Solar Eclipse 2024

Having the privilege to witness the total solar eclipse is truly a moment of jubilation for me. The moment where the Moon entirely covered the Sun, casting a captivating shadow over Earth, the sky darkened dramatically and the Sun's corona emerged was such a breathtaking sight to behold. This event exclusively unfolds during a new moon.

I was lucky to be positioned at the perfect location on Earth at Parc Jean-Drapeau, in Montreal, to witness this spectacle which provided an ideal setting for eclipse viewing. With its unobstructed vantage points and exquisite weather, it offered an enchanting backdrop for this celestial event.

Photographing totality presents a unique challenge that cannot be fully rehearsed beforehand. However, I ensured all my equipment were prepared, including a telephoto lens, 10 f-stops ND filter, and a sturdy tripod.

The eclipse commenced around 2:14 pm, transitioning into totality by 3:26 pm, and concluded at approximately 4:36 pm. below are images that I captured during the phase of totality showing Baily's beads, Corona and the Diamond Ring.

The inner corona, shining as brightly as the full Moon, contrasts sharply with the much dimmer outer corona, which is less than 100th as bright. Attempting to capture this wide dynamic range in a single exposure is futile. Therefore, eclipse photographers, myself included, opt to shoot a sequence of exposures using fixed ISO and f-stop settings. These exposures range from very short to very long, providing the best opportunity to capture the intricate details of the magnificent solar corona. By employing this method, I aimed to maximize my chances of encapsulating all facets of this extraordinary celestial event and I can say that I succeeded.

Below are a few more pictures that I have captured of the different phases of the eclipse.