I went with a group to experience the total eclipse in Salem, Oregon, expecting to have an enjoyable time, but I was totally unprepared for the utter thrill of seeing the sky go dark and the temperature suddenly drop. It was profound for me, to the extent that I have vowed to journey to Texas for the next total eclipse. It is an addictive and wonderful glimpse into the machinery of the universe.

As a photographer, I managed to get a few good pictures during the seconds of totality, when I had to juggle filters and settings and changing my plan to a seat-of-the-pants reaction when all seemed to be going wrong. It worked, and I was not disappointed. This photograph shows the point at which the sun starts emerging from behind the moon.

SIZE: This photograph is printed at an approximate final size of a bit over 3x3,” and is printed on cotton rag photographic paper using pigmented inks for an estimated 400-year display life.

LIMITED EDITION: This photographic print is part of a limited edition produced by photographer Lee Rentz. The edition consists of 250 prints, which includes all sizes and methods of printing.