Billions of years in the making.
This recaps events that happened one year ago to the day.
I did not start billions of years ago, but about three years ago, when I heard that there will be one passing through Quebec, where I now live. Step one - create a Facebook Event. Step two - invite friends, who either live in the area or are interested. Step three - wait.
Wait. For. Three. Years. I’m patient.
Fast forward to about T-minus six months and it was time to get excited again. And think about the eclipse. Order solar eclipse glasses at reasonable prices and while they are available. Done.
T-minus three months. Start getting serious about research on exactly where to view. What kind of special filters do I need, is my existing camera equipment acceptable, is there an app, etc. Lenses I have and with the ones I got for our New Zealand trip, I became even better equipped than I imagined three years ago. Filters I researched and purchased in multiple sizes. Soon after receiving them, I started testing. Works great. Yay. Also, because of the types of photos I wanted to take…. another camera body. This is so I can shoot two types of photos (perspectives) simultaneously and not have to change settings and lenses, which is almost impossible when you have a very small window to take pictures of a moving solar eclipse. Another thing I started doing was watching YouTube videos about the best settings to use and ideal way to take photos of a solar eclipse. Excitement is building. One last detail…. Invite yourself to your friend Ildi’s house, because she lives in the path of totality. She agreed, but I won’t divulge the terms. All I’ll say, is she mentioned something about sacrificing. Enough said.
T-minus one month. Camera equipment and technique testing continued, when weather permitted. Ideal app found and downloaded.
T-minus one week. Start looking at the weather and hope for the best…. Because honestly, that’s all you can do. Test the app.
T-minus one day. Pack up gear, double check list to make sure we have everything. Pack an overnight bag and head to Ildi’s.
April 8, 2024 - showtime! Work half a day and take the afternoon off for the spectacular show we are about to partake in. This could be a once in a lifetime event. Set up gear. Two tripods, two cameras, a wide angle lens, a telephoto lens, special filters, camping chairs, fluids, solar glasses, hat and jacket for when the temperature drops and have the app running. Check. Check. And Check. We were very fortunate and Mother Nature not only gave us good weather (aka no clouds), but put on an incredible natural, cosmic in the right place at the right time event. Solar eclipse with totality.
Below are the results of what we saw, experienced and able to capture. Enjoy.
