How do you eclipse?
2023
Personal photos
When the last total eclipse happened (2017), I wasn’t prepared. I tried to buy a solar eclipse filter for my camera last-minute, but they were obviously sold out. And I wasn’t committed enough for a cross-country trip to visit the path of totality anyway. Instead, I bought some funny steam-punk-esque goggles that were supposedly rated for eclipse-viewing on Amazon and took cautious glimpses like the rest of Houston. But I made a plan! April 8, 2024 was marked on my calendar, because this time I wanted to be ready to shoot.
2001 or 2002?
Personal work
Once upon a time (when I was 16 or 17), I shot a solar eclipse with my first SLR, a silver Canon Rebel 2000 and probably the kit lens. I doubt I had a solar eclipse filter, but I was a baby photographer who had no clue about anything. Anyway, the result is…well, what it is. Nice first try, I suppose, eh?
And then, I suppose I ignored all eclipses until 2017. I don’t know… [insert my favorite emoji here - the girl shrugging]
Well…when the annular eclipse was happening in October, I wanted a test run at shooting that eclipse. I bought my solar eclipse filter extra early and a pack of glasses for the family too. The eclipse coincided with my husband’s family’s Halloween party, so all of the in-laws and cousins grabbed paper glasses and took occasional glances. But most weren’t as interested in committing a couple of hours to watch it from start to finish. Oh well…I didn’t mind shooting in mostly peace and quiet ;)
Anyway, photographing that eclipse was a nice test run for the one next month, since my in-laws’ property is in the path of totality. I’m looking forward to experiencing it and sharing the results here. Stay tuned. Mark your calendars, so you can watch it unfold as well. How will you eclipse?
