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Total solar eclipse: Capturing the spectacle the right way with your smartphone

Eclipse to cross U.S. on April 8

Crystal Marsh shows she took on her phone of the ring of fire eclipse in Eugene, Ore., on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Totality of the annular eclipse was at times visible with the naked eye because of the cloud cover. Marsh drove five miles from Seattle with her family in order to be in the eclipse path. (AP Photo/Claire Rush) (Claire Rush)

ORLANDO, Fla. – On Monday, April 8, millions of Americans will look up to the sky to get a glimpse of the total solar eclipse.

For those in the path of totality, the moon will completely block out the sun and bring complete darkness in the middle of the afternoon. While Central Florida won’t witness the main event, you’ll still be able to see the moon take a “bite” out of the sun during the partial solar eclipse.

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It’s the type of event that you’ll want to witness firsthand with your eyes (with the proper eyewear, of course), but since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, it’s worth capturing the moment.

Verizon Wireless has tips for taking eclipse pictures on your smartphone:

  • Turn off the flash.
  • Don’t zoom into the eclipse (but do use optical telephoto if you have that option, like on Google Pixel 8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24+, etc.)
  • Use burst mode to best capture the eclipse’s diamond ring.
  • If your smartphone has the ability to shoot in RAW mode, use it to capture a more natural eclipse.
  • Consider a smartphone lens cover to help you see the moon begin to eclipse the sun (and possibly spot some sunspots along the way).

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BONUS TIPS:

  • If you have a tripod and a smartwatch that can operate your phone’s camera, you can stabilize your shot in advance and then record with a corresponding app on your watch so you don’t have to disrupt your shot during filming.
  • There are also smartphone apps (including NASA’s) that can help you prepare for, track and safely enjoy the eclipse whether or not you’re on its path.
  • Learn how to adjust your phone’s iris so that you can manually tighten it to get better shots both leading up to and during the eclipse.

Verizon also says for the clearest photos, opt for the newest smartphones with high-resolution cameras and optical zoom capabilities.

Any photos you take, be sure to upload them to our PinIt! page.

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