Win A Stoecklein Photography Workshop In Picturesque Idaho

Win A Stoecklein Photography Workshop In Picturesque Idaho

A love of photography and the West started Stoecklein Photography’s workshops, and that passion continues to energize these amazing experiences.

In 2010, world-renowned photographer David Stoecklein began hosting photography workshops at his family ranch in Mackay, Idaho. His goal was to share his love of photography and of the West — its culture, landscapes, and people. Since Stoecklein’s death in 2014, his son Drew, also a professional photographer, has continued sharing his father’s passion with fellow photographers in workshops at various ranches across the country.

Now, C&I’s Stoecklein Photography Western Photo Workshop Giveaway is offering a lucky winner the chance to attend one of these unforgettable two-day workshops to see the sights and learn the skills in Idaho’s Stoecklein country.

At Stoecklein Photography’s Western Photo Workshop, photography is more than just taking pictures. It’s about capturing a moment, telling a story, and sharing your perspective with the world. The one-of-a-kind workshops offer a unique Western experience, allowing you to learn from the best in the field. Each workshop is designed to help develop your vision and refine your skills, no matter what level you are.

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Click and scroll right to preview images from Stoecklein Photography’s Western Photo Workshops.

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Enter below for your chance to win a coveted spot at Stoecklein Photography’s September Western Photo Workshop.

WHEN: Sep. 27, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – Sep 29, 2024, 9:30 p.m.

Workshop Itinerary
Fri, Sept 27: Check-in and orientation at 6PM
Sat, Sept 28: Workshop
Sun, Sept 29: Workshop and final slideshow until 9:30PM
Mon, Sept 30: Departures

WHERE: Three Sisters Ranch, Mackay, ID

HOTEL / LODGING: Complimentary 3 night stay at Bear Bottom Inn, 412 Spruce St., Mackay, Idaho 83251

ABOUT: Outdoor Photographer once listed the Three Sisters Ranch as one of the “greatest outdoor photo studios in the world.” Nestled at the top of Idaho in the picturesque Lost River Valley, the ranch sits at almost 6,000 feet with the majestic Lost River Range rising above it with peaks of over 12,000 feet. This was David Stoecklein’s favorite place to take photographs. Here, he created countless images for iconic brands like Chevrolet, Copenhagen, Stetson, and Marlboro — to name a few. Students in the workshop will capture fall colors in the mountains, running horses, and candid moments with cowboys, cowgirls, and cattle.

And, don’t worry about what to wear – Roper Apparel & Footwear is contributing a $1,000 gift certificate.



Speaking of Idaho: Be sure to watch for our feature on the photogenic state in the July issue of C&I, on sale June 4.


All Photography Courtesy of Stoecklein Photography

The Giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia, age 21 or older at the time of entry. Void outside of the United States and where prohibited. All methods of entry have an equal chance of winning.

Click here for full Terms & Conditions.

Share solar eclipse photos with Eyewitness News

Share solar eclipse photos with Eyewitness News

NEW YORK (WABC) — If you are planning to take photos or videos of the solar eclipse or your watch party, we invite you to share them with Eyewitness News.

Simply fill out the form below to share them with us.

If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

RELATED: Everything you need to enjoy the eclipse safely including solar glasses and more

Getting to see even one total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence. Photographer Stan Honda has three under his belt. His first experience took place in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, in 2015 – what he saw was a singular spectacle and chance for anyone wielding a camera.

Below are his tips for safely taking photos.

Setting up for eclipse photos

For the upcoming eclipse, Honda will be in Fredericksburg, Texas, taking pictures on behalf of international news agency Agence France-Presse.

“I was looking at weather maps and historically, as you go further south, there’s less chances of clouds. Texas is as far south as you can go in the US to view the totality part of the eclipse,” he said. “Fredericksburg is just west of Austin, so it’s easy to get to. It seems to be a pretty popular choice, and it looks like this area of Texas is getting ready for pretty big crowds.”

Honda said he usually plans two kinds of pictures. One is taken with a wide-angle lens to capture the eclipse and also the landscape around it. “To me, that’s actually a better photo, because it kind of puts the eclipse in a location, it puts it in a setting,” he said. “And also, it shows you where you were at the time.”

The other kind of image he aims for involves using a telephoto lens and prioritizes the celestial event. “You’ve probably seen a lot of those shots, just focusing on the sun itself,” he said, “and the sun makes up a large part of the picture.”

As part of his professional setup, Honda will have a third camera with a really wide-angle lens to try to get even more of the landscape, and a fourth camera around his neck, with a wide-angle zoom lens, to photograph the people around him and document their reactions.

But you don’t need all that.

“With pretty much any kind of camera or any lens, you can get a good picture of the eclipse,” he said. “I would just recommend a fairly sturdy tripod, to make your setup pretty steady, and a remote shutter release, because that allows you to take the pictures without jarring or moving the camera too much.”

Eclipse moments to capture – and how to do it safely

Just like your eyes need protection during the partial phases of the eclipse – ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer to watch it safely – your camera does, too.

Remember that it’s not safe to look at the eclipse through an unfiltered camera, even when wearing protection on your eyes. That’s because optical devices can concentrate solar rays, which can then cause eye injury, according to NASA.

“A safe solar filter really is a necessity for the partial phases, and the American Astronomical Society has a whole section on its website about solar eclipse glasses and filters that they approve as being safe to use,” Honda said.

RELATED: How to make a pinhole projector with a cereal box to safely view an image of the solar eclipse

The filter cuts out a huge amount of light, and different filters produce different colors, depending on the material they’re made of, Honda said, adding that you should switch your exposure setting to manual mode.

“The automatic settings just won’t work with the filter on, because most of the frame will be black, so it’ll be like taking a picture at night,” he said. “Manually focusing would be a big help, too – you can autofocus on the sun, but then you have to disable the autofocus so that your camera doesn’t try to keep focusing through the filter. It’s so dark that it’ll be fooled by the darkness, and it won’t be able to focus.”

Right at the beginning of the totality period, you might be lucky to capture something called the “diamond ring” effect, which happens just before the moon completely covers up the sun.

“It’s this very bright section of the sun, just on one corner of it – it looks like a ring with a diamond on it, and that lasts for just a few seconds, maybe 10 or so,” Honda said.

Equally as elusive are Baily’s beads, which might appear right as the moon and sun appear to align.

“The moon isn’t perfectly smooth – there’s mountains, craters and other formations – so as it’s covering up the sun, some of the sunlight will stream through these formations and create spots of light along one edge,” Honda said. “Again this lasts a couple of seconds before you transition to the full totality, when you see the corona.”

During the eclipse, there could even be the chance to witness a coronal mass ejection – a large, spectacular plume of material rising from the sun’s surface, weighing billions of tons, according to NASA.

Once the moon covers up the face of the sun, you will have to take the filter off the camera; otherwise, you won’t be able to see the sun’s corona, which is really the money shot, Honda said.

“When you take the filter off, you’ll have to increase the exposure by quite a bit, because the corona itself is fairly dim, about the brightness of a full moon, so compared to the brightness of the sun that’s a pretty big difference,” Honda said. “Keep the shutter speed and the ISO consistent and just slow down the shutter speed, because that will give you more and more exposure as you increase the time of the shutter speed, and you’ll catch more and more of the corona on each frame.”

During totality, you can also look at the eclipse directly with your naked eyes, but knowing exactly when it’s safe to take filters and glasses off can be tricky. If you’re in a group of people, it’s likely that the moment will be announced. Otherwise, you should look out for when the sun reaches a super-thin crescent, Honda said.

How to practice eclipse photography

Of all the stages of a total solar eclipse, the moment of totality is special and the one most photographers covet. “That’s also a pretty dramatic shot, especially with the wide-angle lens,” Honda said. “Everybody wants that picture during totality, to show the sun’s corona.”

Luckily, you’ll have plenty of time to photograph this phase in April as this event’s totality will last at least 2 minutes and up to well over four, depending on your location. Once it’s over, the cycle that reveals Baily’s beads and the diamond will start in reverse.

“As you get closer toward what’s called third contact, when the moon is ready to move off the face of the sun, then you have to remember to reset your shutter speed back to the original setting – when you were shooting the partial phases before totality – and put your filter back on,” Honda said.

How many pictures should be taken during the eclipse is up to you, but Honda recommends buying the largest memory card you can find.

“What I do is, I’ll set my remote trigger to take a picture every minute as the eclipse progresses. During transition for Baily’s beads and the diamond ring, I’ll take a picture at least every second, maybe a couple times a second, because that only lasts a very short time. And then during totality, I’ll probably try to shoot as many as I can. So the idea is to try not to run out of space.”

If you get a good exposure in your camera, Honda said you don’t really have to do too much afterward in terms of image processing, but you should shoot in the “RAW” setting if you have the option, because it will give you the highest quality.

After each eclipse, he always creates a composite shot showing the sequence from the start to the end in a single image.

If you want to get some practice beforehand, you can simply put your filter on and take pictures of the sun (without looking at it unless through your camera): “That will help you determine a base exposure setting for your camera, or the lens you’re going to use,” Honda said. “You can shoot with a variety of exposures and see what looks good on your computer. On eclipse day, you might have to adjust a little bit here and there, but you probably won’t be very far off.”

And if you only have a cell phone? “I used one on the past eclipses, just on the automatic settings, and it actually seemed to work OK,” Honda said. “Just leave it on the standard wide-angle setting – if you start to zoom in on the sun to try to make it bigger, it throws off the automatic exposure.”

A wider shot with a phone might be less dramatic, but it will capture either the people or the landscape around you, and that might make for a better picture, Honda added.

However, don’t forget to make looking at the eclipse the priority, he advised. “Photography should be the secondary objective, because this is a truly amazing natural event that you might not ever see again,” he said. “So, if you’re in the path of totality, make sure you spend more time looking at it with your eyes than with the camera.”

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Celebrating 100 years of proto-street photographer Dorothy Bohm

Celebrating 100 years of proto-street photographer Dorothy Bohm

The new exhibition Dorothy Bohm at 100 will be on display at The Photographers’ Gallery in London, England, from April 12 – June 23 2024, commemorating what would have been her 100th birthday. 

Bohm was trained as a studio portrait photographer in wartime Manchester before becoming a leading humanist street photographer. This was long before the term ‘street photography’ was coined and instead, she was observing and capturing life around her. 

She traveled extensively, capturing the hustle and bustle of city life in London, New York, and Paris, as well as the slower-paced atmosphere of rural Italy.

Brussels, 1949 (Image credit: © Estate of Dorothy Bohm)

Due to the era in which she was photographing, her early work was of course in black-and-white, but as color film photography started to become readily available, her exploration saw her capture her images with “texture and spatial ambiguity to convey humanity in increasingly abstract and allusive forms”. 

Bohm’s passion for the medium extended past her ambitions as a photographer, supporting photographers, writers, gallerists, and collectors both in the UK and further afield. 

Perhaps most notably in this regard, she played a key role in helping Sue Davies set up The Photographers’ Gallery in 1971, where she was instated as associate director for 15 years.

Coney Island, New York, 1956 (Image credit: © Estate of Dorothy Bohm)

Newspaper Stand, Lisbon, 1996 (Image credit: © Estate of Dorothy Bohm)

Dorothy Bohm at 100 exhibits a selection of images taken throughout her career, featuring her most valued and famous alongside some previously unseen gems. As is the nature of Bohm’s work, the images will take the viewer on a journey through the city streets across several countries while all capturing the essence of humanity.  

This quote from the photographer further proves her approach to capturing the human condition: “I do not photograph the differences but the similarities.” 

The Photographers’ Gallery will host Dorothy Bohm at 100 from April 12 – June 23 2024. More information regarding tickets can be found on the official website, where prints are also available. 

The great thing about The Photographers’ Gallery is that the ticket enables entry to all its incredible exhibitions – and having visited last week, I can assure you that you’ll leave feeling inspired. 

Villa des Tulipes, 18th arrondissement, 1995 (Image credit: © Estate of Dorothy Bohm)

You might be interested in the best cameras for street photography, along with the best cameras for black and white photography.

Glorious Blooms Erupt in Nidhi Mariam Jacob’s Meticulous Fantasy Garden Paintings

Glorious Blooms Erupt in Nidhi Mariam Jacob’s Meticulous Fantasy Garden Paintings

All images © Nidhi Mariam Jacob, shared with permission

In the painstakingly detailed canvases of Nidhi Mariam Jacob, myriad flowers and fronds bloom in a vibrant visual symphony. The Bangalore-based artist draws on a longstanding love for the environment. “Nature has been my biggest healer since I was a child,” she tells Colossal. “I spent a lot of my time alone, watching flowers and trees in my mother’s and grandparents’ gardens or out in nature. I loved sitting under the shade of a specific mango tree when I felt down or sad or even extremely happy, and I still do to this day.”

Jacob’s mother was adept at tending to a wide array of plants and propagating cuttings. “I used to believe that my mother was a nature goddess,” the artist says. “She would take cuttings from everywhere, stick them in some soil in her kitchen garden and it would be sprouting leaves in no time. I thought she had magic in her fingers!”

In Jacob’s Fantasy Garden series, graceful leaves bolster vivid blossoms, which erupt in dense clusters without a browned edge or dead head in sight. She meticulously renders each specimen’s characteristics in bold lines and patterns using acrylic paint, creating paradisiacal scenes that invite the viewer to explore and relax. “I have been told by many of my collectors that my paintings have brought them good luck, better mental health, and a deep sense of joy,” she says.

A few of Jacob’s gardens are currently on view at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, and she will present a solo show this December with Kynkyny Gallery. Find more on her website and Instagram.

 

a horizontal floral painting of a fantasy garden with colorful clusters of flowers and foliage

a horizontal floral painting of a fantasy garden with colorful clusters of flowers and foliage

a circular painting propped on an easel of numerous flowers and fronds in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, with a red background

a square painting of numerous flowers and fronds in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes

a detail of a painting with various flowers of different colors and shapes, grouped to make interesting patterns

a horzonal painting of numerous flowers and fronds in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes

a detail of a painting of numerous types of flowers and leaves, grouped together to create colorful patterns

the artist in her studio, working on a tall painting on an easel

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Glorious Blooms Erupt in Nidhi Mariam Jacob’s Meticulous Fantasy Garden Paintings appeared first on Colossal.

Best cameras for photography: Top 6 picks for all enthusiasts to help them capture the best shots

Best cameras for photography: Top 6 picks for all enthusiasts to help them capture the best shots
ByNeha Ravi Khandelwal

Apr 08, 2024 06:50 PM IST

Looking for the best cameras for photography? Capture your favourite moments with your loved ones with our recommendations of top 6 cameras.

Photography is both an art and a science; the best way to achieve great results is to use a good camera. The best photography camera would have to be one with a good megapixel camera quality coupled with multiple other features like the overall weight of the equipment, a mirrorless camera for better video quality and tripod cameras for more stable photo quality.

Click the best shots with these top of the line cameras for photography(Pexels)
Click the best shots with these top of the line cameras for photography(Pexels)

A good camera for photography is ideally supposed to be lightweight. While this is the case many times you need to add or attach big lenses and other filters for good photos and this makes the overall equipment heavy and bulky. This while might seem like a negative option, is favoured by photographers as they rather hold a heavy camera than have a low-quality photo.

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Many brands have now launched lightweight cameras with mirrorless models to reduce the weight and very compact lenses as well. With the right guide like the one we have created for you, you will be able to find the perfect camera for photography with ease.

1.

Panasonic LUMIX G7 16.00 MP 4K Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Kit with 14-42 mm Lens (Black) with 3x Optical Zoom

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One of the best photography cameras available. The Panasonic Lumix G7 comes with a 16-megapixel camera resolution that makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to shoot high-resolution photos and more. The camera comes with intuitive controls, a high-resolution viewfinder and a high-resolution and touch-enabled LCD. The camera can be connected to external devices through cables and can also be enhanced with the interchangeable lens kits available making it easy to shoot as per your needs.

Specifications of Panasonic LUMIX G7 16 MP Camera:

Model name:Panasonic G series

Camera resolution:16 MP

Image stabilisation: Optical

Maximum shutter speed:1/4000 seconds

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
High-resolution photos Bulky with additional lenses
Intuitive controls Limited maximum shutter speed

2.

KODAK PIXPRO AZ405-BK 20MP Digital Camera 40X Optical Zoom 24mm Wide Angle Lens Optical Image Stabilization 1080P Full HD Video 3″ LCD Vlogging Camera (Black)

B0BLLCJ963

This camera comes with many features that will make shooting high-resolution photos and videos very easy. The camera comes with a remarkable 40X optical zoom and a wide-angle perspective starting from 24mm and will capture every detail with precision. Equipped with a 20-megapixel resolution, your photos will be rendered with stunning clarity. Review and see your shots on the 3-inch LCD screen. Record videos in crystal-clear 1080p Full HD video, while the optical image stabilization ensures steady footage. Equipped with BSI CMOS sensor technology, expect nothing less than exceptional image quality in any lighting condition.

Specifications of KODAK PIXPRO AZ405-BK 20MP Digital Camera:

Model name:Kodak AZ405

Camera resolution:20 MP

Image stabilisation: Optical

Maximum shutter speed:1/2000 seconds

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
40X optical zoom Limited maximum shutter speed
Crystal-clear 1080p Full HD video recording Bulkier compared to similar models

3.

Nikon D7500 20.9MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

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The Nikon D7500 DSLR camera is one of the best cameras for photography. The camera comes with a 20.9 MP resolution which is good and when enhanced with lens kits can become even sharper if needed. The camera also comes with a CMOS sensor that produces sharper images along with Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity that makes it very easy to connect to multiple devices and also transfer photographs without the need to connect a cord or remove the memory card. The camera is compatible with multiple tripods and stands which makes it very easy to find a good fit.

Specifications of Nikon D7500 20.9MP Digital SLR Camera:

Model name:Nikon D7500

Camera resolution:20.9 MP

Image stabilisation: Optical

Maximum shutter speed:1/8000 seconds

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity Relatively lower maximum shutter speed
Compatible with multiple tripods and stands Slightly heavier compared to mirrorless options

Also Read: Best mirrorless cameras in India: Comprehensive buying guide, 9 picks

4.

Sony Alpha ILCE-6100Y 24.2 MP Mirrorless Digital SLR Camera with 16-50 mm & 55-210 mm Zoom Lenses, APS-C Sensor, Fast Auto Focus,Real-time Eye AF,Real-time Tracking, Vlogging & Content Creation -Black

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A top-of-the-line DSLR camera that comes with a mirrorless design that makes it very efficient and lightweight. The camera is equipped with one of the fastest AF features at 0.02 seconds along with a 4K internal recording resolution which allows for sharp videos of the best quality and also great photographs. The camera can be connected to other devices and external sources through cords, Bluetooth and even wi-fi making it one of the very latest in terms of technology and specifications. This camera is truly a top pick and value-for-money choice for professional photographers.

Specifications of Sony Alpha ILCE-6100Y 24.2 MP Digital SLR Camera:

Model name:Sony Alpha APSC

Camera resolution:20.9 MP

Image stabilisation: Optical

Maximum shutter speed:767011 seconds

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Mirrorless design for efficiency Higher price point
Fast AF features and 4K internal recording Relatively shorter battery life

5.

Fujifilm X-T3 26.1 MP Mirrorless Camera Body (APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 Sensor, X-Processor 4, EVF, LCD Tilt Touchscreen, Fast & Accurate AF, Face/Eye AF, 4K/60P Video, Film Simulation Modes) – Black

B07H3Y9CJY

The Fujifilm X-T3 comes with a new 26.1-megapixel sensor and a powerful image processing engine. It can record movies in 4K resolution and has an internal SD card for storage. It’s the first mirrorless camera with a sensor of this size to offer high-quality 4K video output through HDMI. The camera has improved autofocus capabilities, especially in low light, and a high-resolution OLED viewfinder for clear, detailed framing. Additionally, it features an audio-video port for connecting external devices. Overall, it’s a versatile camera with advanced features for both photography and videography.

Specifications of Fujifilm X-T3 26.1 MP Mirrorless Camera:

Model name:Fujifilm X-T3

Camera resolution:26.1 MP

Image stabilisation: Optical

Maximum shutter speed:1/8000 seconds

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Versatile camera for both photography and videography Higher price point
Advanced autofocus capabilities Limited to 26.1 MP resolution

6.

Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera with Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR & Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR Lens with Additional Battery

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The Nikon Z50 camera has a 20.9-megapixel sensor and a powerful image processor for clear and detailed photos. It can record ultra-high-definition 4K videos at up to 30 frames per second and full HD videos at up to 120 frames per second for smooth motion. You can shoot fast-moving subjects with up to 11 frames per second, and there’s a handy flip-under tilting LCD screen for easy framing from different angles. The camera can be connected to other devices through Wi-Fi for wireless communication. Overall, it’s a versatile camera for capturing both photos and videos.

Specifications of Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera:

Model name:Nikon Z50

Camera resolution:20.9 MP

Image stabilisation: Optical

Maximum shutter speed:767011 seconds

Reasons to buy Reasons to avoid
Ultra-high-definition 4K videos Relatively shorter battery life
Flip-under tilting LCD screen Limited maximum shutter speed

Also Read: Trust these cameras to capture stunning pictures: Top 6 picks

Top 3 features of the best cameras for photography

Product name Shutter Speed Camera Megapixel Quality Optical Image Stabilisation
Panasonic LUMIX G7 16 MP Camera 1/4000 seconds 16 MP Yes
KODAK PIXPRO AZ405-BK 20MP Camera 1/2000 seconds 20 MP Yes
Nikon D7500 20.9MP Digital SLR 1/8000 seconds 20.9 MP Yes
Sony Alpha ILCE-6100Y 24.2 MP 767011 seconds 24.2 MP Yes
Fujifilm X-T3 26.1 MP Mirrorless 1/8000 seconds 26.1 MP Yes
Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera 767011 seconds 20.9 MP Yes

Best value for money

The Sony Alpha ILCE-6100Y 24.2 MP Mirrorless Digital SLR Camera offers exceptional value for money due to its cutting-edge features and performance. With its mirrorless design, it combines efficiency with portability, making it an ideal companion for photographers on the go. Despite its relatively higher price point, it delivers unparalleled autofocus speed at 0.02 seconds and stunning 4K video recording capabilities. The camera’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with external devices ensure seamless integration into any workflow. Overall, its advanced technology, compact form factor, and versatility make it a wise investment for both amateur enthusiasts and professional photographers seeking exceptional quality without compromise.

Best overall product

With its high-resolution photos, intuitive controls, and versatility with interchangeable lenses, the Panasonic Lumix G7 stands out as the best overall choice among the cameras listed. Its combination of features, ease of use, and performance make it an ideal option for photographers of all levels.

How to pick the best cameras for photography

Choosing the best camera for photography involves considering several key factors. Firstly, assess your needs and budget to narrow down options. Research camera types such as DSLR, mirrorless, or compact, considering factors like resolution, sensor size, and lens compatibility. Evaluate features like autofocus speed, image stabilization, and low-light performance for optimal shooting versatility. Test ergonomics and user interface for comfort and ease of use. Additionally, consider future-proofing by assessing upgrade paths and accessory availability. Ultimately, selecting the best camera involves balancing your specific requirements with available options to find the perfect tool to unleash your creativity and capture stunning images.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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How to photograph the 2024 solar eclipse: Tips, tricks for iPhone and Android users

How to photograph the 2024 solar eclipse: Tips, tricks for iPhone and Android users

CINCINNATI (WXIX) -The arrival of a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse in Ohio has those who like to plan ahead asking a lot of questions.

Where is the best place to watch the solar eclipse? What time will the obscuration arrive in Ohio? Which Ohio cities fall in the path of totality?

After finalizing where and when you’ll be experiencing the legendary eclipse, only one question remains: How will you photograph it?

Is it safe to photograph a solar eclipse?

For iPhone, Android, and other smartphone users, the question of photographing the eclipse safely varies depending on whether you’ll be viewing a partial or a total eclipse, according to Prevent Blindness.

And a NASA guide from the 2017 eclipse suggests that the size of your phone’s camera lens also plays a role in which precautions to take.

For cities like Cincinnati and Columbus that will experience a partial eclipse, it is recommended to use a solar filter or place a spare pair of solar eclipse glasses over your phone’s camera to prevent sun damage to the lens.

How much sun damage to anticipate, however, varies depending on the size of your camera lens, NASA advised.

Regarding the 2017 eclipse, the government agency stated that lenses on smartphone cameras are “generally very small (about 2 millimeters) and do not admit enough light” to damage the camera. On the other hand, some newer smartphones have larger lenses (f/1.7 to f/2.0), which could be damaged if pointed at the sun without any filter during a partial eclipse.

For reference, Apple’s newest smartphone, the iPhone 15 Pro, has a camera lens with f/1.78 aperture and would be best protected with a solar filter or eclipse glasses during a partial eclipse.

The minutes when some Ohioans will experience darkness during the total eclipse (when the moon is completely obscuring the Earth’s view of the sun), no solar filter is required for your phone camera.

Which Ohio cities will experience a total eclipse?

The eclipse’s path of totality will last from 3:08 to 3:19 p.m. as it cuts a swath from southwest to northeast Ohio.

Here’s when some Ohio cities along its path can expect the total eclipse to be, and how long it will last:

  • Hamilton — Begins at 3:09:09 p.m., will last 1 minute, 42 seconds.
  • Dayton — 3:09:29 p.m., will last 2 minutes, 43 seconds.
  • Springfield — 3:10:15 p.m., will last 2 minutes, 34 seconds.
  • Marion — 3:11:14 p.m., duration 3 minutes, 34 seconds.
  • Delaware — 3:11:36 p.m., will last 2 minutes, 35 seconds.
  • Fremont — 3:11:46 p.m., duration 2 minutes, 38 seconds.
  • Dublin — 3:11:59 p.m., will last 1 minute, 23 seconds.
  • Port Clinton — 3:12:12 p.m., duration 3 minutes, 30 seconds.
  • Toledo — 3:12:17 p.m., duration 1 minute, 53 seconds.
  • Mansfield — 3:12:23 p.m., will last 3 minutes, 16 seconds.
  • Ashland — 3:12:43 p.m., duration 3 minutes, 19 seconds.
  • Wooster — 3:13:39 p.m., duration 2 minutes, 25 seconds.
  • Akron — 3:14:14 p.m., will last 2 minutes, 46 seconds.
  • Cuyahoga Falls — 3:14:15 p.m., will last 2 minutes, 56 seconds.
  • Cleveland — 3:13:46 p.m., will last 3 minutes, 49 seconds.
  • Kent — 3:14:31 p.m., will last 2 minutes, 47 seconds

How to photograph a solar eclipse with a smartphone

Whether you’re viewing a partial or total eclipse on April 8, these tips will help ensure your smartphone captures a clear image of the legendary celestial event.

1. Turn off your flash.

It is recommended to turn off your phone’s flash during a partial or total eclipse. Using flash won’t help your photography and, worse, it will distract from the eclipse-viewing experiences of everyone around you.

2. Do not use your phone’s zoom feature.

Using your phone’s manual zoom to appear closer to the eclipse will only cause your photos to lose resolution, making the quality of your image noticeably grainy.

NASA recommends buying a $20-$40 dollar, 12x to 18x zoom lens attachment for your phone for producing a high-quality, magnified image of the eclipse.

3. Use manual focus.

Do not count on your phone’s automatic focus during the eclipse.

It is recommended to focus your camera’s image manually, which can be done by tapping the screen and holding your finger on the moon to direct the focus there. NASA recommends directing your camera’s focus to the edge of the moon.

4. Use manual exposure.

Take advantage of your phone’s manual exposure by sliding your finger up or down to darken or lighten the image.

On iPhone camera apps, tapping an object will center a box around it and show a little sun icon. This is the exposure slider. Drag it down until details on the moon become visible. Android camera apps have a similar sliding exposure feature that can be accessed by pressing on the display for a couple seconds.

5. Use burst mode to capture all the action.

Because the eclipse happens within a matter of minutes, using your phone’s burst mode will ensure you don’t miss a second of the once-in-a-lifetime event.

To enable burst mode on iPhones XS and newer, slide the shutter button to the left. If you have an iPhone X or older or an Android smartphone, just hold down the shutter button to photograph in burst mode. This way, you can capture each small movement of the moon during the eclipse without having to manually photograph each second of the event.

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How to photograph the April 2024 solar eclipse with your smartphone

How to photograph the April 2024 solar eclipse with your smartphone

Today is the day of the April 2024 solar eclipse, a rare opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular shows in the solar system. And if you want to make a record of the moment for yourself, we can help you use your smartphone to get the best possible shot of the moon crossing in front of the sun.

As the guide from our friends at Space.com explains, there’s at least a partial eclipse to see in all 48 mainland states between 12:27 pm and 3:46 pm EDT today, with the best view — the “path of totality” — on offer in a diagonal line passing from the south to the north east of the country, where the sun will be completely blocked for a few moments.

The tips below are a mix of practical and safety tips, since it’s not worth sacrificing your eyesight just for a photo. But with some protection in place, there are some accessories and settings you can use to get the most out of your smartphone’s cameras as the skies start to darken.

How to photograph the April 2024 solar eclipse with your smartphone

Protect yourself first

Before even picking up your phone, make sure to keep your eyes safe first and foremost. We have a guide on where to buy solar eclipse glasses if you’re still without, and look out for the ISO 12312-2 standard rating so you know you’re properly shielded from the sun’s light, whether directly or via your phone’s viewfinder.

Get a solar eclipse filter for your lens (if you have time)

Your phone’s cameras, like your eyes, needs some special treatment of their own to keep them safe. In fact NASA recommends not pointing your phone at the eclipse without one, lest you damage the sensors within. You can use a spare pair of eclipse-viewing glasses in a pinch, but it would be better to use a dedicated filter like the one recommended by my colleague John Velasco in his feature on preparing to take a camera phone shot of the eclipse.

Don’t use digital zoom

You may be tempted to pinch-to-zoom to get the eclipse as large as possible on your phone’s viewfinder, but this likely won’t result in a better shot since this form of digital zoom reduces the resolution and overall quality of your image. An optical zoom telephoto camera, found on many recent flagship phones, won’t have this problem, but no phone on sale today’s going to be able to get a frame-filling shot of the eclipse with optical zoom alone. 

As such, it’s worth considering taking shots with your main camera or wide angle camera instead, so you can capture your friends, family and immediate surroundings as the eclipse appears overhead.

Take in RAW if available

On the topic of photo quality, RAW format images take in much more information than a standard JPEG or HEIC image, making it easier to improve the photo in editing later. Your phone’s default camera app may already offer a RAW mode, but if it doesn’t see if a third-party camera app will give you the option instead.

Solar eclipse filter.

(Image credit: Future)

Lock your focus and exposure

So that your phone doesn’t get confused by another object in frame and make the actual eclipse blurry, tap and hold on the sun in your camera app to focus and stay focused on it. After that, you can select your exposure level to account for the dramatic lighting conditions you’re about to experience, and lock that too if needed.

Turn off your flash

Even when it gets dark, your phone’s camera flash isn’t going to help take a better photo of something far off in the sky like the eclipse. You may want to try night mode if you have it though, as this will help brighten up images taken during the darkest moments of the eclipse.

Use burst and timer modes

The totality part of the eclipse only lasts a couple of minutes, so increase your odds of snapping a shot at the perfect moment by using burst mode to take several shots in quick succession. 

You can also use the timer function to automatically do this if you don’t trust your reaction speeds.

Solar eclipse

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Consider a video

Video may be good if you’re trying to capture the scene overall rather than the eclipse itself. But the motion inherent to taking video may diminish the quality that a well-aimed photo would have been able to grab.

Try a tripod for greater stability

Phones can account for some motion but to make your eclipse look as crisp as possible, hunt for a tripod, stand or other method of securing your phone in place. Failing that, find a good place to fix yourself and your arm as the eclipse draws near. Even leaning against a sturdy object could help steady your hand and make your images sharper.


We wish you all the best in your quest to capture the eclipse for posterity. But if you’re not going to get the chance to see it, whether you’re in another country or are just plain busy, we have guides on how to watch the April 2024 solar eclipse on screen.

More from Tom’s Guide

Birder and photographer Jean Brislance is carrying on a legacy

Birder and photographer Jean Brislance is carrying on a legacy

Subscribers of WTIP’s Stay Tuned newsletter have seen countless photos of birds submitted by listeners. The most prolific bird photographer of WTIP’s contributors is Jean Brislance. While Brislance does photograph other animals, as well, his specialty is birds.

Brislance told WTIP, “I’ve always been fascinated with birds, basically, ever since I could walk and talk. And part of the appeal of bird photography, I think is the challenge of it. You know, birds are an uncooperative subject, they could care less if you get a good photograph or not.”

Beyond a general interest in his subjects, Brislance said that photographing birds is personal for him. His father, David Brislance, was also a birder and photographer, whose photos were included in a number of scientific and regional publications. For Brislance, photographing birds is carrying on his father’s legacy.

Ruby throated hummingbird. Photo by Jean Brislance

Downy Woodpecker. Photo by Jean Brislance

While getting a good shot of a constantly moving subject can be a challenge, Brislance said that a big part of his process is also based in research. He said, “I think one of the most important things about bird photography almost has nothing to do with bird photography, but just learning about the birds themselves.”

For folks looking to get into wildlife photography, especially birds, Brislance recommends a camera with a good zoom lens, and getting to know the space they’re shooting in.

Brislance submits photos to WTIP frequently, and said that he has come to love bird photography. He said that he appreciates it as a creative outlet, and stays motivated by feeling attached to the process. He said, “I guess what inspires me it’s, you know, part of it, helps me feel connected to my dad again.”

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with bird photographer and WTIP photo contributor Jean Brislance about how he approaches photographing birds.

Purple finch. Photo by Jean Brislance

Beautiful images of the solar eclipse captured in Fresno

Beautiful images of the solar eclipse captured in Fresno

Photographer Phonexay Keobandith, a long-time friend of FOX26, used his impressive photography equipment to capture some stunning photos of Monday’s solar eclipse.

While it was not a total eclipse for us in California, it still made for some interesting photos.

[RELATED] WATCH: Total solar eclipse as it moves across the U.S.

Phonexay said he used his Nikon camera at Woodward Park in Fresno.

I used a neutral density filter ND100000 to show the sun’s true color, which is white.

He says the filter also protects the camera while taking direct pictures of the sun.

The photo progression was taken around 10:20 a.m., a max view at 11:14 a.m., and a final shot around 11:40 a.m.

Click here to see more Valley photography by Photographer Phonexay Keobandith on TikTok.

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