Monday’s total solar eclipse may be one of the most filmed and photographed events of the year.
When the moon passes in front of the sun, plunging part of North America into several minutes of darkness, crowds will take photos or videos of the moment. But strong sunlight and large changes in lighting create unique challenges in capturing that perfect image.
Here are some tips on how to get the best shot:
How can I find the best place to catch the eclipse?
First, get into the correct position. You’ll want to be as close as possible to the path of totality, which runs along the Pacific coast of Mexico and ends in eastern Canada. 15 states of the USA will be able to see the entire eclipse.
There are online maps to check if you are anywhere near the road. NASA’s map shows how many minutes of total eclipse you’ll see if you’re in the path, and how many partial eclipses you’ll see if you’re outside, depending on location.
Eclipse expert Xavier Jubier’s website puts the path of the eclipse on Google Maps for viewers in Mexico and Canada, allowing zooming in on street-level details.
What can I use to plan a good shot?
With so many factors involved, such as cloud cover and the position of the sun in the sky, planning is key to getting the best image.
There are a number of smartphone apps for Eclipse followers. The American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of useful ones for both iOS and Android devices, including its own Totality app that shows your location on a map of the totality path.
Solar Eclipse Timer uses your phone’s GPS to provide an audible countdown to the moment of totality and highlight key moments. The maker of the app recommends using a separate phone to take photos.
Eclipse Calculator 2 for Android devices uses the phone’s camera to show what the event would look like in the sky from your position, using lines overlaid on top of the camera image. For iPhone users, apps like Sky Guide and SkySafari have eclipse simulators. There are other iOS apps that use augmented reality to simulate the eclipse, but they are more expensive and not yet on the community’s list.
How can I take a great photo of an eclipse?
Digital SLR cameras will produce the best photos. Manual exposure controls and the ability to add accessories like zoom lenses and remote shutter buttons let you take great photos.
Associated Press chief photographer Julio Cortez recommends using a smaller aperture (f11 or f17) to keep focus “a little bit sharper.” When shooting the total solar eclipse in 2017, he used an ISO setting of 1250 and a shutter speed of 1/500.
The rest of us have smartphones.
NASA published detailed guidelines for eclipse photography with smartphones in 2017, warning: “Smartphones were never designed for sun and moon photography.” This is because wide-angle lenses on most devices do not allow you to capture close-up details. But new phones released since then come with improved sensors, multiple lenses, and image stabilization software that give it a better chance.
Some experts recommend HDR, or High Dynamic Range mode, which takes a series of photos at different light levels and then combines them into a single shot; This is ideal for combining very dark and very bright areas of the eclipse.
But don’t use flash. You can ruin the moment by disrupting the vision of those around you whose eyes are accustomed to the dark.
What will I need for sun protection?
The American Astronomical Society recommends using a solar filter to protect cameras against intense sunlight and heat.
You can buy a filter that screws onto DSLR lenses, but it will take time to remove once the integrity has formed. Cortez created his own creation with cardboard, color film and quickly disassembled fasteners.
For smartphones, you can use a spare pair of eclipse glasses and keep them over the lens, or purchase a smartphone filter. There is no international standard, but the association’s website has a list of models considered safe. Make sure macro mode is not turned on.
If you plan to shoot for a long time, use a tripod. To align his camera after mounting it on a tripod, Cortez uses a sun finder, which helps you locate the sun without damaging your eyes or equipment.
Cortez also recommends bringing a white towel to cover your equipment after setup to prevent it from overheating while you wait for the big moment.
Can I take a selfie with the eclipse?
It’s tempting to make a TikTok or Instagram-friendly eclipse video. Maybe you want to take a selfie video telling a story to the camera while the cosmic ballet between the sun and the moon plays out over your shoulder.
Be careful: You might think your vision isn’t at risk because you’re not looking at the sun, but eye experts have warned that your phone’s screen could reflect harmful ultraviolet light.
If you use a sun filter on the selfie camera, the photo will darken and you will not be visible.
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