Taking pictures of the moon
Aug 20, 2019 11:24:21 #
Soxgizmo
Loc: Missouri
Hi my name is Vicky & I love to take photos of almost anything. But I have tried to take pics of the moon, & I can see more details with the naked eye, than when I take a pic. Can anyone tell me what setting I need to use to take a great pic. I have a Canon D3400, I know it is me not knowing what settings I need to use to make my moon pictures turn out more that a bright glow in the dark. Help please...
Aug 20, 2019 11:26:44 #
I use regular settings for bright sunlight here on earth. The moon is not much farther from the sun than we are and daylight settings have always worked for me.
Aug 20, 2019 11:27:08 #
Use spot metering on the moon?
"Averaging" for the whole scene will make the moon white and blow out the details.
"Averaging" for the whole scene will make the moon white and blow out the details.
Aug 20, 2019 11:27:38 #
Aug 20, 2019 11:32:03 #
Soxgizmo
Loc: Missouri
Well, I’m doing some thing wrong. Should I use a tri-Pod? I usually take a pic when I get home, from being out, then see the moon so beautiful in color, & haze around it. I have tried to take pics for years. But none, of them turn out, again free handed, not on a tri-pod.
Aug 20, 2019 11:33:58 #
Soxgizmo wrote:
Well, I’m doing some thing wrong. Should I use a tri-Pod? I usually take a pic when I get home, from being out, then see the moon so beautiful in color, & haze around it. I have tried to take pics for years. But none, of them turn out, again free handed, not on a tri-pod.
Yes, use a tripod.
Aug 20, 2019 11:47:01 #
So you don't have a Canon D3400. Regardless, you are overexposing your photos and getting a white blob. As you review your shot, as with any shot, if you find it overexposed just select either Aperature, Shutter or ISO and reduce the exposure by half, analyze that photo, adjust and shoot again...repeat and try again. I find this method more reasonable than trying to remember settings. Another example of where this method works is photographing a sunset, you can best retain colors by reviewing your photo and adjusting.
You may be interested in downloading an App called Photographer's Companion, it has many photographic scenarios and settings for each. But, the app, and photography are best understood when you have a firm grasp of the exposure triangle. Good luck! It's worth the effort.
You may be interested in downloading an App called Photographer's Companion, it has many photographic scenarios and settings for each. But, the app, and photography are best understood when you have a firm grasp of the exposure triangle. Good luck! It's worth the effort.
Aug 20, 2019 11:49:49 #
Angel Star Photography
Loc: Tacoma, WA
Soxgizmo wrote:
Well, I’m doing some thing wrong. Should I use a tri-Pod? I usually take a pic when I get home, from being out, then see the moon so beautiful in color, & haze around it. I have tried to take pics for years. But none, of them turn out, again free handed, not on a tri-pod.
Use a tripod if you can. However, depending upon your settings, specifically the shutter speed, you could handhold or lean something solid and stable. I have been able to photograph the moon using a Sigma 150-600mm set at 600mm without a tripod.
Can you provide some additional details such as your camera settings or post one the images that didn't turn out as you expected? If you post an image, be sure to check the "(store original)" box.
Aug 20, 2019 11:56:00 #
Here are a few examples for you. With your camera, go into live view and adjust the exposure via your settings or via exposure compensation button (-/+). I prefer exposure compensation. I hope this helps
Sony a7s, Sigma 150-600mm at 600mm F11 1/750sec ISO 200 on a tripod.
Sony HX400V, at aprox 400mm, F6.3, 1/500, ISO200, hand held
Aug 20, 2019 11:56:05 #
Soxgizmo wrote:
Hi my name is Vicky & I love to take photos of almost anything. But I have tried to take pics of the moon, & I can see more details with the naked eye, than when I take a pic. Can anyone tell me what setting I need to use to take a great pic. I have a Canon D3400, I know it is me not knowing what settings I need to use to make my moon pictures turn out more that a bright glow in the dark. Help please...
The moon is receiving bright direct mid-day sunlight on it. You can get a properly exposed full moon by switching your camera to manual and using the "sunny-16 rule." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunny_16_rule
That means choosing a suitable ISO setting, like 125, then using f/16 and a shutter speed of 1/125 sec. In general the "sunny-16 rule" means f/16 and a shutter speed of 1/whatever ISO you've selected. For a noon-day sunlit object like a full moon you do not need a very high ISO at all. If you're not happy with the results try f/11.
A tripod would help, but it is not essential.
Aug 20, 2019 11:59:05 #
Ob1
Loc: Utah
Here are my moon starting settings. You have to adjust the aperture or shutter to darken or lighten the photo.
- [ ] Moon
Manual mode
** Try f8 at ISO 200 1/125 sec kelvin 5000 or sun
Or ISO 1600 1/4 sec. At f8
- [ ] Moon
Manual mode
** Try f8 at ISO 200 1/125 sec kelvin 5000 or sun
Or ISO 1600 1/4 sec. At f8
Aug 20, 2019 12:09:23 #
Aug 20, 2019 12:12:55 #
Soxgizmo
Loc: Missouri
Thank you I will try it. Thank you fir your suggestions. The moon was so beautiful last night & the night before, glowing bright orange, full moon with a haze around it. I would of loved to had that pic.
Aug 20, 2019 12:13:00 #
Soxgizmo wrote:
I have a 50 mm & a 300 mm. I have tried it with both with the same results.
Check your metering. If you are using full-frame averaging, the moon will be blown out.
Try spot metering on the moon.
Aug 20, 2019 12:20:06 #
I don't know what lens you are using for taking pictures of the moon. Hopefully it is a tele or tele zoom. A 300 mm is good. If I may suggest, set your aperture at f16. ISO at 100 and your shutter speed at 1/125 sec. Remember the earth is rotating so the moon is not in the same location. White balance to day light. Do not take a reading off the moon. That's like taking a reading off the sun. A tripod is helpful, but since you're shooting at a high speed you can hand hold the camera. 1/250 @ f11. It is also helpful if it is a cloudless night. More or less, experiment setting the aperture up or down.
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