Essential Photography Tips To Capture Total Eclipse with Your Phone

Professional astrophotography equipment not required! A total solar eclipse will grace North America on Monday, sparking nationwide excitement. From celebratory events to scientific observation, many are preparing to witness this rare phenomenon.

For those planning to document the eclipse with their smartphones, here are some key tips to ensure clear and captivating images.

Essential Photography Tips To Capture The Total Eclipse

Harnessing the Power of Filters:

• Solar Filter or Eclipse Glasses: During the partial phases, consider using a certified solar filter or eclipse glasses placed directly over your phone's camera lens. This reduces glare and helps capture details of the obscured sun. Remember to remove the filter during totality, the period of complete darkness.
• Dedicated Phone Lens Filters: Invest in a phone-compatible solar filter for even sharper eclipse photos.

Optimizing Focus and Exposure:

• Focus Lock: Utilize your phone's focus lock feature to maintain clarity on the eclipse. Tap and hold on the desired area on your screen until an "AE/AF LOCK" notification appears.
• Exposure Adjustment: Locate the sun icon within your camera's focus area. Dragging your finger up or down adjusts exposure. Reduce exposure for capturing details during the partial eclipse and increase it for totality's darkness.

Sharpening Your Technique:

• Tripod or Timer: Minimize camera shake for a crisp image. Employ a tripod or your phone's timer function to ensure stability during the shot.
• Burst Mode: During totality, leverage burst mode to capture multiple images rapidly. This increases the chance of capturing the fleeting "diamond ring effect," a dazzling light phenomenon visible at the start and end of totality.
• Digital Zoom Caution: Avoid excessive digital zoom, as it can significantly decrease image quality and lead to pixelation.

Capturing the Experience:

While the celestial spectacle is the main attraction, don't forget to capture the broader experience! Take photos of the surrounding environment, including people's reactions and the eclipse's effects on the landscape, like crescent-shaped light patterns filtering through trees. These images will enhance your memories of this once-in-a-lifetime event.