Mirror Indy wants to see the total solar eclipse through your lens.
We’re collecting eclipse photos from Indiana residents and visitors and we’ll publish our favorites on our website. From selfies to photos of the celestial event itself, we want to see where you’re watching, who you’re with, and of course, your best shots aimed at the sky.
If you submit a photo, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a commemorative Visit Indy solar eclipse poster created by Herron Art & Design students.
You can submit up to five photos through this Google Form or email them to hello@mirrorindy.org. We’ll use the photos in a one-time editorial gallery.
Before you point your camera toward the sky, read on for a few tips and local workshops for photographing the eclipse safely.
Capturing the eclipse with an iPhone or a small point-and-shoot camera
Attach a NASA-approved solar filter sheet to your camera lens, with the shiny side facing the sun.
A quick and easy option: Get a second pair of eclipse viewing glasses and hold or tape them flush against your phone’s camera lens. You can also buy filters made for phone cameras, such as this set from B&H Photo, if you’re willing to dish out money for expedited shipping.
I’m a big fan of this guide, which gives phone photography tips. The big three: Don’t zoom in, make sure your flash is off and switch your camera’s controls to manual mode, rather than automatic, if possible.
[Where to get free glasses in Indy.]
Capturing the eclipse with a DSLR or mirrorless camera
You need a solar filter for your lens. Grab your camera gear and run, don’t walk, to Roberts Camera downtown. They’re open until 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and until 5 p.m. Saturday.
Roberts has an online eclipse products and resources page, which includes filters for professional lenses of various sizes. They also stock glasses and filters. However, a sales rep told me they’re selling down, so go sooner than later.
Sunday: Build a pinhole camera eclipse-viewing device at Aurora Photo Center
Build a pinhole camera – which doesn’t actually take photos but serves an eye-safe viewing device – at Aurora PhotoCenter in the Circle City Industrial Complex from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The workshop costs $25. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. Thursday.
Monday: Photograph the eclipse alongside the Roberts Camera pros
Once you have your materials, you’ll be ready to photograph the eclipse alongside the pros at Roberts Camera. Roberts will host a workshop from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, open to all skill levels. Bring your camera and they’ll teach you how to capture the eclipse in real-time when it happens at 3:06 p.m. The workshop costs $49. Sign up here.
Jenna Watson is art director for Mirror Indy. Contact her at jenna.watson@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on Instagram at @jennajulyaugust.
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