How to Get Great Pictures of the Total Solar Eclipse

📷Use your phone camera for quick and easy grab shots or time-lapse videos of the eclipse.

🌍Frame the eclipse with the landscape or other scenic features to add depth and context to your photos.

🔭Consider using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens for more detailed and close-up shots of the eclipse.

⏰Start your time-lapse or video recording a few minutes before totality and let the camera run on auto exposure.

🌟Plan ahead and use planetarium software to determine the best framing and exposure settings for your camera.

Can I use my phone camera to capture the eclipse?

—Yes, your phone camera is a great tool for quick and easy grab shots or time-lapse videos of the eclipse. Just make sure to frame the scene properly and set it to auto exposure for the best results.

What other equipment do I need to capture the eclipse?

—For more detailed and close-up shots, consider using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. You may also want to use a tripod or other stabilizing equipment to ensure steady shots.

When should I start recording my time-lapse or video?

—Start your time-lapse or video recording a few minutes before totality to capture the changes in lighting and the progression of the eclipse. Don't forget to stop the recording after totality.

How do I frame the eclipse with the landscape?

—Before the eclipse, use planetarium software to visualize how the eclipse will appear in your camera's field of view. Plan your framing to include the landscape or other scenic features below the eclipse for added depth and context in your photos.

What exposure settings should I use?

—For most cameras, setting it to auto exposure with wide area sampling will work well for capturing the eclipse. You may also want to adjust the exposure compensation slightly to darken the scene by about one stop.

00:04Introduction to the upcoming total solar eclipse and the challenge of capturing great pictures while enjoying the experience.

03:56Using your phone camera for quick and easy grab shots or time-lapse videos of the eclipse.

07:11Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens for more detailed and close-up shots of the eclipse.

11:14Setting up a time-lapse or video recording before totality to capture the changes in lighting and the progression of the eclipse.

13:24Framing the eclipse with the landscape or other scenic features to add depth and context to your photos.

14:47Using planetarium software to plan your framing and exposure settings for the eclipse.