After photographing a partial solar eclipse in Rye, NH in June of 2021, a new obsession was unlocked and I immediately began planning for the 2023 annular and 2024 total solar eclipses.

The annular eclipse only being visible in western US, I had my heart set on Roswell, New Mexico. Not only was it situated on the center line of the eclipse allowing for prime maximum visibility and a full 4 minutes, 41 seconds of annularity but the typical weather for Roswell, NM in October was ideal. After researching a few shooting spots and pre-purchasing visitor passes, we scoped them out on our way into the area and decided on Bottomless Lakes State Park as the shooting location.

And Mother Nature was on board with the plan!
We were graced with almost perfectly clear skies for the main event and the most amazing temperatures. Two days before and two days after the eclipse, temps were in the mid-high 80s. Likewise, the two days leading up to the event saw nonstop winds gusting upwards of 25mph.

We arrived two hours early, set up our spot (swipe to see my super supportive partner), ate breakfast, helped the park ranger pick up trash because #captureandcollect, and waited for the main event. The temps never went above 60º and the winds held off for most of the day. It was absolutely perfect!

Sony a7riv
Sony 200-600mm lens
ICE solar filter

A composite collection of 15 images taken during the annular eclipse from start to finish. Each image was stacked and positioned to encircle the ring of fire of image in Photoshop with a light sharpening, clarity, and saturation edits.