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Photographing a sun? Here is how to do it without cooking your camera

Photographing a sun? Here is how to do it without cooking your camera

By Shivam Published about a year ago 3 min read
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Photographing a sun? Here is how to do it without cooking your camera
Photo by NASA on Unsplash

As a cameraman, there are few things more breathtaking than capturing the beauty of the sun on film. However, photographing the sun isn't without its challenges. For starters, the intense heat and brightness of the sun can easily damage the camera if you're not careful. But fear not, for we have some tips to help you capture the perfect shot without cooking your camera.

When writing this post for you, a great quote from photographer Ansel Adams comes to my mind - "You don't take a photograph, you make it." And making a photograph of the sun requires a lot of patience, planning, and, most importantly, protective gear. Without protective gears, you can easily cook your camera, money, and peace. So, before you go out to capture the gigantic sun in your little but potent camera, keep these tips in mind.

Tips to photograph the Sun

• When it comes to the Sun, it's essential to invest in a high-quality solar filter for your lens. This will protect both your camera and your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Note that standard UV filters are not sufficient for solar photography. These might seem enough but fall weaker when you direct the camera toward the Sun.

• Choose the right time of day to take your shot. The ideal time for sun photography is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is low on the horizon. Not only will this provide a more flattering angle for your shot, but it will also reduce the risk of overheating your camera. There have been naivesters who told that they went to the market to buy spices after capturing the Sun; it was because their cameras had been completely cooked.

We used a solar filter for our lens and waited until sunset to take a shot of the sun. As we were setting up, my colleague joked, "I hope our camera doesn't get sunburned!" It was a silly pun, but it helped to lighten the mood and ease our nerves. So, if you are tight on budget, you may also buy sunscreen instead of a solar filter to save it from sunburn.

• Once you have your gear and timing sorted, it's time to get creative with your shot. The sun is a powerful symbol of life and energy, so experiment with different angles, silhouettes, and reflections to capture its essence.

• As you're taking your shot, remember to adjust your exposure settings accordingly. The brightness of the sun can easily cause overexposure, so it's best to underexpose your shot slightly to retain the details on the sun's surface.

• Having a large lens also allows one to get quality details of the subject. And when you capture Sun, you surely need details, which add an aesthetic appeal to the picture. Also, it makes the picture stand out from other low-quality pictures.

Finally, don't forget to have fun with it! Photography is all about experimentation and creativity, so don't be afraid to try new things and take risks.

Solar filters come in various qualities and prices. Always go for quality cameras & photo accessories, even if it becomes a bit costly. You’d not want to save 2 bucks here and lose a camera worth a thousand bucks. Buy these filters from free Shopify alternatives, which can help you save a few dollars here and there.

Remember, photography can be a bit costly, and you’d not want to add layers of cost over it due to your negligence. So, always keep tips in your mind before you go out and shoot.

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About the Creator

Shivam

Helping people communicate complex ideas using storytelling

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