dmr
Registered Abuser
For those of you not living totally off the grid, you've probably heard of the upcoming solar eclipse in August.
Looking at the illustrations, I'm finding that I'm living VERY close to the path of totality, meaning I can drive 100 miles west or south right into the darkest of the dark.
I've seen a few partial solar eclipses over the years, including being on the edge of the famous You're So Vain one, but never seen a total one, and this will probably be my last chance. I've already blocked off the day on the calendar.
Anyway, I did get a "solar neutral density" filter for one of the {d-word} cameras, and I intend to do a cliche multiple-crescent type of print with that.
I'm wondering if anyone here has any ideas or hints of what else to do or photograph, particularly any phenomena that can be photographed, up to or during the totality.
For example, during one partial eclipse when I was in college, I noticed (but did not shoot) the crescent-shaped images on the sidewalk from the light shining through a tree. I want to get some shots of that this time if I can.
The only other things I really remember (other than it getting darker) were things like neighborhood dogs barking and some lights coming on.
Any thoughts or ideas?
TIA!
Looking at the illustrations, I'm finding that I'm living VERY close to the path of totality, meaning I can drive 100 miles west or south right into the darkest of the dark.
I've seen a few partial solar eclipses over the years, including being on the edge of the famous You're So Vain one, but never seen a total one, and this will probably be my last chance. I've already blocked off the day on the calendar.
Anyway, I did get a "solar neutral density" filter for one of the {d-word} cameras, and I intend to do a cliche multiple-crescent type of print with that.
I'm wondering if anyone here has any ideas or hints of what else to do or photograph, particularly any phenomena that can be photographed, up to or during the totality.
For example, during one partial eclipse when I was in college, I noticed (but did not shoot) the crescent-shaped images on the sidewalk from the light shining through a tree. I want to get some shots of that this time if I can.
The only other things I really remember (other than it getting darker) were things like neighborhood dogs barking and some lights coming on.
Any thoughts or ideas?
TIA!
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
I'm not ready for this, but my wife and I went to an eclipse workshop a few weeks ago and made solar filters for a couple of our lenses. Lenses that go on DSLR's I'm afraid.
We should see the eclipse just fine in any case. Live right on the line of totality. We'll BBQ some brunch and watch from the backyard. There's some relatively OK foreground visible for my "location" shots.
May not be ready, but I'm waaaay excited.
We should see the eclipse just fine in any case. Live right on the line of totality. We'll BBQ some brunch and watch from the backyard. There's some relatively OK foreground visible for my "location" shots.
May not be ready, but I'm waaaay excited.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
Oh, you asked for ideas. Well I'm after two images as objectives.
1. A "pearl" image. That's where the moon is just almost in position for totality and a couple small highlights (pearls) shine on the edge of the "disk".
2. A corona image. At totality, you can see the solar corona. Totally etherial and amazing. Unpredictable, but with careful exposure you can image the corona emanating from the eclipse disk that extends about 2 solar diameters out. Exposure is tougher than most think. Take the filter off, use a fairly wide aperture, focus at infinity and vary shutter speed and chimp. At least, that's my plan.
Worth the drive to see one of these events, or so I hear.
1. A "pearl" image. That's where the moon is just almost in position for totality and a couple small highlights (pearls) shine on the edge of the "disk".
2. A corona image. At totality, you can see the solar corona. Totally etherial and amazing. Unpredictable, but with careful exposure you can image the corona emanating from the eclipse disk that extends about 2 solar diameters out. Exposure is tougher than most think. Take the filter off, use a fairly wide aperture, focus at infinity and vary shutter speed and chimp. At least, that's my plan.
Worth the drive to see one of these events, or so I hear.
Larry Cloetta
Veteran
I am smack dab in the middle of the totality path, and I wish I was 100 miles away. Every hotel room here has been booked at outrageous rates for two years now, and that is no exaggeration. A true marketing bonanza.
Two weeks ago there was an "eclipse emergency preparedness talk" at the library by someone from the Department of Homeland Security. (!)
I saw a car in the grocery store parking lot today that had a large sign taped to the door advertising a locally produced "Guide to The Eclipse" for $20. Inquire within.
Half the people I have ever met have been coming out of the woodwork to ask if they can come crash at my house for a few days for the big event (the big event being that it gets dark for a bit at the wrong time of day.)
The ski resort is having a huge "viewing event" at significant cost at the top of the ski hill. Sold out last year. Better there why, I have no idea, closer to the sun I guess. I will have to make do with my front yard, and hope the sun is big enough to see from there, like it usually is.
I would likely be more excited, but I have experienced one before. It was definitely worth hanging around outside for a bit, but, at least locally, this is hugely over hyped.
But, if you have never seen one, enjoy! Kind of cool if appreciated for what it is.
Two weeks ago there was an "eclipse emergency preparedness talk" at the library by someone from the Department of Homeland Security. (!)
I saw a car in the grocery store parking lot today that had a large sign taped to the door advertising a locally produced "Guide to The Eclipse" for $20. Inquire within.
Half the people I have ever met have been coming out of the woodwork to ask if they can come crash at my house for a few days for the big event (the big event being that it gets dark for a bit at the wrong time of day.)
The ski resort is having a huge "viewing event" at significant cost at the top of the ski hill. Sold out last year. Better there why, I have no idea, closer to the sun I guess. I will have to make do with my front yard, and hope the sun is big enough to see from there, like it usually is.
I would likely be more excited, but I have experienced one before. It was definitely worth hanging around outside for a bit, but, at least locally, this is hugely over hyped.
But, if you have never seen one, enjoy! Kind of cool if appreciated for what it is.
Corran
Well-known
As a huge astronomy, physics, and photography nerd I am excited. Still haven't decided what I want to do. I have a location I would like to go to but I am guessing it will be a madhouse. And I want to shoot 4x5 film so I'll probably be pissing everyone off with a big tripod and accouterments.
I live very near the path of totality and can pretty much drive to a variety of locales all along the southeastern US path.
I live very near the path of totality and can pretty much drive to a variety of locales all along the southeastern US path.
ColSebastianMoran
( IRL Richard Karash )
Been there. It is really weird. Winds change, animals get strange, gets dark. Fabulous experience.
1. You can kill your vision trying to look at the developing eclipse. Very dark filter is the only way to look up. Cameras? I don't know. I would not look through an SLR. Mirrorless with a very dark ND filter?
2. It's very cool to rig an optic to project an image and look at that. I watched the transit of Mercury by holding up a lens and projecting an image onto paper.
1. You can kill your vision trying to look at the developing eclipse. Very dark filter is the only way to look up. Cameras? I don't know. I would not look through an SLR. Mirrorless with a very dark ND filter?
2. It's very cool to rig an optic to project an image and look at that. I watched the transit of Mercury by holding up a lens and projecting an image onto paper.
JonWNC
Established
I'm looking forward to this as well. I'm figuring different ways for me and my kids to "watch" without destroying our eyes (as mentioned above).
I'm less than an hour from the "total" path, and should have a nice, private, open hilltop for "viewing".
I've heard about animals getting all freaked out. My dog is blind, so I wonder if there will be something more than visual that will cause her any disturbance.
I'm less than an hour from the "total" path, and should have a nice, private, open hilltop for "viewing".
I've heard about animals getting all freaked out. My dog is blind, so I wonder if there will be something more than visual that will cause her any disturbance.
zuiko85
Veteran
Just to observe with your eyes go to a welding supply and get a 2X4in #14 welding filter. The full sun should look like a green orb through it. that will protect your eyes. Going to find a remote place in the path and camp out for a few hours. B&W film and a very long lens.
For size at the focal plane figure .9mm per 100mm of focal length, so, with a 500mm lens the full diameter of the sun would be 4.5mm at the focal plane. the math is simple.
For size at the focal plane figure .9mm per 100mm of focal length, so, with a 500mm lens the full diameter of the sun would be 4.5mm at the focal plane. the math is simple.
dmr
Registered Abuser
I would think that using a lens to do this might set the paper on fire.
Yes, I know that looking at the sun will set your retina on fire too, and even sunglasses are not enough to help.
I'm thinking of setting the Fuji on a tripod with the solar ND filter on it, tilting the screen upward, zooming way out, and using that as my viewing thing.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Nikon made a ND400 filter for solar eclipses. I remember something about using multiple layers of film taped together but I have no clue as to what film and how it was exposed/processed. My guess is it was unexposed slide film, but that was a long time ago and I'm not sure how safe that really was.
Thanks for the heads up, need to dig into the event and all.
B2 (;->
Thanks for the heads up, need to dig into the event and all.
B2 (;->
ktmrider
Well-known
My brother in law lives dead center under the solar eclipse in Dittmer, Missouri about 30 southwest of St Louis. The totality starts at 11:40 and lasts 2 minutes and 40 seconds on Monday 21 August. During the totality, you can look at the sun without eye damage but only during the totality.
A Number 14 filter from an arc welders shop is the cheapest way to view the sun leading up to totality. Check out "Sky and Telescope" magazine as it has several articles on how to view and photograph the eclipse. I remember reading years ago that looking through negatives or smoked glasses is NOT safe.
Family barbecue in STL on 21 August and then my sister, brother-in-law and I are heading out to Nova Scotia via the north shore of Lake Superior on motorcycles (2 Harleys and a BMW). I must lower myself to ride with Harleys but that is another issue.
A Number 14 filter from an arc welders shop is the cheapest way to view the sun leading up to totality. Check out "Sky and Telescope" magazine as it has several articles on how to view and photograph the eclipse. I remember reading years ago that looking through negatives or smoked glasses is NOT safe.
Family barbecue in STL on 21 August and then my sister, brother-in-law and I are heading out to Nova Scotia via the north shore of Lake Superior on motorcycles (2 Harleys and a BMW). I must lower myself to ride with Harleys but that is another issue.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Don't forget that with digital cameras from about 2008 and prior, you can shoot infrared with only a 720nm or a hot mirror cutoff filter. I have a Nikon D70 that was modified for IR-only so that's what I'll be shooting. I might click off a frame with my Mamiya 6 and 150mm lens but otherwise it's the old D70IR on a tripod.
Phil Forrest
Phil Forrest
user237428934
User deletion pending
Inspiration for the eclipse?
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/danny-macaskill-eclipse-jump
behind the scenes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_GvzLXPiOQ
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/danny-macaskill-eclipse-jump
behind the scenes video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_GvzLXPiOQ
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
I would emphasize that there are a lot of myths out there regarding a safe viewing filter. Please, please, please ensure you are not using one of these hack methods (e.g., stacking a bunch of filters together). The CD-based filter is also a dangerous idea. I've heard that one repeated many times. The experts are clear and firm on this one: the CD method is dangerous, unverified and dangerous. Did I say its dangerous? Only the specific solar filter film/foil and welder's glass (#14?) are safe for looking at the sun. Don't mess around with the sun and your eyes -- the consequences can be dire, particularly for photographers I know of two manufacturers/brands of safe solar filter film: Baader AstroSolar and Thousand Oaks Optical. Of course, there might be others, but these are the "big 2".
My wife and I made our own solar filter using a foil that was available from
http://agenaastro.com/solar-astrono...ar-film-sheets/shopby/baader_planetarium.html
We made cardboard "cup" mounts that slip over the front end of the lens. Low tech, but they can be slipped right off when totality arrives without any time-consuming fuss.
http://astrosolar.com/en/informatio...ve-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/
http://www.ericteske.com/2014/10/10-diy-solar-filter-for-dslr-camera.html
Also mentioned above, you do not need a filter at totality. In fact, if you want to make photographs during totality, you'll need to remove any solar filters. What's more, it will be dark enough that you'll be using some low-light settings. Perhaps 1/60-f/4 or so. I intend to get an image of the solar corona at this time, and I'm told the shutter speed-aperture combination for good exposure may surprise me.
My rough guide to photographing the eclipse:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-an...niques/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse.html
Advice has been to have cameras set up ahead of time. Its been suggested to have one camera for use before/after totality and another to use at totality. Regardless, if you're after the shots I'm after (pearls, solar corona) its worth while to have the camera on the tripod pointed in the general direction with a cable release/remote. A good suggestion was to use a light-colored towel or sheet (or ?) to cover the camera while on the tripod, but not actively taking photos. That just helps keep your equipment from getting really hot in the baking sun. Serious folks around me have done dry runs already. I think there was a day in March or April when the sun was following the same path in the sky as during the August eclipse day. These serious guys took that opportunity to get exact positioning, etc. I guess I wasn't that serious. I'll still hope to get good images.
I'm using a 400mm lens on FF Nikon for sun-specific images (such as the Baily's beads and solar corona). I also have 200, 180, and 135mm lenses ready for images where the sun is smaller in the frame and I want some foreground/additional subject. And of course I will have a camera handy with a 50mm lens. Examples I have seen online show that even images shot with a 50mm lens can reasonably show that there is an eclipse going on, however the photo will clearly be an "environmental shot", much like an environmental portrait.
You can certainly project images of the sun (through a lens) to view the event. A properly focused image shouldn't be hot enough to catch paper on fire, but it will be warm, and so maybe another white surface? I've seen white tile or formica used during partial eclipses recently. Also know that pointing a lens at the sun to project the image on paper/tile/formica/whatever will heat the elements in the lens -- the sun is much more energetic that many people give it credit for. You'll want to use a lens that can handle that (no plastic elements), and preferably in a metal mount. But, you don't really need to use a lens at all. The pinhole concept really shines here. A piece of thick cardboard with a 1-inch hole in the center, and a small square of aluminum foil (prefer the heavy-duty thickness) over that hole, and a pinhole in the foil (make with a perfectly round sewing needle) is pretty good. I haven't done it myself for some years now, but I seem to remember that the pinhole can be larger than what you'd find on a pinhole camera. See this site for more detail than I can remember http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/how-to-look-at-the-sun/
My town is a medium sized western US town (55,000 people, which is too many for my liking). We're expecting anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 people in and around the town on eclipse day. Yes, I was careful to type those numbers correctly. That's a lot of people. The impact is going to be....interesting. People all over town who have an extra guest bedroom in their house have an opportunity to rent it out. I have one, but I'm reluctant to do that. However, I haven't heard what the going rate is.... I could be swayed to change my mind
I know of two manufacturers/brands of safe solar filter film: Baader AstroSolar and Thousand Oaks Optical. Of course, there might be others, but these are the "big 2".My wife and I made our own solar filter using a foil that was available from
http://agenaastro.com/solar-astrono...ar-film-sheets/shopby/baader_planetarium.html
We made cardboard "cup" mounts that slip over the front end of the lens. Low tech, but they can be slipped right off when totality arrives without any time-consuming fuss.
http://astrosolar.com/en/informatio...ve-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/
http://www.ericteske.com/2014/10/10-diy-solar-filter-for-dslr-camera.html
Also mentioned above, you do not need a filter at totality. In fact, if you want to make photographs during totality, you'll need to remove any solar filters. What's more, it will be dark enough that you'll be using some low-light settings. Perhaps 1/60-f/4 or so. I intend to get an image of the solar corona at this time, and I'm told the shutter speed-aperture combination for good exposure may surprise me.
My rough guide to photographing the eclipse:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-an...niques/how-to-photograph-a-solar-eclipse.html
Advice has been to have cameras set up ahead of time. Its been suggested to have one camera for use before/after totality and another to use at totality. Regardless, if you're after the shots I'm after (pearls, solar corona) its worth while to have the camera on the tripod pointed in the general direction with a cable release/remote. A good suggestion was to use a light-colored towel or sheet (or ?) to cover the camera while on the tripod, but not actively taking photos. That just helps keep your equipment from getting really hot in the baking sun. Serious folks around me have done dry runs already. I think there was a day in March or April when the sun was following the same path in the sky as during the August eclipse day. These serious guys took that opportunity to get exact positioning, etc. I guess I wasn't that serious. I'll still hope to get good images.
I'm using a 400mm lens on FF Nikon for sun-specific images (such as the Baily's beads and solar corona). I also have 200, 180, and 135mm lenses ready for images where the sun is smaller in the frame and I want some foreground/additional subject. And of course I will have a camera handy with a 50mm lens. Examples I have seen online show that even images shot with a 50mm lens can reasonably show that there is an eclipse going on, however the photo will clearly be an "environmental shot", much like an environmental portrait.
You can certainly project images of the sun (through a lens) to view the event. A properly focused image shouldn't be hot enough to catch paper on fire, but it will be warm, and so maybe another white surface? I've seen white tile or formica used during partial eclipses recently. Also know that pointing a lens at the sun to project the image on paper/tile/formica/whatever will heat the elements in the lens -- the sun is much more energetic that many people give it credit for. You'll want to use a lens that can handle that (no plastic elements), and preferably in a metal mount. But, you don't really need to use a lens at all. The pinhole concept really shines here. A piece of thick cardboard with a 1-inch hole in the center, and a small square of aluminum foil (prefer the heavy-duty thickness) over that hole, and a pinhole in the foil (make with a perfectly round sewing needle) is pretty good. I haven't done it myself for some years now, but I seem to remember that the pinhole can be larger than what you'd find on a pinhole camera. See this site for more detail than I can remember http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/how-to-look-at-the-sun/
My town is a medium sized western US town (55,000 people, which is too many for my liking). We're expecting anywhere from 300,000 to 500,000 people in and around the town on eclipse day. Yes, I was careful to type those numbers correctly. That's a lot of people. The impact is going to be....interesting. People all over town who have an extra guest bedroom in their house have an opportunity to rent it out. I have one, but I'm reluctant to do that. However, I haven't heard what the going rate is.... I could be swayed to change my mind
dmr
Registered Abuser
For those who care, I tried a few test shots this afternoon with the solar ND filter.
Test exposures at ISO 200 f5.6 and 1/250 to 1/1000 seem to work out the best. This gave me a good "feel" for shooting the sun directly.
These were done right after work, afternoon bright sun with some wispy clouds. 1/1000 and 1/250 respectively.
Test exposures at ISO 200 f5.6 and 1/250 to 1/1000 seem to work out the best. This gave me a good "feel" for shooting the sun directly.
These were done right after work, afternoon bright sun with some wispy clouds. 1/1000 and 1/250 respectively.
Bill Clark
Veteran
ornate_wrasse
Moderator
I live in Oregon, not far from the path of totality. Next week I will be attending a class at Oregon State University in Corvallis taught by astrophysicists on how to best capture the eclipse. In the class, we will be making solar filters. I plan to use the filter(s) I will make.
My friends have scouted out a location already and taken test images at the time of day the eclipse will happen. I will be joining them.
I may possibly rent a telephoto lens but not sure about that. If I do rent a long lens, I'll use it with my D300. I'll definitely be taking a landscape image with my 35-70 lens and my D700. The site my friends have selected is over water so should be a good shot. (Keeping fingers crossed!)
I'll also be attending a class this Monday at Pro Photo Supply on the eclipse and hopefully that will also be of help.
I still need to buy the glasses I'll need to watch the event before and after totality.
My friends have scouted out a location already and taken test images at the time of day the eclipse will happen. I will be joining them.
I may possibly rent a telephoto lens but not sure about that. If I do rent a long lens, I'll use it with my D300. I'll definitely be taking a landscape image with my 35-70 lens and my D700. The site my friends have selected is over water so should be a good shot. (Keeping fingers crossed!)
I'll also be attending a class this Monday at Pro Photo Supply on the eclipse and hopefully that will also be of help.
I still need to buy the glasses I'll need to watch the event before and after totality.
Beemermark
Veteran
Ya'll need to be looking in the other direction, that's were the aliens are landing
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
If you want to watch and not set your eyes on fire, you can make a projector that won't break the bank.
A big cardboard box--16x12x10 inches or so. Big enough to be able to put a letter sized piece of paper on the inside of one of the two smaller sides. On the opposite side from the paper mount a pinhole. Leave the top of the box open. Point the pinhole side of the box at the sun and watch the projection.
Rob
A big cardboard box--16x12x10 inches or so. Big enough to be able to put a letter sized piece of paper on the inside of one of the two smaller sides. On the opposite side from the paper mount a pinhole. Leave the top of the box open. Point the pinhole side of the box at the sun and watch the projection.
Rob
willie_901
Veteran
I'm going to enjoy the entire experience and not have my mind distracted by making photographs. A lot more happens than just how the sun looks.
Although taking those practice/test shots will definitely help a great deal. I think the two-camera solution mentioned above would also be worth it.
I suspect there will be thousands of fabulous photographs
Although taking those practice/test shots will definitely help a great deal. I think the two-camera solution mentioned above would also be worth it.
I suspect there will be thousands of fabulous photographs