I’ve read several articles that advise people not to try to photograph their first total eclipse. I’m ignoring them.
First, that’s asking me to go against my nature. I’ve owned a camera since I was in elementary school. I was photo editor of the yearbook in high school, and the school newspaper in college. My scooter rides are as much photo expeditions as road trips.
Second, this isn’t my first rodeo. I photographed the partial eclipse visible from Michigan in 1979, and doing that is one of my clearest memories of middle school. Getting to leave the class and take pictures was a special achievement. A total eclipse is a different experience, but the point is that losing my eclipse virginity with a camera was a good experience for me.
Third, I’m taking this trip solo. Sharing photos of it will be my best way to share the experience with others. Don’t get me wrong: this isn’t self-pity. I’m happy as a singleton, and I like traveling alone. But I still like to share, and this is how I do it.
Fourth, I think I know how to get pictures that are worth it. Like in ’79, I’m pretty well prepared. I have my gear and I know how to use it. I’ve practiced with it.
And I’m also prepared to put it down. Totality will last two and a half minutes, and that leaves plenty of time to just be there and see it.