Brazilian photographer Kiko Fairbairn carefully planned for over a year during a total solar eclipse in northern Spain. After more than a year of preparation, Fairbairn’s experience culminated in a remarkable photo set against the backdrop of sunflower fields near Castrojeriz.
Fairbairn’s quest began when he arrived in Spain, using planning apps to align the eclipse’s path with local landscapes. The discovery of a vibrant sunflower field in proximity to an old church and castle ruins sparked his creative vision.
“When I saw that scene, everything clicked,” Fairbairn shares. His choice of location and composition aimed to tell a layered story through a simple yet powerful visual theme — the eclipsed Sun above sunflowers.
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The Allure of a Total Eclipse
Handling multiple camera setups, Fairbairn captured both detailed shots of the Sun using a 150-600mm telephoto lens with a solar filter, and wider landscape photos with his trusted Canon EOS 5D Mark III. His attentiveness to detail extended to using specific lenses for an expressive portrayal of the setting.
Adapting gear to suit the dynamic light changes of an eclipse, Fairbairn employed a method of bracketing exposures to ensure a rich dataset. This approach allowed him to focus less on technology and more on experiencing the eclipse.
“What really matters is pausing to appreciate the moment,” Fairbairn reflects. He witnessed 106 seconds of totality, choosing to appreciate the event as well as photograph it.
Technical Precision and Emotional Impact
Fairbairn’s deliberate technical choices included shooting nearly 300 frames with the dynamic lighting of an eclipse in mind. His system ran seamlessly due to careful power management and setup automation.
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together with his sister and close friends, Fairbairn enjoyed a shared experience that, connecting with the collective awe of observing such a rare celestial event.
The astrophotography aficionado finds inspiration in these cosmic alignments. His extensive experience in capturing deep-sky phenomena enriched his appreciation for the intricate dance between the cosmos and Earth.
“Witnessing an eclipse is more than a visual spectacle; it’s a observing such a rare celestial event,” he remarks, emphasizing the surreal and transformative nature of totality.
The Bigger Picture in Astrophotography
Fairbairn’s renowned astrophotography, published by prominent outlets and awarded by Astronomy Photographer of the Year, benefits from his precise timing and skill, making his eclipse adventure both a personal highlight and a professional triumph.
He aspires to share these experiences and insights through public talks, fostering a wider appreciation of the night sky and its wonders.
The camaraderie among fellow photographers and enthusiasts adds richness to his adventures, turning these moments into lifelong memories shared with kindred spirits.
“Achieving such a photograph is incredibly rewarding, but experiencing it with people you love is incomparable,” Fairbairn concludes, reflecting on how this solar event has deeply resonated with him.
Photos by Kiko Fairbairn (@kikofairbairn). Behind-the-scenes work by Fairbairn’s sister.
Sources & Links
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
How long did Kiko Fairbairn plan for the eclipse?
Brazilian photographer Kiko Fairbairn carefully planned for over a year during a total solar eclipse in northern Spain.
What kind of camera gear did Fairbairn use?
Fairbairn captured both detailed shots of the Sun using a 150-600mm telephoto lens with a solar filter and wider landscape photos with his trusted Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
What was unique about Fairbairn’s eclipse photography location?
Fairbairn’s creative vision was sparked by the discovery of a vibrant sunflower field near an old church and castle ruins, which he used as a backdrop to tell a layered story with the eclipsed Sun.