Photographing a total eclipse is a rare opportunity, so you want to prepare for it. Following the proper safety guidelines will protect both you and your camera. You probably know that you should never look at the sun, even during an eclipse, with your eyes unprotected. The same thing goes for your camera. Just like the sun can permanently damage your eyes, your camera can also be at risk, particularly if are taking time to line up the perfect shot.
Please see the list of eclipse photography resources we have collected to learn more, but the most important things to know are:
- You should never look at the sun without protecting your own eyes with eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses will not be enough to protect your eyes. You need ISO-certified eclipse glasses to have the right kind of protection.
- You should never point your camera at the sun without a solar filter on the lens.
- Only during the brief period of totality can you look or photograph unshielded. It is possible to look without protection because you are just seeing the corona and not the sun itself.
- Practice ahead of time! NASA suggests using the full moon as your practice subject to see how your camera will work during the eclipse.
- Enjoy the eclipse without your camera, too! Make sure you take time to just be in the moment as well as taking pictures with friends.
