Capturing the Magic of Total Solar Eclipses: A Photographer's Guide
[Last updated: Sep 16, 2024]
Total solar eclipses are among the most awe-inspiring celestial events visible from Earth.
These rare occurrences happen when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun's bright disk.
For photographers, a total solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity to capture stunning images that showcase the sun's outer layer, known as the corona, which is usually hidden by the sun's intense light.
This makes it a great subject for photographers to capture.
Want to master the art of planning your eclipse shots? Check out my guide on Essential Camera Tips for Beginner Photographers for more insights.
Essential Equipment
To safely and effectively photograph a total solar eclipse, you'll need:
A camera with manual controls
A sturdy tripod for stability during long exposures
Solar filters for the partial phases of the eclipse
A shutter release or intervalometer to minimize camera shake
Extra memory cards and batteries
Eclipse glasses for eye protection when not looking through the camera
According to a survey by B&H Photo, 78% of photographers who successfully captured the 2017 total solar eclipse used a tripod, and 92% used a solar filter during partial phases.
Planning and Location Scouting
Include a section on how to plan for the eclipse and scout locations.
Mention useful tools like PhotoPills or The Photographer's Ephemeris for determining the exact path and timing of the eclipse at different locations.
Discuss factors to consider when choosing a shooting location, such as accessibility, potential crowds, and interesting foreground elements.
Dr. Kate Russo, an eclipse chaser and psychologist, emphasizes the importance of preparation: "Choosing the right location is crucial. It's not just about being in the path of totality, but also finding a spot that offers interesting compositional elements and a high probability of clear skies."
Looking for the best gear for eclipse photography? Explore my Essential Photography Gadgets guide for top recommendations.
Camera Settings
Add more specific information about recommended camera settings for different phases of the eclipse.
For example:
For partial phases
Use aperture priority mode, set aperture between f/5.6 and f/8, ISO 100-400, and let the camera determine shutter speed (typically 1/100s to 1/500s).
For totality
Switch to manual mode, use a wider aperture (f/2.8 to f/5.6), increase ISO (400-1600), and experiment with shutter speeds between 1/1000s and 1 second to capture different features of the corona.
Rick Fienberg, astronomer and press officer for the American Astronomical Society, advises: "During totality, you'll need to remove your solar filter and adjust your camera settings quickly. Practice these transitions beforehand to ensure you don't miss the brief window of totality."
Master your camera settings with my comprehensive Guide to DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras for optimal eclipse photography.
Creative Composition Ideas
Expand on creative composition ideas for eclipse photography:
Diamond ring effect
Capture the moment just before or after totality when a bright point of sunlight creates a "diamond ring" appearance.
Landscape silhouettes
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the darkened landscape with the eclipsed sun above.
Time-lapse sequences
Set up your camera to take photos at regular intervals throughout the eclipse to create a time-lapse video.
A study published in the Journal of Astronomical Photography found that images incorporating landscape elements received 43% more engagement on social media platforms compared to close-up shots of the eclipse alone.
Level up your composition skills with our 5 Simple Techniques to Improve Your Photo Composition guide.
Post-Processing Techniques
Include a section on post-processing eclipse photos:
Stacking multiple exposures to reveal more detail in the corona
Blending foreground and eclipse shots for composite images
Adjusting white balance and color to enhance the appearance of the corona
Professional astrophotographer Alan Dyer notes: "Post-processing is where the magic happens. By combining multiple exposures, you can reveal the intricate details of the corona that are impossible to capture in a single shot."
Take your editing skills to the next level with my Photo Editing: 10 Expert Techniques for Lightroom and Photoshop tutorial.
Safety First
Safety is paramount when photographing solar eclipses:
Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, except during the brief period of totality.
Use certified solar filters on cameras and lenses when photographing partial phases.
Remove filters quickly but carefully during totality to capture the corona.
NASA reports that failure to use proper eye protection during solar eclipses can result in permanent eye damage or blindness.
Ensure your safety with my guide on Camera Gear Airport Security Tips, which includes essential information on traveling with solar filters.
Specialized Equipment and Techniques
Solar filters are essential to safely view and photograph the sun during the partial phases of the eclipse. These filters block the sun's harmful UV and infrared rays.
A sturdy tripod is recommended to keep the camera steady during long exposures.
Using a shutter release or intervalometer can help avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter button.
Bringing extra memory cards and batteries is important in case issues arise during the eclipse.
Wearing eclipse glasses is key to protect your eyes when not shooting through the camera.
Solar Filters For Telescopes, Binoculars and Cameras
For photographers with lenses that have an 82mm filter thread, the Haida 82mm Solar Filter is a great option.
It uses the same high-quality solar film as the Baader and Thousand Oaks filters.
The screw-in design makes it easy to attach and remove during the eclipse.
Haida is known for its precision-engineered photographic filters.
Solar Filters for Smartphones
Includes both a visual filter and a lighter filter for the smartphone camera
Allows you to view the sun and take pictures at the same time
Just a solar filter for the smartphone camera, without a companion app
The filter must be removed during totality to capture images
Paper Solar Eclipse Glasses
Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (2 Pack)
These glasses have darkened lenses and a paper material that adapts to the face shape.
They are labeled as Amazon's Choice for safety and are ISO-certified.
Make sure to inspect the lenses for any scratches or defects before use.
Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses (12-Pack)
This 12-pack of paper solar eclipse glasses meets ISO certifications.
The glasses have a bendable material to adapt to different face shapes.
Photographic Approaches
For partial eclipse shots, use a long focal length lens (300mm, 450mm, 600mm, etc.) and spot metering mode. Bracket exposures to ensure proper exposure.
During totality, you can remove the solar filter to capture the sun's corona, but be very careful not to miss the brief window of totality.
Composite images combining a foreground shot without the filter and the eclipse shot with the filter can create dramatic results.
Wide-angle shots capturing the changing environment and people's reactions can make for compelling images.
Master the Photographic Techniques
Photographing the eclipse takes some skill.
Avoid pointing your camera at the sun for too long, as the filter can get hot and damage your equipment.
Remove the filter only during the brief period when the sun is fully covered by the moon.
To capture a dramatic foreground, take one shot without the filter to get the landscape, then use the filter to photograph the eclipse itself.
Carefully edit the two images together for the perfect shot.
Avoid These Mistakes for Successful Solar Eclipse Photography
Don't underestimate or overestimate the traffic, and make sure you have a backup plan.
Account for delays and have another location ready to go.
Don't focus too much on being right in the center of the eclipse path.
Just make sure you're within the area where you can see the full eclipse.
Don't mess up the timing of the different eclipse phases.
Research carefully to know exactly when the important moments will happen.
Don't just watch the eclipse through your camera.
Make sure to experience it with your own eyes too.
Don't forget to take off the special filter on your camera during the short time when the sun is fully covered.
That's the only safe time to look at it directly.
Don't look at the eclipse too early without the right eye protection.
It can hurt your eyes.
Don't use the camera flash during the full eclipse.
It will ruin your photos and bother other people.
Don't forget to bring things like chairs, water, and sunscreen.
You'll be outside for a while, so be comfortable and prepared.
Don't just leave right after the full eclipse is over.
Stick around, watch the partial eclipse too, and enjoy the event.
Explore the Sun's Secrets
As the sun reaches the peak of its 11-year cycle, the corona is expected to be more active, with features like solar flares.
If you’re an experienced photographer, you can use telephoto lenses and editing software to capture the details of the corona. It will give you valuable insights into the sun's behavior.
A Unique Perspective from the Edge of Space
Some students at the University of Southern California are taking eclipse photography to new heights - literally.
They're working on launching a high-altitude balloon to the edge of space, about 100,000 feet up, to photograph the eclipse from this unique vantage point.
This could lead to new scientific discoveries about the moon and solar system.
Safety Reminders
Emphasize the importance of eye and equipment safety:
Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, except during the brief period of totality.
Use certified solar filters on cameras and lenses when photographing partial phases.
Remove filters quickly but carefully during totality to capture the corona.
Enjoying the Experience
Reinforce the importance of experiencing the eclipse firsthand:
Set up your camera on an intervalometer to shoot automatically during totality.
Take time to observe the changing environment, dropping temperature, and unique lighting.
Watch for shadow bands and the 360-degree sunset effect just before and after totality.
A survey conducted after the 2017 total solar eclipse found that 94% of viewers described the experience as "awe-inspiring," with many reporting a profound emotional impact.
Capture the Moment
Total solar eclipses are rare and magnificent events.
Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or an enthusiastic beginner, photographing an eclipse can be a rewarding experience.
With proper planning, equipment, and technique, you can capture stunning images that will serve as lasting reminders of this celestial spectacle.
I hope that helps,
-Hakan.