Harvest Moon photos
Sep 12, 2019 08:11:27 #
I think this Friday, Sept 13, the Harvest moon will be rising in the eastern sky. I have photographed the full moon higher in the sky where I use spot focus. I am hoping to be in a place where I can see it coming up over the horizon. Any suggestions on settings to begin with? I can make some minor adjustments from there. I have available a 500 mm f/4 plus a 100-400. (I also have a 24-105 but I think I want telephoto for a more dramatic effect.) Any advice is appreciated.
Sep 12, 2019 08:53:55 #
You will probably want at least 1/250 sec shutter speed because the moon moves very quickly at the horizon. If there is nothing closer than the horizon line that you want to be in sharp focus, then a wider aperture such as f/5.6 should work well.
The exact settings will depend on several factors, including whether there is still light in the sky. For example, in Yakima moonrise on the 13th is at 7:30 pm, and on the 14th a bit after 8 pm. Sunset is 7:25. Exposure will also vary depending on the air quality: does the moon look orange or bright white?
If you shoot in raw and know your camera's capabilities well, you'll be able to adjust ISO accordingly (how much noise can it - or you - live with, and how far over- or under-exposed can you edit later for details). Use exposure bracketing and a tripod.
I well remember my first moonrise photo outing. It was a lot of fun capturing that first glimpse of orange at the horizon!
The exact settings will depend on several factors, including whether there is still light in the sky. For example, in Yakima moonrise on the 13th is at 7:30 pm, and on the 14th a bit after 8 pm. Sunset is 7:25. Exposure will also vary depending on the air quality: does the moon look orange or bright white?
If you shoot in raw and know your camera's capabilities well, you'll be able to adjust ISO accordingly (how much noise can it - or you - live with, and how far over- or under-exposed can you edit later for details). Use exposure bracketing and a tripod.
I well remember my first moonrise photo outing. It was a lot of fun capturing that first glimpse of orange at the horizon!
Sep 12, 2019 08:56:38 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
You will probably want at least 1/250 sec shutter ... (show quote)
Thanks Linda. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
Sep 12, 2019 08:59:41 #
Mi630 wrote:
I discovered that the slightest amount of haze or thin clouds will obscure the moon significantly. Remember too that the moon SET at sunrise can be equally photogenic.Thanks Linda. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
Sep 12, 2019 09:00:47 #
JimBart
Loc: Western Michigan
Thank you Linda I will try what you said here in Michigan as well. Never tried to photograph the moon.
Sep 12, 2019 09:09:25 #
Just remember the moon is a big grey rock out in full bright sunlight. Expose accordingly.
Sep 12, 2019 09:32:26 #
JimBart
Loc: Western Michigan
It will be interesting but probably more frustration than normal. Never had shot the moon before. Thanks for the input
Sep 12, 2019 09:32:34 #
JimBart
Loc: Western Michigan
It will be interesting but probably more frustration than normal. Never had shot the moon before. Thanks for the input
Sep 12, 2019 09:45:46 #
A topic I hosted last year has many tips:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-560994-1.html
However, as I pointed out about timing, shooting at sunset (when the sky is not yet black) and including scenery is far different from exposing just for the moon.
Here's the one that got me hooked. Old, poor quality, but very fine memories
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-560994-1.html
However, as I pointed out about timing, shooting at sunset (when the sky is not yet black) and including scenery is far different from exposing just for the moon.
Here's the one that got me hooked. Old, poor quality, but very fine memories
Sep 13, 2019 06:11:20 #
catchlight..
Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
Linda From Maine wrote:
You will probably want at least 1/250 sec shutter ... (show quote)
Perhaps 100 or 125.
It's not moving that fast, but for sure 250 will ensure sharpness. Everything is a give and take for exposure.
https://www.lightstalking.com/how-to-photograph-the-moon/
Sep 13, 2019 08:14:52 #
The sky will be totally dark tonight when it comes up; better to have shot it last night or the night before...
Sep 13, 2019 08:20:39 #
Photomac
Loc: The Dalles, Or
The rule of thumb for shooting the moon is "sunny 16" or its equivalent, pending your taste.
Sep 13, 2019 08:36:43 #
ELNikkor wrote:
It depends on where you live. You are closer to correct for Fairbanks AK than you are for Key West FL The sky will be totally dark tonight when it comes up; better to have shot it last night or the night before...
And I say "closer to correct" because moonrise in Fairbanks tonight will be within the civil twilight timeframe.There are apps for sunset, moonrise and moon rise location. Moonrise times and moonrise location vary much more day to day than sunsets, and also vary by where you live: distance from the equator, the season, and such things as whether you have a 10,000' mountain range blocking your view to the east (or west).
Sep 13, 2019 08:42:44 #
Photomac wrote:
OP intends to include the horizon. Moon may be dark orange if air is polluted. He may wish to include some landscape, requiring different settings than for moon only.The rule of thumb for shooting the moon is "sunny 16" or its equivalent, pending your taste.
See the link I provided earlier for in-depth discussion for other points of view, including why sunny 16 is the wrong way to think when shooting the moon
Sep 13, 2019 08:44:00 #
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