May 10, 2017 | 11365 Views | By Hudson Henry

Total Eclipse 2017: What, Where, When & How

This August 21st a really special solar Eclipse is coming to the United States. It is a total eclipse crossing from Oregon to South Carolina. This is a huge event and a great opportunity for us as photographers to capture something really unique and spectacular. The last time a total eclipse was visible from the U.S. outside of Alaska or Hawaii was way back in 1979 here over the Pacific Northwest. Of course February clouds obscured it.

In this eclipse lesson, I’ll explain why this total solar eclipse is so special, share some online maps and electronic scouting tools to help you plan where and how to photograph it, go over what gear you’ll need to get the best eclipse images possible and talk about some camera settings and technical strategies to capture those images. It’s sort of a bonus Approaching the Scene episode all about this Eclipse.
You may notice that I’m not talking as directly to the community as normal in this video. That’s because its being shared in some places outside of Plus, but I wanted to share it with you guys here as well. To make sure you don’t miss this kind of stuff when I post outside of Plus, you can subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
SAFTEY NOTE: I put this video out via YouTube months ago and manufacturer safety recommendations have changed. You should use at least a 16-stop filter to protect your sensor while live viewing the sun for extended periods and you should not look through an optical viewfinder even with that filtration. That’s the reason for using the live view. For mirrorless cameras, live view is the default of course.
If you have more questions please don’t hesitate to ask me.
Here are some links to the tools and products I recommend in the video.
Interactive Google map of the eclipse
My eclipse workshop (only 1 spot remains)
The Photographer’s Ephemeris
Sun Surveyor for Android & iOS
My fluid head video (why I love them for stills)
Eclipse glasses to protect your eyes
BorrowLenses is providing ON1 an exclusive discount this month! Use coupon code ON1GET30 and receive $30 off of first time rentals on purchases $50 or more, expires May 31st.


6 comments on “Total Eclipse 2017: What, Where, When & How”

  1. On May 10, 2017 at 5:44 pm keithsnyder@charter.net wrote:

    keithsnyder@charter.net

    Interesting video, as always. I’m hoping to drive down into the path. It’s the day before my birthday.
    I’m SO glad you listed the BorrowLenses link! I figured that I was pretty much outta luck as a Sony owner (a77ii) when it came to trying out a better lens than I can justify buying right now. Thanks.

    1. On May 12, 2017 at 11:13 am Hudson Henry replied:

      Hudson Henry

      Wow, what a cool birthday present! Yeah BorrowLenses is a great option for things like this.

  2. On May 12, 2017 at 6:03 am Jill wrote:

    Jill

    Though I doubt I will try to photograph the eclipse (won’t be full where I am), I already have my eclipse glasses (through EarthSky News) and all the other information you provided here will prove useful, too. Thanks.

    1. On May 12, 2017 at 11:15 am Hudson Henry replied:

      Hudson Henry

      Nice! I hope you enjoy it to the hilt.

  3. On May 30, 2017 at 3:32 pm karl wrote:

    karl

    I very inspirational video. I just booked travel to Dallas, OR for a few days around Aug 21.
    Now I have to figure out how to fit my tripod into my suitcase.

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