How to safely photograph an eclipse

The total eclipse of the sun on August 21 is the first time anyone has seen the sun disappear in the U.S. since 1979.

Millions are expected to document the eclipse via smartphones and digital cameras and eye care professionals are concerned that first-timers might focus unfiltered cameras on the phenomenon, unaware of the damage they may do to their eyes in the process, according to a press release sent jointly by the American Academy of Optometry and American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The most important safety tip is to never look directly at the sun. Viewing the sun directly, even for brief periods, can cause permanent damage to the retina and result in blindness, according to the two organizations.

To view the sun one needs specially designed solar eclipse glasses and cameras require a specially designed solar filter.

Russell N. Van Gelder, MD, PhD, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns observers to never look at the sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.

“The concentrated solar rays will damage the filter, and injure your eyes,” Gelder added in the release. “Also, do not use solar eclipse glasses to look through a camera, binoculars or a telescope. The sun can melt the filter and damage your eyes.”

Purchase solar eclipse filters and glasses from reputable manufacturers.

There have been reports that some companies are selling counterfeit products labeled as if they conform to international safety standards. The American Astronomical Society has listed on its website companies whose products are known to conform to international standards.

One or more of the following techniques can be used to shoot a solar eclipse:

Buy a solar filter or modify your eclipse glasses to function as a solar filter for your smartphone. Cut your glasses in half and tape one eyepiece over your smartphone camera lens.
Take the filter off during totality, when the moon entirely blocks the sun’s bright face.
Use a remote trigger.
Practice just after sunset during twilight to get an idea of what the light levels will be like during totality.
Shoot photos of the moon to learn how to manually adjust the focus on your camera. Tap the screen and hold your finger on the image of the moon to lock and focus. Then slide your finger up or down to darken or lighten the exposure.
A telephoto lens system is a must-have for eclipse photography with a smartphone. There are zoom lenses for smartphones designed solely to provide magnification without resorting to digital zoom.

Reference: aao.org, aaopt.org