\n
![](\"https:\/\/fortune.com\/img-assets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/AP24074788260778-e1712227043737.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/p>\n [ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
As the moon passes in front of the sun, plunging a swath of North America into a\u00a0few minutes of darkness<\/a>, throngs will take pictures or videos of the moment. But powerful solar rays and drastic changes in lighting pose unique challenges in catching that perfect image.<\/p>\n Here are some pointers on\u00a0how to get the best shot<\/a>:<\/p>\n First, get in the right position. You\u2019ll want to be as close as possible to the\u00a0path of totality,<\/a>\u00a0which passes over Mexico\u2019s Pacific coast and ends in eastern Canada. Fifteen U.S. states get to see the full eclipse.<\/p>\n There are online maps to check if you\u2019ll be anywhere near the path. NASA\u2019s\u00a0map<\/a>\u00a0shows how many minutes of totality there will be if you\u2019re inside the path depending on location, and how much of a partial eclipse you\u2019ll see if you\u2019re outside of it.<\/p>\n For spectators in Mexico and Canada, eclipse expert Xavier Jubier\u2019s\u00a0website<\/a>\u00a0overlays the eclipse\u2019s path on Google<\/a> Maps, which allows zooming into street level detail.<\/p>\n With so many factors in play including cloud cover and the sun\u2019s position in the sky, planning is key to getting the best image.<\/p>\n There are a host of smartphone apps for eclipse chasers. The\u00a0American Astronomical Society<\/a>\u00a0has compiled a list of useful ones for both iOS and Android devices, including its own Totality app that shows your location on a map of the totality path.<\/p>\n The Solar Eclipse Timer<\/a>\u00a0uses your phone\u2019s GPS to play an audio countdown to the moment of totality and highlights key moments. The app\u2019s maker advises using a separate phone for taking photos.<\/p>\n Eclipse Calculator 2<\/a>\u00a0for Android devices uses the phone\u2019s camera to depict how the event will look in the sky from your position, using lines overlaid on top of the camera image. For iPhone users, apps like Sky Guide and SkySafari have eclipse simulators. There are other iOS apps that use augmented reality to simulate the eclipse, but they\u2019re pricier and not yet on the society\u2019s list.<\/p>\n Digital SLR cameras will produce the best photos. Their manual exposure controls and ability to add zoom lenses and accessories like remote shutter buttons will let you make great pictures.<\/p>\n Associated Press chief photographer Julio Cortez advises using a smaller aperture \u2014 f11 or f17 \u2014 to keep the focus \u201ca little bit sharper.\u201d When he shot the 2017 total solar eclipse, he used an ISO setting of 1250 and 1\/500 shutter speed.<\/p>\n The rest of us have our smartphones.<\/p>\n NASA published detailed\u00a0guidelines<\/a>\u00a0for smartphone eclipse photography in 2017 with the caveat that \u201csmartphones were never designed to do sun and moon photography.\u201d That\u2019s because the wide-angle lenses on most devices won\u2019t let you capture close-up detail. But new phones released since then come with sophisticated sensors, multiple lenses and image stabilization software that give a better chance.<\/p>\n Some experts suggest HDR, or High Dynamic Range, mode, which takes a series of pictures at different light levels and then blends them into a single shot \u2014 ideal for combining an eclipse\u2019s very dark and very bright areas.<\/p>\n But don\u2019t use flash. You can spoil the moment by ruining the vision of those around you whose eyes have adapted to darkness.<\/p>\n The American Astronomical Society advises using a solar filter to protect cameras against intense sunlight<\/a> and heat.<\/p>\n You can buy a filter that screws onto DSLR lenses, but it will take time to remove when totality happens. Cortez made his own with cardboard, tinted film and fasteners that he can quickly rip off.<\/p>\n For smartphones, you can use a spare pair of eclipse glasses and hold it over the lens, or buy a smartphone filter. There\u2019s no international standard, but the society\u2019s website has a list of models it considers safe. Make sure macro mode is not on.<\/p>\n If you plan to shoot for an extended time, use a tripod. To line up his camera after mounting it on a tripod, Cortez uses a solar finder, which helps locate the sun without damaging your eyes or equipment.<\/p>\n Cortez also advises bringing a white towel to cover up your gear after setting up to keep it from overheating as you wait for the big moment.<\/p>\n It\u2019s very tempting to make a TikTok or Instagram-friendly eclipse video. Perhaps you want to selfie video, narrating into the camera while the cosmic ballet between sun and moon plays out over your shoulder.<\/p>\n Be careful: While you might think your vision isn\u2019t at risk because you\u2019re not looking at the sun, your phone\u2019s screen could reflect harmful ultraviolet light, eye experts\u00a0have warned<\/a>.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re using a solar filter on the selfie camera, it will turn the picture dark and you won\u2019t show up.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow can I find the best place to capture the eclipse?<\/h2>\n
What can I use to plan a good shot?<\/h2>\n
How can I take a great photo of the eclipse?<\/h2>\n
What will I need to protect against the sun?<\/h2>\n
Can I take a selfie with the eclipse?<\/h2>\n
Subscribe to the Eye on AI newsletter to stay abreast of how AI is shaping the future of business. Sign up<\/a> for free.<\/div>\n