Photography Business
May 19, 2025
Few natural phenomena rival the breathtaking spectacle of a solar eclipse. As the moon moves between Earth and the sun, casting a dramatic shadow and briefly dimming daylight, photographers have a rare opportunity to capture one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a curious beginner, photographing a solar eclipse is a thrilling challenge that combines careful planning, technical precision, and a bit of cosmic luck.
But timing is everything. Solar eclipses don’t happen often in the same location. They follow a path known as the “path of totality,” and being in the right place at the right time is crucial to capturing the full drama of the event. Partial, annular, and total eclipses all offer unique photographic opportunities, but it’s during totality—when the sun is completely obscured—that the most stunning and surreal images are possible.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to photograph a solar eclipse successfully—from essential gear to camera settings, shooting techniques, and safety tips. Whether you’re planning for the next eclipse or just getting inspired, these tips will help you capture this celestial event with clarity and confidence.
1. Shoot in Manual Mode
This gives you full control over exposure settings. Make sure to shoot in manual mode when capturing solar eclipse.
2.Shoot in RAW Format
RAW files retain the most image data, allowing better post-processing flexibility. This is especially important for solar eclipse photography.
3.ISO
Start with a low ISO (100 or 200) to minimize noise during the bright partial phases of solar eclipse. For totality, you may increase ISO to 400, 800, or even 1600 as the light dims.
4.Aperture
Use the lens’s sharpest aperture, typically between f/5.6 and f/8. This balances sharpness and depth of field.
5.Shutter Speed
For partial phases of solar eclipse, use fast shutter speeds (1/500 to 1/4000 seconds) to avoid overexposure. During totality, slower shutter speeds (around 1/125 second or longer) are needed due to lower light. Adjust shutter speed as the eclipse progresses.
6.Focus
Use manual focus and focus on the edge of the sun with the solar filter on. Autofocus may struggle in these conditions.
7.Metering
Use spot metering on the sun with the solar filter attached to get accurate exposure.
8.Test and Adjust
Take several test shots before the solar eclipse to fine-tune your settings.
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A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a standard telephoto lens (70-200mm or 70-300mm) is sufficient. A sturdy tripod and solar filter are essential for solar eclipse photography.
Mid-range DSLR or mirrorless cameras paired with telephoto zoom lenses (150-600mm range) offer better framing and detail when capturing solar eclipse.
If you want professional photos of solar eclipse, high-end DSLR or mirrorless cameras with large sensors and telephoto lenses (200-800mm) provide the best image quality and flexibility. Consider teleconverters to extend focal length.
Following these guidelines will help you capture stunning and safe images of a solar eclipse.
The journey doesn’t end after you capture the perfect solar eclipse. Let your photos live on in a professional gallery. With Zno Gallery™, you can easily create a personalized photography site to showcase your work — whether it’s a one-time adventure or part of your portfolio.
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Start with manual mode, low ISO (100–200), aperture between f/5.6–f/8, and fast shutter speeds (1/500 to 1/4000 sec) during partial phases. During totality, increase ISO (400–1600) and use slower shutter speeds (around 1/125 sec or longer). Always shoot in RAW and use spot metering with a solar filter.
Yes. Partial and total phases have very different lighting. Use faster shutter speeds and low ISO during the bright partial phases, and slow down shutter speed and increase ISO during totality. Bracketing is highly recommended to capture various exposures.
Use manual focus. Autofocus often struggles in eclipse conditions, especially with solar filters. Manually pre-focus on the sun’s edge with the filter attached for best results.
It’s not recommended. Auto mode may misread the lighting conditions, especially with a solar filter, leading to over- or underexposed images. Manual mode gives you complete control and more consistent results.
If you shoot in RAW, you can adjust white balance in post-processing. However, if you’re shooting in JPEG, setting your white balance to “Daylight” can be a good starting point.
Use a certified solar filter during all non-totality phases and spot metering on the sun. Start with fast shutter speeds and take test shots. Bracketing your exposures helps prevent loss of detail.
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