This past August, I ventured to northern Spain to photograph a unique solar eclipse. While many focused on capturing the brief moment of totality, I aimed to document the entire progression through a timelapse, pursuing every subtle shift. The challenges included rapidly changing exposure levels and the need to scout the perfect location a day before the event. Undeterred, I embraced the challenge.
Choosing Spain amid uncertainty and pursuing elusive moments
Spain was chosen over Iceland due to overcast predictions, thanks to an astronomer friend’s advice. However, the looming threat of wildfires brought concerns about air quality. Upon arrival, I found the conditions were better than anticipated. Although some haze lingered, no heavy smoke clouded our area, allowing a clear although atmospheric view of the eclipse, perfect for documenting each moment.
Finding the perfect vantage point
The quest for an ideal spot in northern Spain was daunting, but the small village of Tabanera de Cerrato offered a solution. We stumbled upon a radio tower on a hilltop, which provided a perfect overlook. Using my Sun Seeker app, I confirmed the sun would align beautifully with a line of windmills during the eclipse, creating an impressive foreground and scale for the event, vital for capturing those moments.
Exploring the area, we quickly realized that securing a high vantage point was crucial. High ground would allow better viewing time and keep us above any residual smoke. We wanted to avoid crowded tourist spots, so the remote radio tower location was perfect for this endeavor.
Essential gear for capturing celestial moments
My equipment included the reliable Fujifilm X-H2, prized for its 40-megapixel sensor which balanced resolution with portability when paired with the XF150-600mm f/5.6-8 lens. Despite its size, it was perfect for this ambitious project.
To enhance my setup, I borrowed teleconverters, a 2x and a 1.4x, to ensure adequate reach for the sun. I tested them right before the event to check framing and sharpness and optimal sharpness, essential for capturing the eclipse effectively.
Additionally, I brought along a Benro Bat One carbon fiber tripod for support. Its lightweight nature required careful balancing to avoid overload, especially important since the weather was calm during our scouting. For filtration, I carried both a 1,000 ND and a 100,000 ND filter to manage the intense sunlight during the eclipse without damaging my camera’s sensor.
The celestial moment
As the eclipse approached, I decided against the 100,000 ND filter during totality since the sun’s corona would be too faint. I turned off auto exposure for better control, knowing it wouldn’t capture the necessary details otherwise. Simplifying the setup, I opted against using the 2x teleconverter due to the sun’s rapid movement across the frame. This was key for capturing the process in real-time.
When the eclipse began, a small bite was missing from the sun, and it quickly advanced. At 90-95% totality, exposure rapidly dropped — my cue to adjust the filter and timelapse interval. While I fumbled a bit with settings, adapting on the fly was crucial for success.
Processing the cosmic footage
Editing the footage presented challenges due to fluctuating exposures. Although manual exposure helped initially, it complicated transitions. LRTimelapse, a renowned timelapse app, aided in rectifying the varying exposures, though it required considerable manual keyframing, crucial for maintaining uniformity.
Stabilizing the sequence without the aid of a motion-control rig posed another hurdle. I used a script to provide a stable center point for the sun, albeit imperfectly, saving significant manual effort.
Lessons learned for future celestial pursuits
Reflecting on this endeavor, I’m satisfied with the results despite the complexities. A motion-control rig for future eclipses will ease framing challenges, and refining auto exposure will minimize post-processing. This experience was a remarkable journey in both photography and learning, continually pursuing elusive moments along the way.
For those eager to capture similar events, 3 essential photography tips for beginners can help you prepare for your next celestial pursuit.
I hope you found value in this journey and are inspired for your future timelapse adventures. Stay tuned for more insights from the field, as we continue to capture nature’s wonders.
And if you’re interested in other celestial phenomena, consider exploring ESA’s Euclid mission discoveries that reveal unprecedented details of the Milky Way.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What equipment was used to photograph the solar eclipse?
The equipment included a Fujifilm X-H2 camera with an XF150-600mm f/5.6-8 lens. Teleconverters, a Benro Bat One carbon fiber tripod, and various ND filters were also used.
Why was Spain chosen over Iceland for photographing the eclipse?
Spain was chosen over Iceland due to overcast predictions in Iceland, advised by an astronomer friend. Despite concerns about wildfires, the air quality was better than expected.
How did the location in Spain help in capturing the eclipse?
In Tabanera de Cerrato, a radio tower on a hilltop provided a perfect vantage point. The location offered alignment with a line of windmills, creating an impressive foreground for capturing the eclipse.