I started planning for the 2024 solar eclipse about one year in advance. I even booked a house a year early, and before the owners knew or cared about the eclipse (so I got "regular" rates). I flew with my daughter to Hot Springs, Arkansas with carry on full of astrophotography gear. Ironically, of four legs due to a layover in Salt Lake City, only one leg ever questioned my gear. In Hot Springs, they flagged all of my items then asked about them and I when I showed them the eclipse photos, they sent me on my way with smiles. I brought a special solar telescope that I use to photograph the sun the day of the eclipse (first image). Just as the moon was about to completely cover the sun, the contrast of a small sliver or remaining light created an effect known as the "diamond ring" (second image). The third image shows the eclipse during totality. The last is a hydrogen alpha of the suns surface taken as the moon was leaving. Therefore, I call it, "Tail of Totality." That image earned a top pick award at AstroBin.com, meaning it was a finalist for consideration as image of the day.