On the evening of 12 August 2026, millions of people will turn their eyes to the sky. One of the most spectacular total solar eclipses of the coming decades will sweep across the North Atlantic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. Along Spain’s northern coast in particular, from Asturias through Cantabria to the Basque Country, thousands of amateur and professional photographers will gather to capture this rare celestial event.
Depending on the location, totality will last for up to about two minutes. During these brief moments, daylight turns into an eerie twilight, temperatures drop noticeably, stars become visible, and the delicate solar corona appears around the darkened Sun. For photographers, this means there is no second chance. Careful preparation is essential.
Safety First
Throughout all partial phases, the Sun must only be photographed using a suitable solar filter. The same applies when observing through a camera viewfinder, binoculars, or a telescope. The filter may only be removed during totality itself—and it must be replaced immediately after totality ends.
Preparing Your Camera
Whether you are using a mirrorless camera, a DSLR, or a high-quality bridge camera, manual exposure mode (M), RAW image format, and a sturdy tripod are strongly recommended.
When working with long focal lengths, image stabilization should be switched off while the camera is mounted on a tripod. A remote shutter release or interval timer helps prevent camera shake and makes it easier to work during the hectic seconds of totality.
Autofocus systems may also struggle shortly before totality. It is therefore advisable to focus precisely in advance and then switch to manual focus..
Exposure During Totality
The brightness of the solar corona varies enormously—from the dazzling inner corona to the extremely faint outer structures. A single exposure can rarely capture this entire dynamic range.
For this reason, exposure bracketing is highly recommended. Many cameras offer automatic exposure bracketing, while others allow photographers to adjust shutter speeds manually throughout totality.
Typical exposure times at ISO 100 and an aperture between f/8 and f/11 are:
| Subject | Exposure Time |
| Diamond Ring | 1/2000–1/1000 s |
| Prominences | 1/500–1/250 s |
| Inner Corona | 1/125–1/30 s |
| Middle Corona | 1/15–1/4 s |
| Outer Corona | 1/2–2 s |
These values are intended only as general guidelines. Adjustments may be necessary depending on the lens, camera sensor, and atmospheric conditions.
Which Focal Length Is Best?
A telephoto lens of around 200 mm is already sufficient to capture the Sun at a useful size. Photographers wishing to reveal the finest details of the corona generally prefer focal lengths between 400 and 800 mm.
Equally impressive, however, are wide-angle images that include the eclipsed Sun together with the surrounding landscape, the colourful horizon, or people’s reactions. For this reason, many photographers work with two cameras simultaneously.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Moment
As tempting as it is to concentrate on taking perfect photographs, totality lasts only a few minutes. Anyone who spends the entire time looking at a camera display may miss the most emotional part of the experience.
Many experienced eclipse photographers therefore automate as much of the process as possible by programming their cameras in advance or using interval shooting. This leaves enough time to admire the solar corona with their own eyes—an unforgettable sight that photographs can never fully reproduce.
Eclipse Day Checklist
- Check your camera and lenses the day before.
- Fully charge all batteries and bring spares.
- Pack sufficient memory cards.
- Test your tripod and remote shutter release.
- Securely attach the solar filter.
- Rehearse your shooting sequence several times beforehand.
- Monitor the weather and arrive at your location well in advance.
- Remove the solar filter only during totality and replace it immediately afterwards.
The total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 will be one of the most remarkable natural events of this decade. With careful preparation, the right equipment, and a little practice, you have an excellent chance not only of returning home with spectacular photographs, but also of experiencing one of those rare moments that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal