Eclipse photography: Precautions to protect eyes and equipment

An upcoming partial solar eclipse visible in France on August 12, 2026, presents a rare celestial spectacle, but enthusiasm for capturing the event photographically must be tempered with caution. Experts emphasize that photographing the sun directly, even during an eclipse, requires the same stringent safety measures as direct observation.

While the eclipse will be total in regions like Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, it will only be partial over mainland France. This means the sun's intensity will not diminish sufficiently to render photography harmless without protection. NASA strongly recommends using a specific solar filter attached to the front of the camera lens during all phases of the phenomenon to safely capture images of the solar disk.

These precautions apply not only to cameras but also to binoculars, telescopes, and even smartphones. The risk of damage is particularly high for equipment with large apertures or long telephoto lenses, which concentrate sunlight onto a small area, potentially damaging internal components like the sensor, diaphragm, or shutter within seconds.

Photographers using SLR cameras are advised to exercise maximum caution. Observing the sun directly through the optical viewfinder without a securely attached solar filter can lead to severe eye damage, even if wearing eclipse glasses. When purchasing solar filters, it is crucial to look for the ISO 12312-2 standard, the same certification required for eclipse viewing glasses. The filter must be intact, free from any holes, scratches, or tears. Photographers should also be aware of the difference between solar filters and neutral density (ND) filters, as ND filters are not designed for direct solar observation.

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During all phases of the phenomenon, a specific solar filter must be placed at the front of the lens to photograph the solar disk directly.