Total(it)y incredible eclipse.

2024
Personal photos - eclipse composite

The total solar eclipse - April 8, 2024. What to say…
There was so much hype, but did it live up to the hype? Totality!

After photographing the annular eclipse in the fall, I planned to get a little more variety in my shots this go around, other than the standard shots to make a composite, such as the shot through the eclipse glasses and some that encompassed the full scene. One such shot (in the carousel below) ended up being a reflection in a galvanized tub outside of the donkey/pony corral where I was shooting in Northeast Texas. I looked down and there was a shot, just waiting to be captured. No creativity on my part at all, but I love it!

So that begs the question…with the eclipse being so spectacular in itself, was trying to get more variety in my photos or being more creative adding any value to the experience? In fact, maybe even messing with the gear and technicality of it all detracted from just being in the moment and witnessing the rare sight.

I guess I can see both sides of the coin. I regret (a little bit) not being fully present with my family to experience totality. But five days later, I also still enjoy seeing each new photo that’s shared of the eclipse from various viewpoints, and I’m awed and inspired by the planning that went into the creation of each one.

Enough with the philosophical thoughts (note to self). Now, please enjoy my view of the eclipse.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.

Psalm 119: 1-4