How I took the 'best' photo of the 2017 American solar eclipse — and what I'm doing differently this year

• Jon Carmichael captured what is considered one of the most stunning photos of a solar eclipse.
• But getting the shot of his dreams was no cakewalk. 
• Here, he retells his story and what he's doing differently during this year's total solar eclipse.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with astrophotographer Jon Carmichael. It has been edited for length and clarity.