Interested in capturing Monday’s upcoming solar eclipse on your smartphone without causing any damage?
Here are some suggestions. And remember: Never stare directly at the sun with your naked eye, as it can result in permanent eye injury.
Avoid pointing your phone camera lens directly at the sun for extended periods without a special filter
Taking a quick snapshot with the sun in the background is generally safe for the camera. It is similar to the usual photos we take of sunrises and sunsets.
“However, we do not recommend pointing it directly at the sun for a long time without a filter,” as suggested by Google’s Pixel camera team.
“As long as you do not leave it out there with the camera open for an extended period, there won’t be any harm,” explained Ed Krupp, the director of Griffith Observatory.
Krupp recommended taking wide-angle shots with a smartphone to include the sun in the photo while emphasizing the surrounding landscape.
For close-up shots, use eclipse glasses or certified solar filters over the camera lens
Nasa recommends using a special solar filter to protect the camera lens.
If you are in the path of totality, which spans states like Texas, Illinois, Ohio, and New York, remove the filter during the moments of “totality” to witness the sun’s corona, but only when the moon fully covers the sun’s surface.
The few minutes of totality when the moon blocks the sun completely are the only safe moments to view the eclipsed sun without protective glasses. Totality will not be visible from any location in California during this eclipse.
A panorama shot during totality may capture the sunrise-sunset effect.
If you are using a telescope or binoculars to support your smartphone, ensure a solar filter is fitted on the outermost lens to prevent damage to the phone camera and protect your eyes from the sun’s intense rays.
Use black tape or cloth to reduce the light between the solar filter and the camera lens.
Using tripods can be beneficial, and it is advisable to practice ahead of the eclipse.
Several paid apps, such as PhotoPills, Planit Pro, and the Photographer’s Ephemeris, can assist in planning for timed outdoor eclipse shots.
What about the possibility of clouds?
Monitor the weather forecast for Monday. Visit the National Weather Service’s website, weather.gov, and enter your ZIP code. The weather in Southern California may vary, with some regions experiencing partly cloudy conditions while others have clear skies, according to the Wednesday forecast.
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center issues daily maps showing projected cloud coverage for the eclipse across the contiguous US.
Any additional tips for iPhone, Samsung, or Pixel users?
a) iPhone users
In the camera settings, ensure the “macro control” option is disabled if you are using a filter or placing your phone near a telescopic eyepiece. Tap the yellow flower icon to turn off “macro” mode.
During totality, utilize ultrawide and wide cameras or “night mode” in low light conditions. Tap on the eclipsed sun to achieve the best exposure.
b) Samsung users
One Reddit user suggested using solar filters, “pro mode,” ISO 50, and adjusting exposure and shutter speed for the perfect shot during last year’s solar eclipse.
Another Samsung user recommended practicing in sunlight with the filter on, focusing on ISO and maintaining a low shutter speed.
c) Pixel users
Experiment with “pro controls” or manual focus on the Pixel 8 Pro.
Using a GoPro?
GoPro advises that its devices do not require solar filters and offers a detailed tip sheet. Consider using the time-lapse mode for a captivating footage of the event, but ensure a stable tripod, adequate battery, and a well-framed shot to capture the sun throughout the video. Use sun-tracking apps like Sun Surveyor or PhotoPills. – Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service
