Calling All Amateur Photographers! Here’s How To Take Photos Of the Solar Eclipse  

If you’ve ever tried capturing photos of the sun or the moon, you know it can be tricky, even on a typical night. Taking pictures of the solar eclipse can be even more challenging. But with the event being so rare, millions will be snapping memories. So we have some tips to help make those photos look more professional.

First and most importantly, staring at the eclipse is dangerous for both you and your camera. Looking through the viewer will not shield your eyes from the intense light, and the harsh UV rays can damage your expensive equipment. Keep your approved sunglasses on throughout the duration, and place a solar filter over your lens.

However, when the eclipse reaches totality, you can and should remove the filter from your camera. That is the only way your camera can capture the corona.

NASA doesn’t suggest doling out a lot of money for a specialized camera for the eclipse. The administration says that high-end cameras down to smartphones will do the trick as long as the user knows some tricks of the trade. But you should invest in a tripod, if possible. Because you’ll be using a longer exposure, the camera will pick up on even the slightest movement, which will make your photos come out blurry.

As for camera settings, NASA suggests trying a fixed aperture of f/8 to f/16 and shutter speeds between 1/1000 to 1/4 second as the moon moves over the sun. Once the solar eclipse reaches totality, change your “fixed aperture and a range of exposures from approximately 1/1000 to 1 second.”

Also, get some practice shots in before the big day. While you won’t have the perfect subject to test your skills on, getting some shots of tonight’s moon will help you get a better handle on long night exposures so you’re more confident for the live solar eclipse.

For more information about solar eclipse viewing times in your area, click here.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.