"Honey I'm kinda cold" My wife Shalini declared. "30 minutes ago it was over 90º. Much cooler now. I’m guessing it’s about 75-80º. Ah, it feels great, and it’s getting a lot darker. We must be getting closer. What time is it? Wow, why is the eclipse watching crowd suddenly silent? Okay, I need to check my settings. Oh, yeah, double-check the focus. How’s the battery, where are my spares? Hurry, it’s getting closer. I need to check the LCD screen. Do I have enough storage for all the totality photos? Great, lots of room. Good! I’m ready… I think. Am I forgetting anything? I hope not. What was that shutter speed during Diamond ring? My heart’s beating faster. Boy, this is a thrill. It’s taking forever! Okay now, keep calm. Stick to my plan.”

“Who’s calling out the seconds…five, four, three, two, WOW! This is totality? Take off the filter. Yeah, I can do this. No, wait for Baily’s beads to disappear. Okay, now take off the filter. Don’t drop it. Quick, grab the remote release. Oh, it’s magnificent. I can’t believe I’m yelling with everyone else. Who has time for clapping? I must keep my finger on the remote release! Thank goodness I’m bracketing. Now’s a good time to look up and watch. Unbelievable! Shoot! Shoot!” (taken from Canon's Eclipse shooting guide)

This is what usually runs through a photographer’s mind moments before totality begins. Even for experienced solar eclipse photographers. My wife Shalini and I went to Salem Oregon to watch the Totality of Solar Eclipse, and it was magnificent.