2024-04-08 04:00:00
A smartphone can immortalize the eclipse, provided you manage your expectations.
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Let’s be realistic. A smartphone, unless it is equipped with a telephoto lens, will not be able to capture the close-up eclipse well, that image that you have seen circulating everywhere for months.
On the other hand, you will be able to immortalize the scene, the moment, the emotion, keep a memory of this moment. Here are some tips for taking the best photo possible.
Focus on alternative sockets
Unless you use an optical telephoto lens, you will have difficulty capturing the close-up eclipse well with a cell phone.
We therefore suggest that you focus on atmospheric photos which will give you great memories.
Have fun taking various wide shots of the event, without pointing directly at the eclipse.
You will be able to immortalize the scenery, life during the eclipse, the darkness in broad daylight.
Have fun taking photos of the people looking at it.
It can be interesting to take a photo of the reflection of the eclipse in a person’s glasses.
For wide shots, it is interesting to integrate a symbol or a building to clearly identify the place where you were, for example, the Jacques-Cartier bridge.
Also pay attention to your surroundings. People might wear funny costumes and also some might be tempted to make marriage proposals.
To take these atmospheric photos, however, you will need to remove the protective filter from your device (see the “Make sure to protect your eyes and lens” section).
But be careful: taking a direct photo of the eclipse without a filter can seriously damage your device.
The brief moment of total darkness is better for the safety of your device, and still.
Focus manually
For focusing (focus) during the eclipse, we suggest focusing manually. You can do this by pressing your screen for more than two seconds directly at the place where you want the focus to be (i.e. the eclipse!) This will avoid changes in focus in the event, for example, that people walk past your smartphone.
Photo Adobe Stock
Practice before
If you have the chance, it would be a good idea to practice before the big moment. This will give you the opportunity to find the best place to take your photos and test your filter and settings. You will thus have more confidence in your means when the time comes, and you will reduce the risks of missing the chance to immortalize this rare phenomenon!
Do not use “digital zoom”
This is because it is not recommended to “digitally zoom” directly on the screen with two fingers to better see the eclipse. You will only lose quality by enlarging the image on your device in this way. The result is likely to be disappointing.
Those who own iPhone 15 Pro, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, and S23 can use the optical telephoto lenses built into the device.
Photo Adobe Stock
Be careful with selfies
We do not recommend taking selfies pointing directly at the eclipse. You risk damaging your device if you do not put a filter on the front camera of your cell phone. And if you put one on, you won’t see yourself on the screen. In short, to be avoided!
Make sure to protect your eyes and lens
To be able to photograph the eclipse directly, you must wear protective glasses and you must put a filter on your phone camera. Otherwise you risk damaging your device (and your eyes, obviously).
It is possible to obtain one online. Alternatively, you can always cut a protective eyeglass in half (if you have a second pair), then glue one half directly over your lens.
That’s without counting all the tutorials the internet is full of to help you make your own homemade filter.
If you have an optical telephoto lens for a smartphone, don’t forget to put a solar filter on top as well.
Photo Adobe Stock
Charge your phone
To avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure your smartphone battery is fully charged. If in doubt regarding the capabilities of your phone, you can always bring an external battery so you can charge it before or during the eclipse.
Use a tripod or stand
To avoid blurry photos or videos that move too much, we recommend that you install your smartphone on a tripod or small cell phone stand.
Photo AFP
A fashion paparazzi
Advice only for those whose cell phone has a telephoto lens and who can hope to take a close-up of the eclipse.
The total eclipse passes very quickly. To maximize your chances of capturing THE perfect moment, it’s best to take as many photos as possible during the critical moment of the total eclipse. So take at least one photo per second. Or, even better, use burst mode.
Look in your smartphone camera settings to enable this feature. With all your photos taken, you can make a collage of your best images.
- Listen to the interview with Yves Pinsonneault, professional photographer on Alexandre Dubé’s microphone via OLD:
1712682478
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