How to take pictures of partial solar eclipse. Photography expert tips

Up to date Aug. 12, 2026, 8:40 a.m. ET

Whereas america shouldn’t be within the path of totality for the Aug. 12 solar eclipse, there’s nonetheless an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the partial eclipse in some areas.

Throughout the occasion, the moon will slip in entrance of the solar, making a total solar eclipse seen in some nations corresponding to Greenland, Iceland and Spain, in line with NASA.

Some components of the northern United States will be capable to get a partial glimpse. Based on NASA, a partial photo voltaic eclipse happens when the moon passes between the solar and earth, however the three should not completely lined up. As a substitute, solely part of the solar will seem like coated, giving it a crescent form.

For these trying to seize the second, this is what to learn about taking the most effective photograph of the eclipse.

Suggestions for taking a superb photo voltaic eclipse photograph

These trying to catch a glimpse of the partial photo voltaic eclipse can also be trying to seize the second on digital camera.

Justin Patricolo, a photographer at MPB, and Timothy McCarty, a photographer who runs the web site zoomwithourfeet.com, each shared ideas with USA TODAY for taking eclipse photographs:

Shield eyes and digital camera gear

As a result of the moon doesn’t utterly block the solar throughout a partial photo voltaic eclipse, it’s not protected to look straight on the eclipse with out proper eye protection, in line with NASA.

The identical technique applies to cameras, Patricolo and McCarty mentioned.

Anybody taking photographs of the eclipse ought to guarantee they’ve a photo voltaic filter to guard their digital camera sensor as properly.

Be sure that your digital camera is steady

Utilizing a tripod or telephone holder is one of the best ways to maintain your digital camera steady, as a result of even slight motion equals blur.

“Given the space, your telephone or digital camera have to be rock stable to take photos in focus,” McCarty mentioned.

Scout a location

Plan forward to scout a location from the place to take photographs. For instance, discover an open space with a transparent view of the sky, particularly towards the solar’s horizon, Patricolo mentioned.

Alter settings

Play with aperture, shutter velocity and ISO to find out the most effective settings for the photograph, McCarty mentioned. These utilizing a telephone can obtain a guide digital camera app to manage these settings.

“Most telephones expose for the center, so when one thing is extraordinarily shiny, just like the solar, they have an inclination to overcompensate,” McCarty mentioned.

Suggestions for utilizing a telephone to take eclipse photographs

Many individuals will probably be taking photographs with their telephones. In that case, McCarty recommends the next ideas:

Change to video mode

Be sure that to regulate your telephone’s settings to file in 4K fairly than the usual 1080p. Report 10-20 seconds then take a screenshot from the video.

“It sounds loopy, nevertheless it works,” McCarty mentioned.