Sailing under EclipseBuffalo Main Light

This was the special evening in October (October 23, 2014) when the partial solar eclipse was visible from the waterfront of Buffalo, NY at sunset time. I was both excited about the time of day as well as concerned. Having the eclipse happen at the sunset time put it low on the horizon. That meant a chance of the sun  piercing through the haze over the lake hopefully lowering its intensity, making it look bigger, and possibly a giant red ball. If that worked, there was a chance of including some foreground silhouettes. I was concerned that a low thick layer of clouds might obstruct it altogether.

My plan was to try to photograph the eclipse in a way that would give it a sense of place. I wanted the photo to scream "eclipse over Buffalo". For that reason I headed to the Erie Basin Marina and wanted to include the lighthouse in the photo. Looking at the Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE) angles looked good for including both the sun and the Main Light in a single frame.

In the end, it all worked in its own way with no regards to my plans :-) The sky was clear, there was almost no haze and the sun was bright as bright gets. When I adjusted the exposure for the eclipse to show, everything else disappeared as the contrast was just way too significant. I had to adjust my approach, grab a sunset photo with foreground features and know that people would have to take my word for the sun being partially eclipsed. And I also captured a second photograph of the eclipse itself, with everything around turning pitch black.

Partial Solar EclipseBuffalo, October 23, 2014 And yes, the sailboat made me very happy. While I liked the photo of the setting sun with the hallmark lighthouse in it knowing the sun is in fact in a partial eclipse state I wished for even more. Since this was late October, boat traffic was not what it would have been in August. Then this sailboat appeared and kept inching forward really, really slowly.  I made sure I had my exposure set, fired of a test shot to confirm it, set my focus on the lighthouse, and waited. When the boat entered the bright reflection I clicked the shutter a few times. It made a special moment even more so. The photo became more dynamic, more alive. Thanks to whoever was the captain that night, I really appreciate you've navigated your sailboat to this perfect spot at the perfect time.

Now, set your reminder for August 21, 2017 when the next solar eclipse will be visible towards the west from Buffalo and it will be a full one!

Have fun and enjoy the moment!

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References: Buffalo Main on Lighthouse Friends, Partial Solar Eclipse on Earth Sky, Future Eclipses in Buffalo, NY on Time and Date