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Solar eclipses are relatively common, but total solar eclipses only take place an average of two times every three years, which is why you should be figuring out how to take photos of the April 2024 total solar eclipse right now.
The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, for large swaths of North America including Mexico, the United States and Canada. The next one after that won’t occur in North America until Aug. 23, 2044.
If you already know how rare and special the 2024 total solar eclipse really is, or if you’re just now finding out, you may be wondering how you can capture the momentous occasion without harming your vision. We reached out to experts and photographers to find strategies that can help you take an exceptional photo of the solar eclipse while protecting your precious eyesight. Here’s what they said.
First off, you’ll want to make sure you purchase solar eclipse glasses that are ISO-certified. Glasses with this certification must meet specific safety standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which ensures you can focus your energy on capturing images without damaging your eyesight.
Assuming you plan to capture the total solar eclipse with your smartphone, Indiana University professor of astronomy Caty Pilachowski recommends downloading the Totality app. This app is free for iPhone and Android, and it gives the precise time for the eclipse at any location so you can know when to be ready.
Pilachowski says other equipment that can be helpful includes a tripod to mount the camera and a remote shutter control. Lowthian-Hanna also adds that, just like your eyes, your camera can be damaged if you point it directly at the sun. To prevent this, use a solar filter to protect your equipment when viewing and setting up your shot through the viewfinder. However, you should know that the solar filter can be removed from the camera during totality. This is when the moon is completely eclipsing the sun, so the camera cannot be harmed by the sun’s harmful rays.
Lowthian-Hanna also points out that it will be completely dark during totality, and you won’t want to be fumbling around and wasting time trying to find the dials and buttons on the camera. To avoid this, some early preparation can help. “Practice using your equipment with your eclipse glasses on and know exactly where all the settings are on the camera and how to control them,” she says.
Whether you’re using a fancy DSLR or your smartphone, here are some useful products to help you capture that perfect shot.
The next total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, for large swaths of North America including Mexico, the United States and Canada. The next one after that won’t occur in North America until Aug. 23, 2044.
If you already know how rare and special the 2024 total solar eclipse really is, or if you’re just now finding out, you may be wondering how you can capture the momentous occasion without harming your vision. We reached out to experts and photographers to find strategies that can help you take an exceptional photo of the solar eclipse while protecting your precious eyesight. Here’s what they said.
How to take photos of the solar eclipse
Sara Lowthian-Hanna, who serves as lead contract photographer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, points out that preparation and practice are necessary to photograph a total eclipse. Part of that involves making sure you have the right equipment to protect your camera and your eyes.First off, you’ll want to make sure you purchase solar eclipse glasses that are ISO-certified. Glasses with this certification must meet specific safety standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which ensures you can focus your energy on capturing images without damaging your eyesight.
Assuming you plan to capture the total solar eclipse with your smartphone, Indiana University professor of astronomy Caty Pilachowski recommends downloading the Totality app. This app is free for iPhone and Android, and it gives the precise time for the eclipse at any location so you can know when to be ready.
Pilachowski says other equipment that can be helpful includes a tripod to mount the camera and a remote shutter control. Lowthian-Hanna also adds that, just like your eyes, your camera can be damaged if you point it directly at the sun. To prevent this, use a solar filter to protect your equipment when viewing and setting up your shot through the viewfinder. However, you should know that the solar filter can be removed from the camera during totality. This is when the moon is completely eclipsing the sun, so the camera cannot be harmed by the sun’s harmful rays.
Lowthian-Hanna also points out that it will be completely dark during totality, and you won’t want to be fumbling around and wasting time trying to find the dials and buttons on the camera. To avoid this, some early preparation can help. “Practice using your equipment with your eclipse glasses on and know exactly where all the settings are on the camera and how to control them,” she says.
Whether you’re using a fancy DSLR or your smartphone, here are some useful products to help you capture that perfect shot.