Lancaster photographer issues eyesight warning ahead of partial solar eclipse
A Lancaster photographer has warned people ahead of this week’s partial solar eclipse not to put their eyesight at risk for the ‘perfect photo’.
The UK is set to get a spectacular view of the partial solar eclipse on Wednesday August 12, with around 90 to 94 per cent of the sun’s disc expected to be covered by the moon, depending on where you are in the country.
But as excitement builds and people prepare to point their phones and cameras skywards, Joshua Brandwood is warning that getting the perfect picture should never come at the expense of safety.
He says anyone planning to photograph the sun must use proper specialist solar protection.
Simply pointing a camera or mobile phone towards the eclipse does not make it safe to view.
On his official photography page on Facebook, Joshua warns: “If you plan on photographing the partial eclipse, you must use a specialised solar filter. Without one, you risk serious damage to your eyes and your camera equipment.
“Anyone using optical equipment such as a camera, telescope or binoculars to look towards the sun without appropriate solar protection could risk serious eye injury.”
With smartphones putting a camera in almost everyone's pocket, Joshua is urging the public to think carefully before pointing their phones skywards when the eclipse begins.
“The temptation to capture a spectacular image and share it on social media could prove costly if the correct precautions are not taken,” he says.
For more details about how and when to watch the partial solar eclipse, see https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/solar-eclipse-livestream-how-to-watch-8848216