On August 12, 2026, the skies will deliver one of the most spectacular celestial events of the decade: a total solar eclipse. For photographers, this is more than a scientific wonder—it’s a rare chance to capture the drama of the cosmos against some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Let’s take a look a locations and potential venues designed to optimize your photographic endeavor.
📍 Where to Go: Prime Locations for Photographers
According to Space.com, the path of totality stretches across Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean Sea. Each destination offers unique photographic opportunities:
- Russia (Taymyr Peninsula) – Remote Arctic wilderness with 85 seconds of totality.
- Greenland (Scoresby Sound) – Cruise ships will anchor among icebergs for nearly 2 minutes of totality.
- Iceland (Westfjords & Snæfellsnes Peninsula) – Up to 2 minutes, 14 seconds of totality with volcanic peaks and coastal cliffs.
- Spain (Galicia, Palencia, Burgos) – Northern Spain combines rural horizons with the added bonus of the Perseid meteor shower that same night.
- Portugal (Northeast border) – A brief but striking 27 seconds of totality.
- Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) – A sunset eclipse over the sea, with Mallorca offering 1 minute, 36 seconds of totality.
Whether you prefer icy fjords, golden Mediterranean light, or rustic Spanish villages, the eclipse will provide unforgettable backdrops.
📸 Workshops & Photography Events
Several organizations are planning photography-focused tours and workshops around this eclipse. Here are a few, but sadly some of these are only offering an opportunity to be on their wait listing:
- Akari Photo Tours (Spain) – Combining eclipse photography with medieval towns and dramatic seascapes, plus post-processing instruction.
- Astrophotography Workshop Tours (Spain, Aug 10–19, 2026) – Already fully booked, but similar events are planned for future eclipses.
- Capture the Atlas Photo Summit (Spain, Aug 10–14, 2026) – Four days of astrophotography workshops, lectures, and a private eclipse viewing location.
- Solar Eclipse Voyages with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions – Sail into the path of totality at the start of the totality path in Greenland on a special solar eclipse voyage.
- PhotoPills Expedition (Iceland, Aug 7–13, 2026) – Led by PhotoPills Masters, this workshop blends eclipse shooting with Iceland’s waterfalls, glaciers, puffins, and golden-hour landscapes. Waiting list.
These events are designed to help photographers not only capture the eclipse but also master the art of planning, composition, and post-production.
🛠️ PhotoPills: Your Eclipse Planning Tool
For those charting their own adventure, PhotoPills offers indispensable tools:
- Eclipse Map Layer: See where totality is visible.
- Eclipse Panel: Get exact times for each phase at your location.
- AR Preview: Visualize the eclipse in the sky before it happens.
- Field of View Tool: Test focal lengths and frame the Sun.
- Strategy: Plan compositions with foregrounds (mountains, coastlines, landmarks).
- YouTube video: How to Plan the Total Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026, with PhotoPills!
With PhotoPills, you can anticipate the diamond ring effect, Baily’s Beads, and the solar corona, ensuring you’re ready when the moment arrives. So, start planning now, pack your gear, and prepare to capture the cosmos at its most dramatic. To assist, we have added the below information.
🛡️ Safety First
- ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses – Never look directly at the Sun without them (safe only during totality).
- Solar filters for cameras/telescopes – Attach to the front of your lens or telescope; never use improvised filters.
- Remove filters only during totality – For those brief minutes, you can safely capture the corona without a filter.
📸 Essential Camera Gear
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera – Manual controls are vital for exposure adjustments.
- Telephoto Lens (400–800mm) – To capture close-up details of the Sun and corona.
- Wide-Angle Lens (14–35mm) – For landscape shots showing the eclipse in context.
- Tripod – Keeps your camera steady during long exposures.
- Remote Shutter Release / Intervalometer – Prevents camera shake and allows timed sequences.
- Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – The eclipse is short, but you’ll shoot continuously.
🔧 Helpful Accessories
- Solar Tracking Mount (optional) – Keeps the Sun centered in your frame.
- Lens Hood – Reduces glare and lens flare.
- Gaffer Tape – Secures filters and prevents accidental removal.
- Notebook / App (PhotoPills) – For timing phases and planning compositions.
✨ Final Note
This eclipse is a photographic pilgrimage. Whether you’re in Iceland, Spain, or the Balearics, plan ahead, use PhotoPills, and be ready to capture the diamond ring, Baily’s Beads, and the solar corona. And remember, we want you to share with the other club members this awesome experience!
