The total solar eclipse 2017 marked a rare celestial event for North America, and mjs photography captured the moment with striking clarity and technical precision. This collection blends scientific observation with creative storytelling, highlighting the moon’s shadow sweeping across the continent.
For many photographers, mjs photography represented a benchmark in planning, gear selection, and execution during the eclipse, turning a fleeting astronomical phenomenon into a portfolio of high-impact images.
| Photography Project | Key Photographer | Location | Equipment Used | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Series | MJS Photography | Madras, Oregon | Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, 200-500mm f/2.8, ND filters | Sharp crescent to totality sequence |
| Baily’s Beads Capture | MJS Photography | Nashville, Tennessee | Nikon D850, 600mm telephoto, tracking mount | Detailed bead imagery |
| Corona Stream Portfolio | MJS Photography | Tennessee Highway | Canon 1DX, multiple focal lengths | Dynamic corona and landscape context |
| Timelapse of Darkness | MJS Photography | Outside Nashville | Intervalometer, 14mm wide angle | Smooth eclipse twilight sequence |
| Post-processing Mastery | MJS Photography | N/A | Lightroom, Photoshop stack | Consistent tone and highlight detail |
Planning and Location Strategy
Choosing the right path of totality was central to the success of mjs photography, balancing accessibility, weather patterns, and landscape context. Madras, Oregon offered clear skies and a lengthy period of totality, setting the stage for meticulous composition.
Scouting routes along the highway network allowed flexible positioning, ensuring the photographer could adjust on the fly as weather shifted, a critical advantage during the brief window of totality.
Technical Settings and Gear Preparation
MJS photography relied on a carefully curated kit designed to handle the rapid transitions from partial to total eclipse. A sturdy tracking mount, fast telephoto lenses, and calibrated neutral density filters provided the technical foundation.
Pre-testing focus peaking, mirror lock-up, and bracketing sequences ensured seamless execution when the eclipse progressed from crescent to diamond ring and into the corona.
Shooting Techniques During Totality
During the few minutes of totality, mjs photography shifted to wide-angle framing, capturing the corona’s sweeping streamers against the darkened sky. These moments demanded quick exposure adjustments and precise composition.
Switching between high-speed bursts and measured long exposures preserved both the delicate solar atmosphere and surrounding landscape, highlighting the contrast between shadow and lingering daylight.
Post-processing and Image Management
After the event, mjs photography applied a disciplined post-processing workflow, aligning frames, correcting chromatic aberration, and balancing color temperature across the sequence.
Selective masking and luminosity adjustments emphasized the corona’s intricate details while maintaining natural hues, turning raw captures into a coherent visual narrative of the total eclipse.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Scout locations along the path of totality well in advance to secure clear sightlines.
- Test all gear, including filters and tracking mounts, during daylight rehearsals.
- Plan exposure transitions to handle the rapid brightness changes from crescent to totality.
- Use interval shooting and bracketing to cover the entire eclipse sequence without gaps.
- Prioritize safety for both eyes and equipment by using certified solar filters until totality begins.
FAQ
Reader questions
How did MJS Photography ensure sharp focus during the eclipse?
MJS Photography used live view focus magnification and manual focus presets tested before the event, combined with mirror lock-up to eliminate vibration at critical moments.
What settings were preferred for capturing Baily’s Beads?
For Baily’s Beads, MJS Photography favored fast shutter speeds around 1/1000 second, moderate ISO, and wide aperture telephoto settings to freeze the fleeting bright segments.
How were the timelapse sequences kept consistent in exposure?
MJS Photography employed intervalometer-driven exposure blending and neutral density Graduated filters to manage the changing brightness while maintaining uniform timelapse quality.
What backup plans were used in case of cloud cover?
MJS Photography identified alternate elevated vantage points and maintained portable weather tracking tools, allowing rapid relocation to clearer sections of the path of totality.