Capturing the Solar Eclipse Safely and Beautifully

Eclipse photography requires careful consideration to capture the celestial event safely and effectively. While experienced eclipse chasers suggest prioritizing the visual experience over capturing images, many first-timers are eager to document the event with their smartphones or cameras. During partial phases, including an annular eclipse, it is crucial to keep special-purpose solar filters on your cameras and telescopes. Only during totality is it safe to remove these filters. Filters should fit securely but not too tightly, enabling quick removal at the start of totality.

Setting Up Your Camera for the Solar Eclipse

For those focusing on scenic shots and not close-ups of the eclipse, a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera with manual control, zoom lens, and image stabilization will suffice. Using a solar filter over the lens, you can capture the eclipse’s progression, landscape scenes depicting the dimming light before totality, the 360° horizon glow during totality, and the totality itself. Ensure the filter covers the viewfinder if the camera lacks through-the-lens viewing.

The requirements for annular and total eclipses differ. An annular eclipse maintains a consistent brightness, requiring one exposure setting. In contrast, total eclipses experience drastic changes in brightness between partial phases (with filters) and totality (without filters). Additionally, the solar corona’s brightness varies significantly with distance from the Sun, necessitating various exposures for totality. During the transitions between partial phases and totality, you should avoid changing ISO, aperture, and exposure times; instead, maintain one ISO and f-stop while adjusting only the shutter speed.

In preparation for an annular eclipse, set your camera to manual mode, ISO 100 or 200, and aperture f/8. Attach a solar filter and take multiple short exposures of the Sun, typically ranging from 1/500 to 1/4000 seconds. Compare these results with auto mode shots to determine the best settings.

To start exposures during an eclipse, set the ISO to 400, use f/8 or f/11, and select Bulb mode. Place the Moon’s image in one camera corner, ensuring it moves across the field of view. Disable autofocus and focus manually on infinity, while enabling Long Exposure Noise Reduction. Ensure a charged battery and empty memory card, use a cable release to lock the shutter open, and enjoy the eclipse.