Eclipse Photography
Master the art of eclipse photography with camera settings calculators, exposure guides, and expert tips
⚠️ Disclaimer
Camera settings are suggestions only. Results may vary based on equipment and conditions. Always test your setup before the eclipse. Never point cameras or telescopes at the sun without proper solar filters.
Camera Settings Calculator
Exposure Bracketing Guide
What is Bracketing?
Bracketing means taking multiple shots of the same scene at different exposures. This is crucial for eclipse photography because the brightness changes dramatically.
During totality, the corona's brightness varies from the inner regions (very bright) to outer regions (dim). Bracketing ensures you capture the full dynamic range.
Recommended Bracket Sequence
All at ISO 400, f/8. Adjust based on your lens and conditions.
💡 HDR Compositing Tip
After the eclipse, merge your bracketed shots in Photoshop, Lightroom, or dedicated HDR software to create a single image showing the full detail of the corona from inner to outer regions.
This technique is how professional eclipse photographers achieve those stunning, detail-rich corona images you see in magazines.
What to Photograph: The Complete Checklist
🔸 Baily's Beads
The moment before/after totality when sunlight streams through lunar valleys. Lasts only seconds. Use fast shutter (1/1000s+) without filter during totality approach.
💎 Diamond Ring Effect
The last/first bright bead plus the corona creates a "diamond ring." Happens twice: at 2nd and 3rd contact. Very brief—be ready!
👑 Solar Corona
The sun's atmosphere, only visible during totality. Bracket your exposures (see guide above) to capture detail from inner to outer corona.
🔥 Solar Prominences
Pink/red flame-like features at the sun's edge. Look for these around the lunar limb during totality. Use shorter exposures (1/500-1/1000s).
🌅 360° Sunset Effect
During totality, the horizon glows orange in all directions like a sunset. Wide-angle shot with landscape in foreground and darkened sky.
🌑 Shadow Bands
Rippling shadows on the ground just before/after totality (rare). Use white sheet or wall, film with video camera at high frame rate.
📷 People's Reactions
Don't forget to photograph the crowd! People's awe and emotion during totality are just as memorable as the eclipse itself.
Solar Filter Recommendations
🚫 CRITICAL: Solar Filters Required for Partial Phases
Never photograph the sun through your camera without a solar filter attached to the FRONT of your lens. The concentrated sunlight can instantly damage your camera sensor and your eyes if looking through the viewfinder.
Solar Film Filters
Flexible Mylar-based filters. Affordable and effective. Must be carefully attached to avoid scratches.
- • Baader AstroSolar Film
- • Thousand Oaks Optical
- • Creates neutral color or slight orange tint
- • Budget-friendly option
Glass Solar Filters
High-quality optical glass filters. More expensive but provide superior optical quality and durability.
- • Thousand Oaks Glass Filters
- • Hoya ND100000
- • Premium optical quality
- • Scratch-resistant
Smartphone Filters
Special solar filters designed to fit over smartphone cameras. Essential for safe smartphone eclipse photography.
- • Clip-on solar filters
- • Must cover entire camera lens
- • Check compatibility first
- • Alternative: eclipse glasses over lens
When to Remove the Filter
During totality ONLY, when the sun is completely covered, you MUST remove the solar filter to photograph the corona. The corona is too dim to see through the filter.
Important: Put the filter back on immediately when you see the first hint of the sun returning (diamond ring effect). Set a timer so you don't miss it!
Time-Lapse Planning Tool
Calculate the perfect interval settings for creating an eclipse time-lapse video
From first contact to last contact (usually 2-3 hours)
How long you want the time-lapse video to be
Example Eclipse Photos Gallery
Learn from these example eclipse photos. Each image includes the exact camera settings (EXIF data) used to capture it, helping you understand what works for different eclipse phases.
Total Solar Eclipse - Corona Detail
Middle corona exposure. Part of 7-shot bracket sequence from 1/4000 to 1/30s.
Diamond Ring Effect
Captured at 2nd contact using burst mode. Fast shutter freezes the fleeting moment.
Baily's Beads at 3rd Contact
Shot using 10fps burst. Very fast shutter captures individual beads clearly.
Partial Eclipse with Sunspots
Solar filter essential! Low ISO and small aperture ensure sharp sun detail.
Totality Landscape with 360° Sunset
Wide angle captures entire scene. Longer exposure reveals faint horizon glow.
Solar Prominences Detail
Faster shutter freezes prominence structure. Long focal length reveals detail.
📚 Learning from EXIF Data
These example settings provide starting points, but every eclipse is different. Notice how:
- •ISO 400 is the sweet spot for totality shots—balances noise and shutter speed
- •Faster shutters (1/1000-1/2000s) freeze the diamond ring and Baily's Beads
- •Longer focal lengths (400mm+) capture corona detail; wide angles show the scene
- •Solar filters are mandatory for all partial phases—removed only during totality
Recommended for Photo Editing
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