Photographer Steven Madow Releases Free Umbra App for 2026 Solar Eclipse
Photographer Steven Madow has developed Umbra, a free solar eclipse automation app designed to manage camera setups during total solar eclipses. The app, which is available for download ahead of the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse visible in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and part of Portugal, automates tasks such as diamond ring capture, corona bracketing, and Earthshine. It supports cameras from major manufacturers including Panasonic Lumix, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and OM System. Umbra includes audio cues, simulation functions, and an eclipse planner on its website. Madow, previously featured on PetaPixel for capturing the Artemis II rocket launch with 14 cameras, aims to let photographers witness the eclipse rather than focus solely on their equipment. The app is currently free, with potential future commercialization. Madow emphasizes the importance of testing setups beforehand and planning shots carefully for the brief totality period.
Key facts
- Umbra is a solar eclipse automation app created by photographer Steven Madow.
- The app is free to download and use for the upcoming total solar eclipse.
- The total solar eclipse occurs on August 12, 2026, visible in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and part of Portugal.
- Umbra automates tasks like diamond ring, corona bracketing, and Earthshine.
- It supports cameras from Panasonic Lumix, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and OM System.
- The app includes audio cues, simulation functions, and an eclipse planner.
- Madow previously captured the Artemis II rocket launch with 14 cameras.
- Photographers are advised to test their setups before the eclipse.
Entities
Artists
- Steven Madow
Institutions
- PetaPixel
- Panasonic Lumix
- Sony
- Canon
- Nikon
- Fujifilm
- OM System
Locations
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Russia
- Spain
- Portugal
- Atlantic Ocean