes, while other times, the display could last for hours. You may have to return to the same location over several nights to get that perfect shot.

2. Choosing the Right Camera Equipment

For more experienced photographers with dedicated gear, a DSLR or mirrorless camera offers the best chance of capturing the vibrant colours and patterns of the aurora. But don’t worry—smartphone photography is also a viable option, especially with the advancements in camera technology.

DSLR or Mirrorless Setup

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is essential for night photography.

• Lens: A wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm) with a fast aperture (f/1.8 to f/2.8) will capture both the aurora and the surrounding landscape.

• Tripod: A stable tripod is crucial for keeping your camera steady during long exposures.

• Remote Shutter or Intervalometer: To minimise camera shake, use a remote shutter or an intervalometer for timed shots.

Smartphone Setup

Modern smartphones have increasingly powerful cameras that can take impressive night shots, including auroras. While a smartphone might not capture the level of detail that a DSLR or mirrorless camera can, you can still get great results with the right techniques.

• Smartphone Model: Phones with advanced night mode capabilities (such as the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy models) are best for aurora photography.

• Tripod: Just like with traditional cameras, a tripod will keep your smartphone steady during longer exposures. If you don’t have a tripod, rest your phone on a fence post or something else stable.

• Shutter Release: If possible, use a Bluetooth remote or your phone’s self-timer to avoid shaking the camera when pressing the shutter button.
  
  
  
  

The Great May Aurora of 2024, Second Valley, South Australia

3. Camera Settings for Aurora Photography

The right settings will depend on the aurora’s intensity, but here’s a good starting point for both DSLR and smartphone users. Think of an Aurora like a storm, it’s always moving. So you will need to adjust your settings to the Aurora. Big storms will see faster movement than those just appearing over the horizon.

DSLR or Mirrorless Settings

• ISO: Set your ISO between 1600 and 3200 to capture enough light without introducing too much noise.

• Aperture: Use a wide aperture (f/1.8 to f/2.8) to let in as much light as possible.

• Shutter Speed: Depending on the aurora’s movement, set your shutter speed between 5 and 15 seconds. If the aurora is fast-moving, opt for a shorter exposure to avoid blurring, from 1-4 seconds.

• Focus: Switch to manual focus and focus on a distant star. Make sure the stars appear sharp and clear.

Smartphone Settings

• Night Mode: If your smartphone has a dedicated night mode, use it. It will automatically adjust exposure time and ISO for low-light conditions.

• ISO and Shutter Speed: If your phone allows manual adjustments, set the ISO between 800 and 1600 and the shutter speed between 3,10 and even 30 seconds, depending on the aurora’s brightness.

• Focus: Many smartphones allow you to manually tap to focus on a bright star or the horizon. Try to lock focus on infinity for clearer shots.

Aurora storm over Port Hughes, South Australia

4. Framing Your Shot

Whether you’re using a professional camera or a smartphone, framing is key. Auroras from South Australia tend to appear low on the southern horizon, so choose a location with an unobstructed view of the sky. Coastal locations such as the Fleurieu Peninsula, or other dark-sky locations away from city lights provide the best views. See my SA Road Map for list of dark sky locations in SA>

Consider adding elements of the landscape into your shot to give scale and context to the aurora. Including a silhouetted tree, hill, or body of water can create a more dramatic composition. Reflections of the aurora on water can be particularly stunning.

5. Smartphone Photography Tips

Although smartphone cameras have improved significantly, photographing the aurora with a phone still presents challenges. Here are a few tips to get the best results:

• Use a Tripod: Even a slight movement can ruin your shot. A smartphone tripod will help you keep the camera steady during long exposures.

• Manual Mode: If your smartphone has a manual or “pro” mode, use it to set a longer exposure time and higher ISO for capturing the faint light of the aurora.

• Use Night Mode: If manual mode isn’t an option, your phone’s night mode can be very effective at automatically adjusting settings for low-light conditions.

• Edit Later: Smartphone images often need a bit more post-processing. Use apps like Lightroom or Snapseed to adjust the exposure, contrast, and sharpness to bring out more detail in the aurora.

The Great May Aurora, Second Valley, South Australia

6. Post-Processing for All Devices

Once you’ve captured your shots, post-processing will help enhance the colours and details. Here’s what to focus on:

• Noise Reduction: High ISO settings can create noise. Use noise reduction in post-processing software to smooth out graininess.

• Adjust Exposure and Contrast: Adjusting the exposure will help bring out the aurora’s colours. Increasing contrast can make the aurora stand out against the night sky.

• Highlight the Colours: Boost the saturation or vibrancy to make the greens, purples, and reds of the aurora more vivid.

7. Patience is Key

Remember, auroras are unpredictable. You might spend hours waiting without seeing much, or you could witness a breathtaking display that lasts minutes or hours. Keep an eye on Aurora forecasts, but know that even with promising predictions, conditions can change rapidly. Be patient and enjoy the process of waiting under the stars—sometimes the anticipation makes the experience even more special when the lights do appear.

Final Thoughts

Photographing the Southern Lights from South Australia is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re using a professional DSLR or just your smartphone. With the right gear, settings, and a little patience, you can capture the magic of the aurora and create stunning images that reflect the beauty of the night sky.

No matter how advanced your equipment is, the most important part is simply being there, watching as the Southern Lights dance across the sky.

The ultimate Aurora Storm, Second Valley, South Australia