Here is how you can photograph total solar eclipse 2024: Tips and precautions

• Solar eclipse of 2024 will take place on April 8.
• People can now take photos of eclipse through their smartphones.
• Users should place solar lens over camera to take better photos.

Some of you may recall the solar eclipse of 2017. For many, the endeavor to capture the eclipse was a letdown as the photos didn’t meet expectations. However, with the total solar eclipse of 2024, we have the opportunity to learn from our past mistakes.

Since 2017, there have been significant advancements in technology, especially in the realm of smartphones. Modern phones now come equipped with advanced telephoto lenses, which greatly improve the quality of close-up photography. As we approach the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 — a rare occurrence for those of us in the US, with the next one not until August 2024 — I am eager to more adeptly capture this moment using my current phone.

Anyone can capture the upcoming eclipse. However, there are techniques that can make your photos stand out, particularly among the multitude of images that will inundate social media later in the day. Here are some tips on how to achieve that.

Capturing total solar eclipse 2024 with a Phone Today’s smartphones, especially those renowned for their cameras, promise much better results. They offer a superior dynamic range for balancing contrasting exposures and feature dedicated optical zoom cameras for enhanced detail.

There is an ongoing discussion about the safety of pointing phone cameras directly at the sun. From my experience photographing various sun scenes, I have not found any damage to my phone. Unlike DSLRs with long-range telephoto lenses, which can damage their larger sensors due to intensified and focused images, smartphones are less susceptible due to their smaller sensors.

However, I must stress the importance of using appropriate precautions, such as a solar filter, when photographing the eclipse with your phone. You can use solar eclipse glasses or purchase a specialized smartphone solar lens for this purpose.

Here is how to capture this year’s solar eclipse:

1. Position phone towards the sun with a solar filter

Attach the solar lens to your phone or cover your camera with solar eclipse glasses, then point your phone at the sun. For the best results, switch to your phone’s telephoto camera to capture more of the sun in your shot.

2. Adjust focus and exposure

The solar lens or glasses will help diminish the sun’s intensity. Tap on the screen to set focus and use the exposure slider to reduce brightness. On iPhones, adjust exposure by dragging the sun icon that appears after focusing. On Android devices, you can adjust the exposure in a similar manner.

3. Click!

Once you’ve correctly set the focus and exposure, you can take the photo of the total solar eclipse 2024. If your phone’s telephoto camera allows, try zooming in further for a closer view. Remember, increased zoom may require steadiness, so consider using a tripod and phone holder for stability.

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