Mark your calendars for October 14, 2023! As you’re likely aware, there's an annular solar eclipse coming our way, spanning across North, Central, and South America. For us here in the California, we’re fortunate to be along the path of annularity - meaning, we get to witness this celestial show! Apparently there are some areas near California’s north-east border with Oregon where viewers will be able to observe the “maximum” eclipse.

So what's this annular solar eclipse buzz all about? Picture this: the Moon slides between the Sun and Earth but does it when it's hanging out at its farthest point from our planet. Because of this cosmic arrangement, the Moon doesn't completely cover the sun. The result? A jaw-dropping "ring of fire" effect painting the sky. Get ready for a visual feast that won’t be visible here in North America again until 2039.

Of course here at Looking Glass, we think that photographing a solar eclipse is always a thrilling endeavor! Here are some simple tips that you may find useful:

Safety First:

• Never look directly at the sun through your camera lens or with your naked eyes. Use solar viewing glasses or solar filters for both your eyes and camera.

Get the Right Gear:

• Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings to have full control over your exposure settings.

Use a Solar Filter:

• Attach a solar filter to your lens to reduce the intensity of sunlight. This is crucial for protecting your camera's sensor and your eyes.

Tripod Stability:

• Use a sturdy tripod to avoid camera shake during the long exposures needed for celestial events.

Fast Shutter Speed:

• Start with a fast shutter speed to capture the details of the sun. Experiment with different speeds to find the right balance.

Low ISO Settings:

• Keep your ISO settings low to minimize noise in your photos.

Aperture Setting:

• Use a mid-range aperture, around f/8 to f/16, to get a good depth of field.

Manual Focus:

• Autofocus may struggle with the sun. Set your focus manually to infinity.

Bracket Your Shots:

• Take a series of bracketed shots to ensure you capture the full range of the eclipse, especially as the lighting conditions change.

Plan Your Composition:

• Scout your location beforehand and plan for interesting compositions. Include landmarks or create a silhouette effect with objects in the foreground.

Practice Beforehand:

• Familiarize yourself with your camera settings and practice shooting the sun prior to the eclipse to troubleshoot any issues.

Time-Lapse or Video:

• Consider creating a time-lapse or recording video to capture the entire eclipse event.

Remote Shutter Release:

• Use a remote shutter release or the camera's self-timer to minimize camera shake when taking the shot.

Remember, preparation is key, and practice will help you get the best results. Should you need any gear or have questions about photographing the eclipse, please stop by our showroom - we're happy to help. Enjoy capturing the celestial spectacle!