Maurice Bakley's Best Phone Picture: Capturing the Eclipse 2026

Maurice Bakley's best phone picture captures a group of young boys experiencing their first solar eclipse, a moment of pure wonder. The photograph, taken with an iPad, shows the boys sitting cross-legged, their faces upturned in awe as they watch the celestial event through protective glasses.

Bakley was chaperoning an eclipse watch party at his son's elementary school in Arlington, Virginia, when he took the shot. He had arrived early to set up his iPhone on a tripod to capture a time-lapse of the eclipse using a monocular and solar filter. But when the moment came, he reached for his iPad to capture this intimate scene.

The Story Behind the Eclipse Photograph

The boys in the photo, one of whom is Bakley's son, are part of a tight-knit group of friends who have known each other since kindergarten through their bilingual Spanish immersion school. They were eight and nine years old at the time, and none of them had ever seen an eclipse in real life.

As the kids sat cross-legged on the ground, Bakley made sure to get down to their level for the shot. "A top-down angle wouldn't have conveyed the same intimacy," he says. This deliberate choice helped create a sense of connection and shared experience.

Bakley approaches mobile photography with the same intentionality as traditional SLR photography. He believes in being deliberate in both the capture and the edit, a philosophy that shines through in this image.

Editing Techniques for a Timeless Feel

When editing the photo, Bakley applied a film-like color grading and added a touch of blur to the background to focus attention on the boys. He also opted for a square crop, which he doesn't often use. "It suited this composition, lending a more timeless, nostalgic feeling," he explains.

The square format, combined with the color grading, gives the image a classic, almost vintage quality. This editing approach enhances the emotional impact of the photo, making it feel like a cherished memory.

Bakley's use of blur helps isolate the subjects, ensuring that the viewer's eye is drawn directly to the boys and their expressions of wonder. It's a simple yet effective technique that any mobile photographer can employ.

Key Takeaways for Mobile Photographers

• Be intentional: Treat mobile photography with the same care as traditional photography, considering both capture and edit.
• Get on their level: Shooting from the subject's eye level creates intimacy and connection.
• Use editing to enhance mood: Color grading and selective blur can transform a snapshot into a timeless image.
• Experiment with crops: A square crop can add a nostalgic, classic feel to your photos.
• Capture the moment: Sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you—even if it's an iPad.

Comparing Mobile Photography Techniques

Different techniques can yield vastly different results. Here's a quick comparison of the approaches Bakley used versus common alternatives:

While smartphones are the go-to for most, Bakley's choice of an iPad shows that any device can capture a great photo when used thoughtfully. The key is to understand the device's strengths and limitations.

The Impact of the Image

This photograph is part of a series for The Guardian's "Best phone picture" feature, which highlights exceptional images taken with mobile devices. It resonates because it captures a universal moment of discovery and wonder. The background to this story is set out in Why Capturing Moments with Phones Diminishes Real Experience. A related thread runs through Phone picture: Simone Arruda captures São Paulo's cinematic rain. Earlier coverage in How to Photograph the August 12 Solar Eclipse Safely With Your Phone shows how the argument developed.

The boys' expressions are a reminder of the joy of experiencing something for the first time. Bakley's thoughtful composition and editing elevate the image from a simple snapshot to a work of art. A closer look at the same subject appears in How to Photograph the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse with Your Phone Safely. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Total Solar Eclipse Photography: Essential Gear for Your Camera Bag. The same theme surfaces in Bullfrog Phone Photography: Capturing Mythical Nature Shots, which takes a different angle.

As mobile photography continues to evolve, stories like this inspire others to see the potential in their everyday devices. Whether it's an eclipse or a quiet moment at home, the best camera is the one you have with you. Context on how this played out before sits in Minimalist Phone Photography: Capturing a Worker's Orange Toilet Scene.

FAQ

Bakley's approach to mobile photography is a reminder that great images come from thoughtful choices, not just expensive gear. As you look to improve your own photography, consider how you can apply these principles to your next shot.

For those interested in how technology continues to shape photography, the evolution of smartphone cameras has been remarkable. If you're fascinated by the intersection of tech and creativity, you might enjoy reading about Samsung's patent for a flip phone we've never seen before, which hints at future possibilities for mobile photography.