On April 8, North America will witness a total solar eclipse – a phenomenon that won't happen again under similar conditions for another 20 years. During this event, people in the 115-mile-wide path of totality will experience several minutes of darkness as the moon completely blocks out the sun. It's a unique opportunity for skywatchers to witness nature's spectacular show.
If you are lucky enough to be in the path of the solar eclipse, want to snap some photos of it, and happen to own a Pixel phone, you are in for a treat. Google is offering some handy tips on how to capture the magic of the eclipse with your Pixel. While the tips are primarily geared towards the Pixel 8 series, they should also do the trick for other models.
Probably not surprising, but basically, the main advice is to rely on your Pixel phone because the Pixel 8 camera packs some seriously awesome automatic features. However, if you don't want to just shoot in auto mode, Michael Specht, a photography expert and a Pixel Camera Product Manager, recommends experimenting with the Pro Controls on your Pixel 8 Pro camera. This includes tweaking settings such as ISO, exposure time, focus, brightness, and shutter speed for some extra creative flair.
Image Credit–Google
When it comes to focusing, snapping shots of the sun can be tricky for any camera. Here's the tip: try tapping where different elements meet in the frame, like where the sky meets the sun's edge, to get the best focus. Once you've got it, just tap and hold the screen to lock the focus. And if tapping ain't doing the trick, you can always go manual by adjusting the slider in Pro Controls.
Here are a couple of tips to keep your phone steady while taking photos. If you've got a Pixel Watch, for example, you can use the Google Camera app on your watch to control your phone from afar. Alternatively, if you prefer a hands-on approach, try this:
Tap the photo settings button on the bottom left of your phone screen in the Camera app
Set a timer for 3 or 10 seconds
The shutter will automatically snap after the countdown.
Also, practice a gentle thumb press in advance – the on-screen Shutter button doesn’t need much pressure to take a shot.
Even though Pixel phones are great for astrophotography, Michael Specht suggests not using this feature during the total eclipse. Why? Well, sometimes it takes up to 4 minutes for the exposure, and guess what? Totality lasts around or less than 4 minutes, depending on where you are. You wouldn't want to miss out on the entire eclipse just for one photo, right?
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Now, let's talk about experimenting, which often leads to the best shots. Try out different photo compositions – for instance, instead of sticking the eclipse dead center in your pic, play around with the camera app's grid tool. Use the "rule of thirds" in photography to compose your shot. To get started:
Turn on the grid in your Pixel camera app
Tap the Settings button down in the bottom left corner
Position the eclipse where the lines intersect on the grid
Image Credit–Google
Last but not least, Google suggests packing a charger and maybe even an extra battery pack. Don't forget eye protection, too, so you can safely check out and snap pics of the sun before totality hits. Oh, and here is a friendly reminder: never look directly at the sun, especially during the longer stages of the partial eclipse. So, if you are lucky enough to be in the path of the solar eclipse, enjoy the celestial show.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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