Category

Low Light Photography

Location

East Sussex coast

Gear

Sony 7RM5 16-35mm F2.8 GM, 70-200mm F2.8 GM, Manfrotto Befree Tripod

Description

Photographed at Birling Gap on the East Sussex coast, this image follows the progression of the partial solar eclipse as the Sun descended towards the horizon. The landscape was created from two composited exposures using a Sony 16–35mm f/2.8 GM lens: one exposed specifically to retain detail within the chalk cliffs and foreground, and a second exposed for the sky and sunset. I used the Cokin NX Series filter system with a polariser and Nuances Extreme GND 16S graduated filter to control the significant difference in brightness between the sky and landscape. The individual stages of the partial eclipse were photographed separately using a Sony 70–200mm f/2.8 GM lens with a K&F Concept Nano-X ND100000 77mm filter, providing 16.6 stops of light reduction. The individual solar images were then carefully positioned within the final composition to show the changing shape of the Sun and its progression towards sunset. Rather than photographing the eclipse in isolation, I wanted the chalk cliffs and shoreline of Birling Gap to remain an important part of the image, giving the astronomical event a recognisable sense of scale and place. My intention was to compress the passage of the evening into a single frame, following the eclipse from its earlier stages through to the moment the Sun reached the horizon.

Photographer

Brendan McIlhargey

Social Media

Instagram: brendan.mcilhargey.photography

Facebook: Brendan J McIlhargey

Website: https://brendanmcilhargey2026.myportfolio.com/

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