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Let’s set expectations.
What is a total solar eclipse?
During an annular eclipse, the moon does not totally block the sun
A total solar eclipse is when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, completely covering the face.
The next total eclipse in the US won’t come until 2044.
This serendipity means that the Sun and the Moon appear to be the same size in the sky.
During an annular eclipse, the moon does not totally block the sun
When the two objects line up, the Moon covers the Sun almost perfectly.
During an annular eclipse, it is very dangerous to view the eclipse without proper eyewear.
This year’s total eclipse takes place when the Moon is closer to the Earth.
During an annular eclipse, the moon does not totally block the sun
NASA and the American Optometric Association still suggest leaving your glasses on, just to be safe.
The ultimate treat is when the moon covers the entire face of the sun.
This leaves the outer atmosphere of the Sun, the Corona, visible around the Moon.
The total solar eclipse is often a once-in-a lifetime event.
The eclipse itself seems to change everything.
Darkness looms, birds start behaving strangely, and it gets noticeably colder.
All of this adds up to a moment where you realize how incredible our solar system truly is.
When and where can I photograph the total solar eclipse?
It will take around one hour forty minutes to cross the continent.
If you want a more detailed look, check outNASA’s excellent Where and Whenwebsite.
You’ll want to have some scenery as well.
We have more from PhotoPills below.
First, you’ll need to verify you pack the right kit.
This will result in the sun taking up around a fifth of the height of the shot.
So, 1,200mm is possible with a 600mm lens and a 2x teleconverter.
The second is that the closer the crop, the more regularly you’ll have to reframe.
This will help you avoid damaging components and ruining sensitive electronic parts.
Solar filters are fitted like any other filter, with a screw-in thread at the end of your lens.
The first step to finding the perfect filter is to find the diameter of your lens.
The last thing you’ll want is a speck of dust ruining that once-in-a lifetime photo.
Pack your gear into your favorite camera bag, or look at ourbest camera bagsfor some ideas.
Step-by-step instructions for shooting an eclipse with your camera
1.
The app includes an incredible augmented reality function that superimposes the moon onto your camera feed.
Don’t forget to attach your solar filter as well.
People watching the solar eclipse may be more interesting than the eclipse
Turning these controls off will result in a better image.
Use aperture priority modeSwitch on your camera and confirm it is set to aperture priority mode.
In this mode, all you have to do is set the aperture and the ISO.
The iPhone timer option is shown here
Your camera will work out the ideal shutter speed for a well-exposed shot.
An aperture between f/5.6 and f/8 is ideal.
Finally, adjust your ISO so that you get a shutter speed of somewhere between 1/100s and 1/500s.
The Night mode icons on the iPhone are shown in yellow
Keep in mind that the higher the ISO, the more noise that will be introduced.
Capture the solar eclipseYou are now ready to take some photographs.
Any movement to the camera or tripod when the shutter is open could result in a blurry image.
Even the 10X zoom lens on the olderSamsungGalaxy S23 Ultra is equivalent to around 240mm zoom.
That’s very impressive for a smartphone, but not adequate for astrophotography.
Take photos of the entire scene.
Take photos of the landscape as the Sun disappears.
Even better, smartphone cameras are great for taking photos of people.
Step-by-step instructions for shooting an eclipse with your phone
1.
Better to set the timer.
Attach a solar filterNormally, your phone can balance a scene with the sun just fine.
The difference can damage your camera sensor, just like it can damage your eyes.
When the Moon is not totally blocking the Sun, you gotta use a solar filter.
The good news is that you don’t need to buy a special filter for your phone.
As long as it is covering your phone lens during the eclipse, your phone will be safe.
you’ve got the option to dial down the exposure on an iPhone.
When you focus, a yellow box appears with a small sun icon.
Hold the sun icon and drag it down to lower the exposure value (EV).
On Galaxy and other Android phones, you may need to use your camera’s Pro mode.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to mess with too many tweaks.
Just look for EV (exposure value) and lower this to a negative number.
On the iPhone, Night Mode should activate automatically when your scene gets dark.
On Galaxy phones there is a Night Mode you could manually select.
On Pixel phones, this is called Night Sight mode.
Experiment during the totality of the eclipse to take a variety of photos for the best possible results.
Tap that circle and your iPhone or Android phone will also take a photo, separate from the video.
Just remember to use a solar filter when you shoot video before and after totality occurs.
Should I buy a lens attachment for my phone?
Sadly, extra lenses won’t help your smartphone take better eclipse photos.
Your shot will be blurry.
Also, adding 2X zoom won’t be enough for great solar photography.
That’s nice, but still not close enough for a great, detailed eclipse photo.
