Nearly two years ago, North America was treated to a celestial spectacle which was witnessed by millions as a total solar eclipse traversed the U.S. from Oregon to South Carolina. My husband and I were among the lucky ones, marveling at the sight for two glorious minutes in an exceptionally beautiful setting, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. I documented our preparations in a multi-part series: Part 1: Total solar eclipse preparation Part 2: Total solar eclipse eye protection Part 3: Total solar eclipse photographic … [Read more...] about Coming soon: The great South American eclipse
eclipse
2017 Great American Eclipse Follow Up!
Needless to say, the total solar eclipse of 2017 across the entire US was just spectacular! The experience of seeing the world go dark in midday, feeling the hot summer air become cool, and collectively feeling the magic; for those who have never had the experience, it is akin to the best music concert you could attend. The resulting photos were also magnificent. Our team consisted of Eddie Tapp and Judy Host, Kevin Ames, Theresa Sicurezza; Lance McAfee and his nephew Sam Meyer; and my then fiancée Debbie Reese whom I've since married and … [Read more...] about 2017 Great American Eclipse Follow Up!
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | October 2nd, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/problem-solving-photofocus-podcast-october-2nd-2017 This month we focus on... focus! That is, right after our eclipse wrap-up. Links from the show: Photomatix Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/hdrsoft Pepper’s San Francisco Eclipse Photos: www.pepperazzi.photos The story of the epic eclipse photo by Andrew Studer and Ted Hesser is here. Levi Sim links www.levisim.com instagram.com/photolevi Pepper's links. www.panoramanetwork.com instagram.com/rpepper Have suggestions or … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | October 2nd, 2017
Full Eclipse in HDR – Expert Advice
It's last minute getting ready for the eclipse, have you listened to any experts for advice? Well, I found myself in the middle of a great conversation, and I want to pass it on so as many photographers as possible can benefit. Expert Astrophotographer Jean-Marc Lecleire answered questions from a Photomatix customer interested in using bracketing and HDR to capture the subtle details which will be lost by most eclipse photographers. Our friends at HDRsoft condensed this discussion down for us all … [Read more...] about Full Eclipse in HDR – Expert Advice
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | August 18th, 2017
This month we close out our eclipse ideas with advice from an expert, then some quick advice for anyone unsure about sensor dust. Links from the show: Q&A on solar eclipse HDR: https://www.hdrsoft.com/resources/hdr-for-solar-eclipse.html Jean-Marc Lecleire, Astrophotographer: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmarc.lecleire HDRsoft Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/hdrsoft onXmaps: https://www.onxmaps.com Find Levi: levisim.com Instagram: @photolevi Find … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | August 18th, 2017
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | July 29th, 2017
Levi Sim and Ron Pepper discuss how location access can help make better photos, and ideas for access that anyone can try. First we'll follow up on last month's show about the eclipse. Find Levi: levisim.com Instagram: @photolevi Find Pepper: www.panoramanetwork.com instagram: @rpepper Have suggestions or questions to be used on the show? Email us here: -Levi Sim: [email protected] -Ron Pepper: [email protected] Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | July 29th, 2017
Total Solar Eclipse: Dress Rehearsal part 4
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar and her husband Steve Eilenberg have been getting ready to photograph the eclipse on August 21st. In this concluding installment, she chronicles their dress rehearsal for the event. Practice makes perfect. Read her first three posts here: Preparation, Eye Protection & Photographic Considerations.) Preparation meets practice Over the preceding weeks, I’ve been reading everything I can find to prepare myself for the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. My eclipse glasses and solar filter have … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Dress Rehearsal part 4
Tech Corner: Photographing the 2017 Total Eclipse
(Editor's note: Photofocus author Steve Inglima premieres his Tech Corner column by explaining how to choose the right focal length lens to photograph this month's eclipse along with a great set of tips on how to do it. Read Steve's story of his first total eclipse of the sun experience in July of 1991.) Focal length by the numbers I’ve been asked what focal length or lengths would be appropriate for imaging the upcoming eclipse. In part, it depends on the camera and format size. Most of us will be shooting on a digital sensor rather than … [Read more...] about Tech Corner: Photographing the 2017 Total Eclipse
Tales of my First Complete and Total Eclipse!
(Editor's note: Soon to be Photofocus author, Steve Inglima presents a post on his experiences photographing the solar eclipse of 1991.) Back in the days when I was the technical manager for GMI Photographic, which marketed among other things Bronica Medium Format and Sea & Sea Underwater cameras, on my way back from a DEMA (diving industry) show in Las Vegas our fight was oversold; and I took a bump to earn a free ticket. My first impulse was to use that ticket to travel with friends and dive at Grand Cayman Island. But then I read … [Read more...] about Tales of my First Complete and Total Eclipse!
Total Solar Eclipse: Photographic Considerations part 3
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar continues her series of preparations she and her husband, Steve Eilenberg, are making for their trip to the Grand Tetons later this month to photograph the total solar eclipse. Here she shares their preparations regarding photography.) Location In part 1 of this series, we discussed the where of preparing for what is being billed as the Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2017. This is an event not to be missed if you can swing it. The next time a total solar eclipse will occur over the Tetons will be in the … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Photographic Considerations part 3
Total Solar Eclipse: Eye Protection part 2
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar continues her series of guest posts regarding her and her husband's preparations for the upcoming total solar eclipse. The photograph above is of from the area they will be during the eclipse. This installment covers the critical steps for viewers of the event to protect their vision.) Location In our last post, Part 1 of Eclipse 2017 preparation, we addressed the ‘where’ of our plans for the Great American Eclipse of 2017: We will be in the path of totality, along the centerline, in Grand Teton National … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse: Eye Protection part 2
Total Solar Eclipse Preparation – part 1
(Editor's note: Marie Tartar's photography, above and below the waterline, is compelling. In the first part of her series of guest posts, she describes the origins of her love of the eclipse. Here, she chronicles her preparations for the up coming total eclipse of the sun; the first time in North America since 1979.) A month from now, on August 21, 2017, North America will play host to a total solar eclipse, for the first time in many years. My personal experience with total solar eclipses is limited and to say I am intimidated would be an … [Read more...] about Total Solar Eclipse Preparation – part 1
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | June 16th, 2017
Levi and Pepper talk about the upcoming full eclipse of the sun and some ideas to make the opportunity unique to you. We also take a minute to think about basing a photo business on a single platform -- which might suddenly change! Find Levi: www.levisim.com twitter.com/photolevi Find Pepper: www.panoramanetwork.com twitter.com/ronpepper Have suggestions or questions to be used on the show? Email us here: -Levi Sim: [email protected] -Ron Pepper: [email protected] Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don’t … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | June 16th, 2017
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Debunking the Sensor Cleaning Myth
The idea of cleaning your camera's sensor scares most photographers half to death. The thing is, if you don't clean the sensor, you'll end up with spots in your pictures anytime you stop down the aperture a little bit, and it just gets worse over time. I know many photographers who are so nervous about cleaning their sensors that they won't even change lenses in the field for fear of getting some dust on the sensor. Don't Be Scared Well, it's time to get over the fear and get your sensor cleaned up. The first thing you need to understand is … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Debunking the Sensor Cleaning Myth
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: You Need One Before 8/21/17
If you live in the United States, I can unequivocally say that you need to buy a mirrorless camera before August 21st, 2017. Just trust me. Ok, I'll tell you more. Why Before Aug. 21st? You’ve probably heard about the Total Solar Eclipse happening this year, and it’s on the 21st of August. If you haven’t made plan to be in place to view it, you’d better get going on that because hotels and campgrounds are filling fast. Here’s another article with the details. But Why Do I Need A Mirrorless Camera? A solar eclipse means the moon will … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: You Need One Before 8/21/17
Plan for the Solar Eclipse, Aug 21, 2017
When the sun and the moon and the earth line up with the moon in the middle it makes a solar eclipse. This happens from time to time, but since the moon is so small, you have to be in just the right place on Earth to see a total eclipse where the sun is completely obscured. I saw a partial eclipse in 2014, and that was incredible. But our American readers are in for a real treat because next August 21st there will be a total eclipse in much of the United States. Thanks to a note from my friends at the Eastern Idaho Photographic Society, we've … [Read more...] about Plan for the Solar Eclipse, Aug 21, 2017
