A solar eclipse is one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical events you can witness - and if you're lucky, you may experience a handful in your lifetime. People travel across the globe for their chance to see this phenomenon, and it's over within moments. Preparation is everything if you want to capture it on camera.
Last updated: May 2026
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, causing those standing in the moon's shadow to experience a moment of eerie darkness - as if everything on Earth stands still. This phenomenon is possible due to a remarkable coincidence: the Sun is 400 times the size of our Moon, but also 400 times further away. Without this, the eclipse wouldn't appear so perfectly total.
Upcoming Solar Eclipses Visible from Australia
Australia has some exciting eclipses on the horizon:
- 22 July 2028 - Total Solar Eclipse: The most significant upcoming eclipse for Australians. The path of totality passes directly over Sydney, making this a once-in-a-generation event for the east coast. The total phase will last approximately 3 minutes 40 seconds - plenty of time to capture stunning images if you're prepared.
- Partial eclipses: Several partial solar eclipses will be visible from various parts of Australia between now and 2028. Check timeanddate.com for the latest eclipse calendar and visibility maps for your location.
Mark your calendar and start planning now - the 2028 Sydney eclipse in particular is expected to draw enormous crowds. Keen on other astronomical events? Our guide to the Leonids meteor shower is worth bookmarking for your sky-watching calendar.
The Best Solar Eclipse Photography & Viewing Equipment
Whether you're attending as a casual observer or aiming for professional-level images, here's the essential gear to consider:
- Eclipse Glasses: First and most importantly - NEVER stare directly at the sun, or through your camera's optical viewfinder, without proper protection. This can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2 certified) are essential for safe naked-eye viewing during all partial phases.
- Telescopes & Binoculars: Both telescopes and binoculars can provide a closer view of the eclipse - but only when fitted with a certified solar filter. Never use these devices to view the sun without one.
- Smartphone Holder: If you own a telescope, a smartphone adapter lets you use its magnification to capture detailed eclipse images with your phone. Some telescopes include a holder; others require a separate adapter.
- Digital Camera: Any camera can capture an eclipse, but magnification is key. A compact camera with a small zoom will render the eclipse as a tiny dot in the frame. For impactful images, use a superzoom compact (such as the Nikon P1000) or a mirrorless or DSLR camera with a telephoto lens.
- Telephoto Lens: A long telephoto lens is essential for filling the frame with the eclipse. The longer the focal length, the more dramatic the result. If you already have a telephoto zoom, consider extending your reach with a teleconverter.
- Tripod: When working with long focal lengths, a sturdy tripod is non-negotiable. It eliminates blur and helps you maintain consistent framing across a sequence of shots throughout the event.
- ND Filters: With your camera pointed at the sun, you'll be dealing with an overwhelming amount of light during the partial phases. An ND filter cuts down the light and allows a manageable shutter speed. Important: remove the ND filter during totality, or you'll underexpose the corona entirely.
Camera Settings for Solar Eclipse Photography
- Use Manual Mode: Full manual control (or at minimum aperture priority) is essential. You'll need to adjust settings as the eclipse progresses and lighting conditions change dramatically.
- Start with Low ISO: ISO 100 allows fast shutter speeds when pointing at the bright sun and keeps noise to a minimum.
- Use a Fast Shutter Speed: During the partial phases with the sun exposed, start at 1/1000s or faster. As totality approaches and darkness falls, be ready to drop your shutter speed significantly - practice this transition beforehand.
- Use a Moderate Aperture: Aim for f/5.6-f/8 - the sweet spot of most lenses - for sharp, well-exposed images with room to adjust ISO and shutter speed.
- Shoot in RAW: RAW files give you far more latitude in post-processing to adjust exposure, white balance, and contrast without degrading image quality.
How to Photograph a Solar Eclipse: Step-by-Step Overview
Approaching eclipse day with a clear plan is what separates a keeper from a missed moment. Here's the core workflow to follow:
- Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod with your telephoto lens attached and solar filter fitted — do this well before the eclipse begins.
- Compose your shot using live view (never the optical viewfinder when pointing at the sun). Centre the sun with room to track its movement across the frame.
- Set Manual mode: start at ISO 100, f/8, and 1/1000s for the partial phases — then adjust as lighting shifts. Full settings guidance is in the Camera Settings section above.
- Shoot continuously through each phase, bracketing exposures at key stages: first contact, maximum coverage, and — if you're in the path of totality — the moments just before and after totality when Baily's Beads and the diamond ring effect appear.
- At totality only: remove the solar filter immediately and drop your shutter speed to capture the corona. Replace the filter the instant totality ends.
Practise this entire sequence at home before eclipse day so every transition is instinctive under pressure.
General Solar Eclipse Photography Tips
- Find a Good Vantage Point Early: The full event lasts several hours, so arrive early to secure a comfortable spot with an unobstructed view of the sky and enough space to safely set up your gear.
- Prepare for Rapid Lighting Changes: For most of the event, changes are gradual - but when totality hits, you'll need to act fast. Know your settings changes in advance and practise them so you're not caught off guard.
- Take Plenty of Shots: Use a high-capacity memory card and carry spare batteries. Shoot at each stage of the eclipse, vary your framing and composition, and bracket your exposures so you have options when editing.
- Practise Beforehand: Don't wait until eclipse day to test your gear. Do a full dry run - set up your tripod, dial in your settings, and practise switching between partial and totality configurations so everything is second nature on the day.
Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Eclipse Photography
Is it safe to photograph a solar eclipse?
Yes - with the right precautions. Never look through an optical viewfinder pointed at the sun without a certified solar filter. Use your camera's live view screen instead, and fit a solar filter to your lens during all partial phases. During totality only, it is safe to remove the solar filter briefly to capture the corona.
What focal length do I need to photograph a solar eclipse?
The longer the better - see the Equipment section above for our specific focal length recommendations and why teleconverters can help.
When is the next total solar eclipse visible from Australia?
See the Upcoming Solar Eclipses section above for the full schedule - the next major total eclipse passes directly over Sydney.
Do I need a special filter for eclipse photography?
Yes - see the Equipment section above for the specific certified filter standard you need and when totality allows you to remove it.
Can I photograph a solar eclipse with a smartphone?
Yes, though results will be limited without magnification - see the Equipment section above for smartphone-specific attachment options.
Start Preparing Now
With the 2028 Sydney total solar eclipse on the horizon, now is the perfect time to build your eclipse photography kit. If you enjoy photographing the night sky beyond eclipses, our beginner's guide to astrophotography covers Milky Way, Aurora Australis, and more. Explore our range of telephoto lenses, telescopes, tripods, and camera filters at Ted's Cameras - or visit your nearest store for expert advice on putting together the perfect setup.
See our roundup of the best tripods for photography in 2026 to find the right one for your focal length and shooting style.