How to get a good photo of the partial solar eclipse

Updated Aug. 12, 2026, 8:40 a.m. ET

While the United States is not in the path of totality for the Aug. 12 solar eclipse, there is still a chance to catch a glimpse of the partial eclipse in some areas.

During the event, the moon will slip in front of the sun, creating a total solar eclipse visible in some countries such as Greenland, Iceland and Spain, according to NASA.

Some parts of the northern United States will be able to get a partial glimpse. According to NASA, a partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and earth, but the three are not perfectly lined up. Instead, only a part of the sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape.

For those looking to capture the moment, here's what to know about taking the best photo of the eclipse.

Tips for taking a good solar eclipse photo

Those looking to catch a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse may also be looking to capture the moment on camera.

Justin Patricolo, a photographer at MPB, and Timothy McCarty, a photographer who runs the website zoomwithourfeet.com, both shared tips with USA TODAY for taking eclipse photos:

Protect eyes and camera gear

Because the moon does not completely block the sun during a partial solar eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection, according to NASA.

The same method applies to cameras, Patricolo and McCarty said.

Anyone taking photos of the eclipse should ensure they have a solar filter to protect their camera sensor as well.

Make sure your camera is stable

Using a tripod or phone holder is the best way to keep your camera stable, because even slight movement equals blur.

"Given the distance, your phone or camera must be rock solid to take images in focus," McCarty said.

Scout a location

Plan ahead to scout a location from where to take photos. For example, find an open area with a clear view of the sky, especially toward the sun's horizon, Patricolo said.

Adjust settings

Play with aperture, shutter speed and ISO to determine the best settings for the photo, McCarty said. Those using a phone can download a manual camera app to control these settings.

"Most phones expose for the middle, so when something is extremely bright, like the sun, they tend to overcompensate," McCarty said.

Tips for using a phone to take eclipse photos

Many people will be taking photos with their phones. In that case, McCarty recommends the following tips:

Switch to video mode

Make sure to adjust your phone's settings to record in 4K rather than the standard 1080p. Record 10-20 seconds then take a screenshot from the video.

"It sounds crazy, but it works," McCarty said.

Lower exposure

Zoom in and lower the exposure. On iPhone, that means dragging the sun icon down.

"You'll often end up with a much better exposed image than you would in photo mode," McCarty added.

Use a solar filter

Even for phones, McCarty recommends using an ISO-certified solar filter over the lens to handle the power of the sun.

"The filter allows you to shoot directly at the sun while lowering the exposure enough to capture a usable image," McCarty said.

Which states will see partial solar eclipse?

The partial solar eclipse will be visible in about 26 states and Washington, DC, according to Time and Date and NASA.

See the full list, according to Time and Date:

Alaska

Connecticut

Delaware

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kentucky

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Montana

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Dakota

Vermont

Virginia

Washington, DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

See the map below for states included in the partial coverage area:

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.