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How to take a green flash picture
 When I shoot the sun for green flashes or other interesting effects, I like to have as much aperture and
magnification as possible. The featured photo was taken with a telescope with an 8 inch aperture and a 2000
mm focal length. Magnification was 40 with this set-up.
© Norm Vargus, Alex Bogdanovich: Green flash
The photo was one of 11 or so in a sequence so luck may have been a factor. With this much magnification, it
was easy to see the changing shape of the sun and the changing colors. Small "pieces" of the sun separating
from the top often show green and are a good target for photographers.
Using a strong telescope mount or tripod is very important for minimizing camera shake a long focal lengths. When the sun is this high
above the horizon, masking the aperture to a smaller size and using proper filtration are a must. Full aperture can be gradually returned as
the disk of the sun slips out of view. I set the horizon near the bottom of the frame as the sun starts to become obscured. This helps the
camera meter avoid over-exposure by being over-influenced by too much dark area at the bottom of the frame.
 Location is also important for success. Watching the sun set over water, especially from the mountains is the
best way to see it. Clear, dry days in winter also help the chances of seeing the green flash. Film choice might
help catch the fleeting green. Fuji film likes greens and blues and it might do better than Kodak or other warm
balanced film.
I hope the recommendations help bring success to your readers.
Good luck to all, Norm Vargas
© Norm Vargus, Alex Bogdanovich: Green flash, detail
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