Capturing the Cosmos: The Technical Know-How for Photographing the Solar Eclipse

Photographing a solar eclipse is a rare and thrilling endeavor that requires careful planning and technical know-how. First and foremost, safety is paramount. Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, even when partially blocked, as it can cause severe eye damage. Similarly, when photographing the eclipse, use a solar filter to protect your camera's sensor from the sun's intense light.

Solar Eclipse 2024

We used a Tiffen 18-Stop ND filter that worked flawlessly. Although there are tons of cheap options when it comes to filters, like most pieces of gear in the camera industry, you get what you pay for. A cheap option may protect your camera's sensor, but the quality of the image may be severely affected. These filters are essential for capturing crisp and detailed images without risking damage to your equipment, and when it comes to capturing an eclipse, something that rarely happens, why risk missing it over a few bucks? Spend the extra money and get high-quality equipment for this - you'll have it forever.

Once safety measures are in place, attention turns to the technical aspects of photography. A sturdy tripod is indispensable for keeping your camera stable during the long exposure times sometimes required to capture the eclipse in its full beauty. Additionally, using a telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 200mm allows you to zoom in and capture the intricate details of the sun's corona during totality. We used a 70 - 200 GM ii that worked perfectly. However, in the future, we'd recommend using two camera bodies. One with a 70-200 and one with a 200 - 400+. The sun's positioning is constantly changing and covers a lot of ground (er...sky). So, having one camera zoomed out as needed to get that stacked, timelapse look while the other gets closeups would be perfect.

Experimenting with different exposure settings is key to achieving the perfect shot, as the brightness of the sun can vary throughout the eclipse.

Lastly, timing is crucial. Research the exact timing and path of the eclipse in your location to ensure you're prepared to capture every phase, from the initial partial eclipse to the breathtaking moments of totality. Quickly remove your ND filter and re-adjust your settings during totality, then place it back on when you see the sun peek back out. Also, consider using a remote shutter release or timer to minimize camera shake and maximize the sharpness of your images.

With careful planning, attention to detail, and a dash of creativity, photographing a solar eclipse can result in stunning and unforgettable imagery showcasing the natural world's beauty and wonder. Importantly, you don't have a lot of time to spare when photographing the event - it goes fast - but remember: it's important to live in the moment. Take a step back from your camera and live the event as well.