Where will you be for the total solar eclipse on Monday? Just next week, the moon will totally eclipse the sun - a celestial event that we're sure you'd love to capture. Maybe with a Lensbaby! No matter where you are and how much totality you can see, take a look at our top 5 recommendations for eclipse photography:
Christopher Renfro with Composer Pro II Sweet 35 Optic
- Preparation is key. Scout the right location, practice on the (non-eclipsed) sun, triple check your gear, and pop in new batteries 30 minutes or so prior to the event.
- Solar Filters. Pick up an Off-Axis filter or a Full-Aperture filter to protect your gear and capture partial phases. You should remove the filters during totality and replace them after. With a solar filter you can look at the sun directly through your camera.
- Length is key. The longer the focal length of your lens, the closer you will be able to capture the sun. The new Velvet 85 would be perfect! Or use Circular Fisheye to capture even more of the sky. The choice is yours, but we recommend using the longest focal length you have and then choosing your settings according to lens, camera, and preference.
- Tripod. Youll want a sturdy tripod to set up your shots. Choose your vantage point in advance so you can triple check your angles prior to the eclipse - focus directly at the sun.
- Shooting Tips. You will want to start by pushing your shutter speed and aperture while keeping your ISO low. Ideally, you will be around ISO 100, F16, at 1/200th. That said, you will need to play with your exposure to find the sweet spot for your gear.
Tom Wildoner with Circular Fisheye
And, most importantly, have fun! Take a Lensbaby with you on your astronomical adventure and send us your shots from before, after, and during. Some of the greatest eclipse photography isn't up above but rather down below: you, your family, your friends experiencing a rare and extraordinary event. Put your personal, unique Lensbaby spin on your solar eclipse adventure.
P.S. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ECLIPSE GLASSES! No photographer wants to lose their sight - be safe and protect your eyeballs with verified protective eclipse glasses.
A few more resources for you:
NASAs Guide to Solar Eclipse Photography
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