Eclipse Photography

Eclipses are rare, brief and unforgettable. Preparation makes the difference.

Safety first (solar eclipses)

Never look at the sun or point an unfiltered camera, binoculars or telescope at it during the partial phases. Use a certified solar filter (ISO 12312-2 for viewing, and a proper solar filter over the front of the lens for cameras). Only during totality — when the moon completely covers the sun — is it safe to remove filters, and they must go back on as soon as totality ends.

Solar eclipse settings

• Partial phases (with solar filter): ISO 100–200, f/8, about 1/500–1/2000 s; shoot every few minutes for a sequence.
• Totality (filter off): bracket widely — from 1/1000 s for the diamond ring and prominences to 1–2 s for the outer corona. Auto bracketing saves precious seconds.
• Focal length: 400–800 mm (full frame equivalent) fills the frame with the sun; a wide lens captures the landscape and the 360° sunset glow.

Lunar eclipse settings

No filters needed. The fully eclipsed moon is dim and red: ISO 800–1600, f/4–f/5.6, 1/2–2 s with a telephoto (keep exposures short — the moon moves). Composites of the phases over a landscape are a popular project.

Upcoming total solar eclipses in the U.S.

• March 30, 2033 — total eclipse over northern and western Alaska.
• August 23, 2044 — totality across Montana and North Dakota, near sunset.
• August 12, 2045 — a coast-to-coast eclipse from California to Florida.

Lunar eclipses happen more often and are visible from the whole night side of Earth; check NASA's eclipse pages for the next ones visible from your area.

Plan ahead

• Scout your site and its horizon with the sun-path diagram on any location page.
• Practice exposures on the full moon and the sun (with a filter) weeks before.
• Have a backup site in case of clouds.