On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross our Central Arkansas area.

Nasa explains "A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun".

Before you grab your camera or phone to take the shot, be prepared to not only get a great shot but also protect your lens. Yes, even your phone camera lens. In a very short 4-minute time span you want to be prepared to take in the moment, get a nice shot, and protect your eyes and gear. The key is to get prepared ahead of time with the proper gear and practice. 

1. Lens protection If you plan to use your phone, Amazon has numerous lens filters for the solar eclipse ranging from paper like the glasses business are giving away to more advanced clip-on filters. The costs range from $5-$10. Search solar eclipse smartphone lens filter. If you plan to use a digital camera such as a DSLR, you are looking at a bigger investment. $20 to $135 is the range a saw with a quick search. The higher quality will affect your image; any will protect your lens. Be sure to order the correct size such as 77mm. Both Mylar and some ND filters can be used for the eclipse. Some recommend a glass filter that is ND 4.8 or higher. This looks like a safe choice at an affordable price. ICE 77mm neutral density lens filter

2. Gear Up - You are going to want a tripod whether it be a professional Manfrotto or a homemade setup. A tripod will allow you to leave the shutter of your camera open for an extended amount of time letting in more light during the darkness without blur created by shake. Even your phone allows you to leave the shutter open for an extended time. On the iPhone this is called night. You can also increase the exposure. Now while you can do something with your phone, a DSLR is going to do so much better. Photographers upgrade cameras often and have outdated cameras that are not valuable. Reach out and see if anyone you know has one for sale or rent. You can also rent from online companies if you are really into getting a great shot. These types of camera are going to allow you so much control over the exposure and crisp images. The DSLR is also going to have the option for a telephoto lens. 200 and up will be best. These lenses are not cheap, so again rental is an option. I'm looking forward to comparing photos after, because I know there will be smartphone images better than my telephoto mirrorless by phone camera gooroos! The perfect shot is more about the photographer than the gear. 

3. Look around you - While all eyes are on the sun, look around you at the people, the shadows and color of the landscape, and the filtering light. Take those images with a second camera. Focus on the human experience of watching the eclipse; the people gawking and pointing and the emotions. People are very excited about this event. Don't miss it all with your eye through the lens getting a shot of the eclipse that is in all likelihood going to be mediocre. 

4. Practice - Do not attempt this kind of photography work for the first time at 1:45 on the 8th of April. Go out at night and practice with the moon before then. You can even create an artificial eclipse inside with a lightbulb, blocker, and darkness for practice. 

5. Share - Share the photos you get with us here on this post or even with NASA by using @NASA tag. 

Don't forget to look at the eclipse with your own protected eyes.