Are you excited about the Solar Eclispe! I know I am! I have been planning for this for over a year. I have my zoom lens rented, multiple filters for my camera & phone, a tripod, remote shutter, solar eyeglasses and plan to scope out my spot and practice this weekend. I could not be more excited! Combining my love for science and photography has this secret nerd over the moon!
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Overview
You need to protect your eyes! Grab those solar glasses! They are everywhere. Roadside stands (one on Cantrell by Orange Fitness), checkouts at gas stations, grocery stores, hardware stores and there is still a little time to get some in from online. These however will NOT work for camera lenses on your phone or on a full camera. The camera will magnify the sun’s intensity just like a magnifying glass can start a fire. Make sure your filters are rated for photographing the sun. It is called solar film. There are somethings out there claiming they are strong enough. They will help, but they will not fully protect. Technical specs….You need 16.5 stops to be rated solar safe. You could also use #14 welder’s glass.
During totality it is safe to take off your filters and eyeglasses. Be sure to check your camera settings. I will make a note of my settings with the filter before making any adjustments.
Cellphones
Here are some important tips and suggestions to keep your gear & your eyeballs safe. I will start with using your phones because I think that is what most people will be using.
First things first…..Clean off your camera lens!!! You can use anything soft….like the shirt you are wearing. Just wipe it off like you would a pair of sunglasses.
Now the rest………You need a special filter for your phone cameras to protect the optics. It won’t destroy your phone, but you could end up with permanent spots in all your photos. They are abundant and come with little sticky tabs to attach them to your phone. Or you can just hold it on there. This solar phone filter can ship overnight, so there is still time to get one ordered. They come in singles and bundles. Just make sure to check shipping times. I would also reach out to local camera shops (Beford’s Camera has several locations in Arkansas). I have also seen kits at Lowe’s in Little Rock on Bowman. If I hear or see any other options, I will update this post.
I would also recommend downloading the Solar Snap app. It makes camera adjustments for you. It is free and extremely user friendly! Download it now so you can play around with it before Monday! It even has a handy button for totality when you do not need the filter.
You should be all set for your phone. Just remember to keep your glasses on or at least handy. You don’t want to accidentally look up at the sun!
For Cameras – DSL, Mirrorless, etc.
The Basics…..At a minimum you need a filter to protect your gear. Beyond that I recommend using a zoom lens. 500mm-1000mm would be ideal, but anything to get you closer will be helpful. I also plan to use a tripod and a shutter release button. There are still a few of these filter kits available.
Or you can get a glass filter. Just make sure it is rated for photographing the sun. It needs to be more than 16 stops. Here is one that is 16.5. Camera Lens Filter ND 16.6
You can also get just the solar film. It comes in many different sizes. Just remember to check shipping times and that it is wide enough to cover your entire lens front. Solar Filter Sheet
Other things I plan to have in my camera bag…..phone tripod & shutter release. Here is a package with both with overnight shipping! I will also have my big tripod and shutter release remote for it.
Most importantly have fun! I am hoping to have everything set up and be able to sit back and enjoy the experience while clicking my shutter release remote.