A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday, sparking eclipse mania in the U.S. with concerts, viewing parties, and even a mass wedding planned along the path of totality. People are eager to witness this once-in-a-generation celestial event and many are preparing to capture it using their phone cameras. However, taking pictures of the sky can be challenging, especially with a phone camera. Here are some tips on how to best photograph Monday’s eclipse with your phone, without the need for professional cameras.
One tip is to try using a sun filter or your eclipse glasses to help capture a clearer shot. During a total solar eclipse, the moon fully obscures the sun, creating a unique opportunity for photography. By pressing your eclipse glasses close to your phone lens before totality, you can eliminate light blooming, allowing for a clearer image. Once totality occurs, remove the filter or glasses as they are no longer needed. You can also purchase a sun filter specifically designed for your phone’s lenses to help enhance the quality of your photos.
Another important aspect of capturing the eclipse on your phone is to focus and adjust exposure settings. To achieve a sharp focus on the eclipse, try using your phone’s focus lock feature. By tapping on the screen where you want to focus and holding until you see the AE/AF LOCK alert, your phone will maintain focus on that area. You can also adjust exposure by dragging your finger up or down near the sun icon on your focus area, allowing you to capture the details of the eclipse or the darkness of totality.
To minimize movement and ensure a clear shot, consider using a tripod or your phone’s timer mode. This will help stabilize your phone and reduce the risk of blurry photos. Burst mode can also be helpful during totality, allowing you to capture multiple photos quickly and potentially capture unique effects like the “diamond ring effect.” It’s important to avoid zooming in too much on your phone camera, as this can decrease the quality of the image and cause pixelation.
In conclusion, capturing the total solar eclipse on your phone can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can enhance your chances of taking high-quality photos of this rare celestial event. Remember to experiment with different settings and techniques to find the best approach for your specific phone camera. With proper preparation and practice, you can create stunning images of Monday’s eclipse without the need for professional equipment. Enjoy the magic of the moment and have fun photographing this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
