How to Take Pictures of a Solar Eclipse

Plan Your Pictures

Whether you have a smartphone or a more complex camera, planning is the key to a successful shot.

• Find the next solar eclipse. If you use a compass to angle your camera, make sure to take into account magnetic declination.
• Scout your location a few days ahead. Meet up early to avoid crowds and position yourself.
• Check the weather! Dense clouds can cover a solar eclipse, but scattered clouds can add interest to your image.

Can I Use My Phone Camera?

You cannot expect to take spectacular pictures of a solar eclipse using only your cell phone because smartphones and small compact cameras have a wide and small lens and a small sensor.

But, there are ways to capture the eclipse by playing to the strengths of your mobile phone.

• Find interesting scenery. Solar eclipses change both the light and shapes of the shadows. Compose your image by including trees, buildings, and reflections.
• Turn around. Sometimes the best picture is behind you.
• Project the Sun. Make a pinhole projector, and take pictures of the projection.
• Turn off your flash. Flash will disturb the natural light.
• Not happy with the result? Play around, and try again.

DSLR Cameras and Extra Equipment

A good digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera gives more control over the image components, but it also requires more equipment and skill.

• Eclipse filter. A special filter made for solar viewing must be used when photographing the Sun. Not using a filter can damage your camera.
• Focus carefully. Focus on the Sun’s edge, and readjust your focus during the eclipse. Practice on the Moon or a bright star the night before.
• Big lens. Use a focal length of at least 400mm or more.
• Stabilize. Put your camera on a tripod or anywhere stable like a fence or the ground. Use your timer or a shutter with a cord to minimize movement in the camera.
• Protect your eyes. Use the preview screen to view your composition.
• Give your camera breaks. The internal components can overheat and get damaged.
• Switch to manual. Manual gives more control of exposure. Bracket your exposures by shooting at various shutter speeds.
• High resolution. To capture as much information and detail as you can, set your camera to the highest resolution (jpeg) or take uncompressed images (tiff or raw).
• Keep shooting. Play around with the shutter speed for different exposures.
• Edit your images. You can crop, add contrast, tweak colors, layer, and so much more, by processing your images in Photoshop, Lightroom, or even free photo processing software online.

Topics: Astronomy, Sun