A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday and eclipse frenzy has gripped America, with concerts, parties and even a mass wedding planned along the path of totality to witness the once-in-a-generation celestial event.
If you're planning to witness the rare eclipse, you're probably getting your phone cameras ready. But have you ever tried to take a picture of the sky and noticed that it didn't translate well?
Here are some tips on how to best capture Monday's celestial event with your phone — no professional cameras required!
Try a solar filter or your eclipse glasses
A total solar eclipse is when the moon completely covers the sun. More than a dozen states are in the path of totality, a path more than 100 miles wide that stretches from Texas to Maine. In that path, the moon will completely block sunlight, and it will be dark for a few minutes in the middle of the afternoon.
Phone cameras aren't always the best at capturing the sky. But just as your eyes need eclipse glasses to see Monday's celestial event, so may your phone's camera lens.
When the skies darken temporarily, hold the eclipse glasses close to your lens to avoid flare. When complete, remove the filter or glasses — they are no longer needed.
You can also buy a sun filter for the phone's lenses to help you capture a clear view.
Focus and exposure
Use its focus lock feature to focus your phone's camera during the eclipse. Tap your screen where you want to focus, then hold until you see a yellow AE/AF lock alert. Your phone will now focus on that area.
Or adjust your exposure. You will see a sun icon in your focus area. Drag your finger up and down near the sun icon to increase or decrease sunlight exposure, and make your image brighter or darker. Reduce your exposure to capture the details of the eclipse. When it's dark, capture your exposure perfectly.
Reduce movement
Use a tripod or your phone's timer mode to minimize movement so you can get a clear shot.
Burst mode can also be used during perfection to get as many photos as quickly as possible, so you can capture special images “The Diamond Ring Effect,” A bright glow as the moon makes its final move over the sun.
Don't zoom in too much — it will reduce quality and cause pixelation!
But remember, this total eclipse is practically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so be sure to document the moment beyond the sky. Take pictures of your surroundings as people react to the eclipse and the crescent-shaped light patterns through the trees on the ground. These kinds of special moments capture the feeling and experience of the eclipse.
