Total Eclipse of 2024

In case you somehow missed it in every news cycle everywhere, this past April 8th was the Total Eclipse in the US - visible as a partial Eclipse in most States and as a Total Eclipse in at least 10 States.

Unlike the previous Eclipse in the U.S in 2017 that required a 5.5 hour drive down to Kentucky, this time I was fortunate enough to have it much closer to home. A mere 2-hour drive down to Spiceland, Indiana (30 minutes east of Indianapolis) put us RIGHT in the center of Totality and gave us nearly 4 full minutes of the experience.

I came prepared with my zoom lens, the glasses I proudly designed for Primary Engineering, and with better experience from the last eclipse, and all in the hopes of taking even better shots. While I may have used the exact same budget-friendly mega zoom lens as the one I used in 2017, I now have an upgraded camera body. Being more prepared allowed me to take significantly improved shots of the Total Eclipse, despite having the cheaper lens.

So, after grabbing some Indian food - aptly located right in Spiceland, IN - we settled in a parking lot across the street and were fortunate enough to not experience any traffic issues (before, during, or after the eclipse!). Here are some of my favorite shots, many including edited variations, of course, which are an absolute blast to create.

Total Eclipse Location

Ok so not exactly on the line but maybe 300 feet away!

Camera Setup

Yes I took a few seconds during the Total Eclipse to snap a fun shot, I couldn't help it!

First Phase

Loved the glowing effect and reflacted light of this particular shot before the Total Eclipse.

Totality

One of my brighter totality shots.

Darker Totality

I love the detail you get around the moon when you do a darker exposure, such as the red flares being much more prominent.

Totality nearing the end

As Totality ends, you can see the light of the sun on the bottom right starting to creep in.

Diamond Ring

The moment the sun breaks through is the Diamon Ring effect, giving a burst of light in the bottom right corner.

Blurred Totality

When switching focal lengths, I found myself wanting to snap this shot real quick.

Blurred Eclipse

When you're waiting an hour for the Total Eclipse, you start to get bored and end up liking shots like this.

Layers of Sun

I thought it was fun to see the phases layered on top of each other, showing you the path it takes.

Spiral Totality Edit

A standard edit in a spiral form showing all phases.

Totality Over Indianapolis

Since Indy was a main spot to go to, I snagged one of my old aerial panorama's of the city and overlayed the cycles.

Abstract Totalities

This may honestly be my favorite edit, using 3 different Totality shots and layered with a vortograph image to create a very abstract composition.

Sun to Totality

The tower and sun attached to the top is an old favorite aerial image of mine and I thought it was fun to then edit and extend all the stages from there to Totality.

Totality Collage

A classic collage overlayed on a sunset shot.

Rainbow Totality

Inspired by an edit I did in 2017, I recreated this colorful composition with the Diamond Ring Totality.

Nick and Sarah

Us looking dapper in our Primary Engineering Eclipse glasses!

The Crowd and Light

Trying to capture how much dimmer it gets on a sunny day as Totality approaches, as well as the vibe of those around us.