Total Solar Eclipse 8 April 2024

Creative Writing

Apr 13

On April 8th Vermont was smack dab in line with the total solar eclipse. The experience was unlike anything I’ve seen before and I was not prepared for the event.

I had set out to photograph the high number of visitors to our little town. Walking about I found interesting groups all enjoying the outdoors and the moment while regularly looking up through their special eclipse glasses. Eventually I made my way to our friends backyard where I had planned to be for the event itself.

As the moon crossed the path of the sun, I expected the light to drop off. What I had only heard about but was surprised to feel, was the noticeable drop in temperature! And what I never in my wildest imagination was prepared for was the visible solar flares ringing the darkened core of the sun.

It was then I began to panic. I had only thought through how I was going to photograph the people and the activities surrounding the event. I hadn’t considered how I was going to capture images of the event itself! What were my settings? How was I going to stabilize my camera??

This was likely a once in a lifetime experience for me and I had failed to prepare myself properly. I quickly took a couple of images with my camera only to find the eclipse was blown out resulting in just a white blob in the middle of darkness. What did I need to change? Hurry! Hurry! I changed the ISO max, took another shot. Same result!

Video timelapse of the eclipse

It was at this point I had to admit I wasn’t going to get an image with my DSLR and reached back for my phone. I’d let the magic of software save my butt.

Using the camera built into Adobe’s Lightroom app I was able to set my exposure compensation, zoom in to create my composition, and took pictures. I played with putting the eclipse glasses over the lens and took a couple more. Technology was saving me today.

I was at least glad I had planned to create a timelapse video using a GoPro camera. For that I had searched out the best settings and applied them earlier in the day. Admittedly, this was mainly because the action camera was relatively new to me and I am still learning it.

As the moon continued on its journey the sun began to break free from behind. The light began to return along with the warmth from the sun’s energy. “Holy crap….”, was uttered a few times among the group. There was an energy of astonishment buzzing about.

Ultimately, I got a couple of images. I was able to get some decent environmental captures and some record of the day’s event.

I also learned a very important lesson that day: really think through your plan of action for significant events.