How to Photograph the Solar Eclipse … and Still See It!

On April 8, 2024, the shadow of the moon will sweep across North America, bringing a total eclipse of the sun to millions of people living in the path of totality, and to millions more who will travel to the path. The attraction is experiencing the most impressive event the sky can present. This is the last total solar eclipse in populated North America until 2044.

Capturing the eclipse during the brief minutes of totality can be easy, or challenging. Alan Dyer will review several methods for photographing the 2024 eclipse, using the simple gear you might already own, to complex setups with tracking mounts and telescopes. He will provide advice on what to do—and not do—gleaned from decades of eclipse chasing.

The methods Alan will outline make it possible to get great still images, time-lapses or movies (but likely not all of the above!), while still allowing you time to look at the eclipse and not just at your camera gear. Spoiler alert: The best method may not be using the longest telephoto lens you have!