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Moon Photography Guide

Master the art of lunar photography with our comprehensive guide to capturing stunning full moon images

Quick Start Checklist

Before You Go

  • ✓ Check moon phase and rise time
  • ✓ Verify weather conditions
  • ✓ Scout your location during daylight
  • ✓ Charge camera batteries
  • ✓ Clean your lens

Essential Settings

Mode: Manual (M)

ISO: 100-400

Aperture: f/8-f/11

Shutter: 1/125s+

Focus: Manual infinity

Format: RAW

📷

Camera Settings

  • • Use manual mode for full control
  • • Start with ISO 100-400 for sharp images
  • • Aperture f/8-f/11 for optimal sharpness
  • • Shutter speed 1/125s or faster to avoid blur
  • • Shoot in RAW format for better editing flexibility
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Equipment Essentials

  • • Sturdy tripod is absolutely essential
  • • Telephoto lens (200mm+) for close-up shots
  • • Wide-angle lens for landscape compositions
  • • Remote shutter release or timer
  • • Extra batteries (cold weather drains them fast)
⏰

Timing and Planning

  • • Best time: 1-2 hours after moonrise
  • • Check weather conditions beforehand
  • • Use moon phase apps for precise timing
  • • Scout locations during daylight
  • • Consider the moon's path across the sky
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Composition Techniques

  • • Include foreground elements for scale
  • • Use the rule of thirds
  • • Try both landscape and portrait orientations
  • • Capture the moon at different sizes
  • • Experiment with silhouettes
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Location Selection

  • • Find areas with minimal light pollution
  • • Look for interesting foreground subjects
  • • Consider elevation for clearer views
  • • Check for obstacles like trees or buildings
  • • Have backup locations ready
✨

Post-Processing

  • • Adjust exposure carefully
  • • Enhance contrast and clarity
  • • Be careful not to over-sharpen
  • • Consider HDR for landscape scenes
  • • Maintain natural moon colors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using auto mode

✓ Solution: Switch to manual mode for consistent results

❌ Forgetting a tripod

✓ Solution: Always use a tripod for sharp moon photos

❌ Shooting too early

✓ Solution: Wait 1-2 hours after moonrise for best results

❌ Ignoring foreground

✓ Solution: Include interesting foreground elements

❌ Over-processing

✓ Solution: Keep editing subtle and natural

Advanced Techniques

HDR Moon Photography

Bracket your exposures to capture both the moon's surface detail and the surrounding landscape.

Focus Stacking

Take multiple shots at different focus points and blend them for maximum sharpness.

Time-lapse

Capture the moon's movement across the sky with interval shooting.

Creative Ideas

Silhouette Compositions

Use trees, buildings, or people as silhouettes against the bright moon.

Reflection Shots

Capture the moon's reflection in water for doubled impact.

Multiple Exposures

Show the moon's path by combining multiple exposures in one image.

Equipment Recommendations

Budget Setup

  • • Basic DSLR or mirrorless camera
  • • 55-200mm kit lens
  • • Affordable tripod
  • • Built-in camera timer

Intermediate Setup

  • • Full-frame camera
  • • 70-300mm telephoto lens
  • • Carbon fiber tripod
  • • Wireless remote release

Professional Setup

  • • High-resolution camera body
  • • 400mm+ super telephoto
  • • Heavy-duty tripod with gimbal head
  • • Intervalometer for time-lapse

Ready to Capture the Moon?

Check our calendar to find the perfect full moon for your next photography adventure.

View Moon Calendar