Can I take a pic of PEOPLE during the eclipse with the sun in frame?
April 5, 2024 10:07 AM Subscribe
I am confused about photographing the eclipse with my phone. I'm not interesting in trying to get a great landscape shot or anything as I know plenty of professionals will do better than I. But if I want to get some family shots of selfies with the sun in frame is that ok? During totality? During partiality?
I am confused about this because I don't think I've ever worried before about having the sun in frame in a picture and supposedly the sun is no more dangerous during the eclipse than during other times. So can I have a shot with the sun in frame just like I might accidentally get any other day? There are a million sunset pictures that don't burn the phone electronics, right? and those are pointed right at the sun front and centre.
I am confused about this because I don't think I've ever worried before about having the sun in frame in a picture and supposedly the sun is no more dangerous during the eclipse than during other times. So can I have a shot with the sun in frame just like I might accidentally get any other day? There are a million sunset pictures that don't burn the phone electronics, right? and those are pointed right at the sun front and centre.
According to Hank Green, the danger is that it SEEMS like it should be safer to look at, but it is not, and if you look at it too long, you WILL burn your retina. Lemme find the link:
Answering your Eclipse Questions
posted by Glinn at 10:39 AM on April 5
Answering your Eclipse Questions
posted by Glinn at 10:39 AM on April 5
It is technically possible that pointing a camera directly at the sun can cause camera damage, but under normal usage and brief sun exposure it's pretty rare. The eclipse isn't any more likely to cause damage than the normal sun.
(If using an SLR camera, which passes light directly into the viewfinder, you'd want to use eclipse glasses or a solar filter, to protect your own eyes. But no need to worry about this with a phone.)
posted by mekily at 10:43 AM on April 5 [1 favorite]
(If using an SLR camera, which passes light directly into the viewfinder, you'd want to use eclipse glasses or a solar filter, to protect your own eyes. But no need to worry about this with a phone.)
posted by mekily at 10:43 AM on April 5 [1 favorite]
Just be aware the sun most likely won't be big enough in the photo to see that any part of it is obscured unless you are in totality and then it might be too dark to get a family photo. The bright parts of a partial eclipse will overwhelm any blocked parts of the sun unless you have a pretty decent zoom.
My most interesting shots from the previous eclipse were shadows on the ground - you could see the partial eclipse in between leaf shadows and it was very cool. Some sort of pinhole lens effect was going on.
posted by TheAdamist at 10:50 AM on April 5 [7 favorites]
My most interesting shots from the previous eclipse were shadows on the ground - you could see the partial eclipse in between leaf shadows and it was very cool. Some sort of pinhole lens effect was going on.
posted by TheAdamist at 10:50 AM on April 5 [7 favorites]
You can try taking a picture of yourself with the sun in shot right now and you'll see why you have a problem with relative sizing. It won't be very big next to the people even if you do manage to catch it looking weird.
And seconding TheAdamist on the shadows. Last time there was a partial eclipse around here I got a ridiculously good photo by taking a pic of the shadow of a vegetable strainer, of all things. You just need something with relatively small, reasonably well separated holes; they don't have to be literal pinholes.
For me, the amazing thing at totality was not the sun. It was the all-around sunset. That is worth getting a picture of.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 12:56 PM on April 5 [1 favorite]
And seconding TheAdamist on the shadows. Last time there was a partial eclipse around here I got a ridiculously good photo by taking a pic of the shadow of a vegetable strainer, of all things. You just need something with relatively small, reasonably well separated holes; they don't have to be literal pinholes.
For me, the amazing thing at totality was not the sun. It was the all-around sunset. That is worth getting a picture of.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 12:56 PM on April 5 [1 favorite]
It also happens quick! Take photos before of family fun and weird shadows and then really soak in the brief moments of totality and marvel at the quality of light, the sounds of nature going quiet, the people around you marveling at the moment!
posted by amanda at 2:50 PM on April 5 [1 favorite]
posted by amanda at 2:50 PM on April 5 [1 favorite]
We were in a park in Greenville, SC for the eclipse in 2017. Right before total darkness all the streetlights in the area came on. So much for total darkness - my pictures were not very impressive.
posted by LiverOdor at 9:11 PM on April 5
posted by LiverOdor at 9:11 PM on April 5
WaPo: How to take a good photo of the solar eclipse on your phone
(gift link)
posted by Rash at 10:14 AM on April 6
(gift link)
posted by Rash at 10:14 AM on April 6
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posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 10:20 AM on April 5