(CNN via WFSB) — If you’re thinking about taking pictures of Monday’s solar eclipse, an expert says you better do your homework ahead of time and be prepared.

Photography expert Jeannette Tuvey at Photo Connection of Colchester advises people to make sure they have the right equipment, including a special filter so they don’t damage anything, but it might be hard finding one.

“They’re all looking for solar filters, solar glasses and unfortunately no one has them anymore,” Tuvey said.

Camera buffs started getting ready for the solar moment four or five months ago, and if you didn’t buy a special solar filter, you can use a filter from a welder’s helmet. Otherwise you can do some damage.

“You run the risk of damaging your eyes. You run the risk of damaging the sensor in your camera, your phone, any of those things, so you need to be prepared,” Tuvey said.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2017 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. (Photo: CNN)