Creative Photography "How to photograph the Moon"

5 years 2 months ago #626863 by Ozzie_Traveller
A "relaxed" set of notes for those who want to photograph the moon


Moon + Jupiter    1/250s @ f6,3; 640mm; iso-200; WB = Sunshine

Why is it that photographers want to photograph the moon … after all it's all so well known to us all, why do it again … and again.  The answer is the same as for mountaineers wanting to climb – because it's there!  So when you want to capture the moon – whether it's just rising just above the horizon or fully overhead, a few simple steps are needed.  

How to go about it ...
1. on a night with a half-moon to a full-moon, set out a comfortable chair, arrange some nibbles and a drink, then arrange yourself comfortably upon your comfortable chair;
2. whatever lens you have, zoom it out to maximum zoom [your 70-300mm or 100-400 lens to camera is a good start];
3. set camera to “S” / “Tv” shutter priority mode;
4. set camera to about 1/250sec to 1/500sec with ISO at ISO-400;
5. have some nibbles and a sip - or two, or three - of your drink;
6. take a photo and look at result;
7. if result is a bit bright, drop ISO from 400 to 200 – if a bit dark, increase ISO from 400 to 800;
8. repeat steps 5 & 6 & 7 and continue until all nibbles have been eaten.  
See – all quite simple!  

WB for moon photography ...
The moon is displaying reflected sunlight, so the best WB = sunlight.  For a full moon just rising over the horizon, it will be full of that glorious orange colour that attracts us in the first place.  Should you wish to set the colour to 'white', then temporarily set your camera's WB to “tungsten / incandescent” and the colour will become white.

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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The following user(s) said Thank You: tenthumbs, Hayleeacx
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4 years 6 months ago #657468 by effron
Good info, and keep in mind the faster shutter speed stated above is valuable, the moon actually moves fairly fast....

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
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3 years 9 months ago #687802 by Hannah Williams
Thanks for the info! Nice shot. 


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3 years 9 months ago #688118 by Kelly Emery
Awesome composition! Nicely done indeed! 


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3 years 9 months ago #688130 by Ozzie_Traveller
Thanks everyone for your feedback
I have enjoyed the cheese & bikkies, plus bottle of red wine as I watched the moon rise
Phil

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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3 years 9 months ago #688228 by Alyssa Briggs
I can say most definitely! 


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3 years 9 months ago #688536 by Steve Rodriguez
Moon photography is always fascinating.


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3 years 8 months ago #689436 by Daryl Flores
:judge:


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3 years 8 months ago #690640 by Kyle Johnson
This is really cool. I imagine it is difficult to create this shot.


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