Solar Eclipse: 6 Photography Tips for Capturing the Solar Eclipse Using Your Pixel Smartphone
On April 8th, North America will plunge into momentary darkness as a total solar eclipse passes overhead, a celestial spectacle not to return for two decades. From the small town of Jasper, Indiana, to the vast stretches of land across the continent, observers within the 115-mile wide path of totality will experience daytime turning into an eerie night. As the designated photographer of my adventurous group, planning to witness this event firsthand, I turned to Pixel Camera product manager and photography guru, Michael Specht, for some expert advice on capturing this rare phenomenon with my Pixel smartphone.
Prepare Your Packing List
Michael stresses the importance of being well-prepared. Your Pixel smartphone is essential, boasting features and a telephoto lens that make it perfect for the task. Don’t forget a charger or an extra battery pack to avoid any moments of panic about battery life. Crucial to your kit should be a solar filter, allowing you to safely photograph the sun before and after totality. Remember, looking directly at the sun, especially during partial eclipse phases, can be dangerous, so take precautions.
Practice, Practice, Practice
“Don’t let the eclipse be the first time you experiment with your phone’s camera settings,” advises Michael. The transition into darkness during an eclipse is a unique lighting challenge, perfect for familiarizing yourself with the Pro Controls on your Pixel. Adjust the ISO, exposure, focus, and brightness to get comfortable. Practice focusing by tapping the screen where the sky meets the sun’s edge and lock it in by holding. Experimentation and adaptability are key, as no one setting guarantees the perfect shot.
Click Wisely — Or Use a Tripod
Avoiding blurry photos means keeping your phone as stable as possible. A tripod can be invaluable, especially with a Pixel mount. If you’re without one, activating a timer in the camera app can help minimize shake, as can practicing a gentle touch on the shutter button. For Pixel Watch owners, the Google Camera app allows for remote photo taking, adding another layer of stability.
Let the Camera Do the Work
The Pixel camera’s automatic features are a boon, especially as the lighting shifts during an eclipse. Auto-brightness and Night Sight are particularly helpful as they adjust to changing conditions. While manual adjustments and Pro Controls are available, Michael suggests starting with automatic settings and tweaking as needed. However, he advises against relying on astrophotography mode for the total eclipse because of its long exposure times.
Get Creative
Eclipse photography isn’t just about the celestial event itself; it’s also capturing the experience. Using the grid to employ the rule of thirds can add interest to your compositions. But don’t forget the human element. Google Photos’ Best Take feature can help pick out humorous or memorable snapshots from rapid sequences of shots. It’s a chance to document not just the eclipse but also the shared experience of witnessing it.
Enjoy the Moment
Above all, Michael emphasizes the importance of experiencing the eclipse with your own eyes (protected by eclipse glasses, of course). While capturing the event is important, the experience is fleeting and worth absorbing beyond the confines of a screen. “It’s the memories alongside the photographs that truly capture the essence of witnessing a solar eclipse,” he reminds us.
So, as April 8th approaches, let’s prepare our Pixel smartphones, practice our photography skills, and look forward to capturing one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, both in our hearts and through the lens of our trusty devices.
also read:What is a celestial event where the Moon blocks the Sun but makes its corona visible?