theyguy

I will be using a Nikon D 3300. What would be good settings to take shots of the super blood moon eclipse? I'm strictly an amateur.

Thank you for any help with detailed directions
Or settings.
James

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

All you ever wanted to know, and more:
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar-eclipse-photography.html

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/22-tips-for-photographing-a-lunar-eclipse

https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/tips-techniques/nature-landscapes/photographing-lunar-eclipse/

For general moon photography, a topic on UHH not long ago:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-560994-1.html

.

theyguy

Thank you so much for the valuable information. I have tried shooting a full moon before however, without much luck. Now I am armed with some good starting points and more. I have until the 19th to practice. Again much appreciated.
Jim

nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

Thanks for posting all the good info, Linda. I didn't even know about the eclipse. I will be trotting out the Tamron 150-600 I purchased last summer. Wish me luck.

Cavik

Thank you for the info and links in your post. I was able to compile all the information from the links down to a double sided typed sheet. There is a lot to absorb but this gives me a solid starting point and I have some time to practice. The links also gave me an explanation as to why each setting was recommended which helped me understand the basic reasoning for each parameter. Thanks again!

sv3noKin51E

James, We get our best results on the full moon by mounting both cameras on gimbals on the tripod. If you don't use a tripod/tripod, try to catch the moon after it rises above the lower atmospheric haze for sharpness/clarity, unless that's part of your plan, ie, the lower to the horizon, the larger the moon seems to appear. If you're going free-hand, have a chair and a shooter's (same sort as used with hunting rifle, about $20 on Amz). Without any of that, use a solid object with a bean-bag on top. top of a car works.

The moon and earth are spinning quite fast in their respective orbits, as you know; with a gimbal, it's a lot of fun, just nudge/twist-lock the swivel/snap and repeat as desired. Usually 250 to 500/th of a second at F8 to F11 will give you great result. Last but not least, a wire or wireless shutter release is -highly recommend- to avoid all residual user induced vibration when the shutter is tripped. Be sure to set your shutter delay on if you don't use a remote release, and practice where it's warm:). Hope the weather cooperates, hope this helps and happy blood-moon-shooting.sv

theyguy

I'm not familiar with a gimbal however I do have a tripod and am able to loosen the head, pivot and lock. Same thing? I also do have a remote release so I hope I'm all set. I am also fortunate to be able to go to a viewing in my area (Buffalo NY area) with astronomers on hand, live NASA stream, space related crafts for the kids and space talks. I feel very fortunate to have this free in my area. Thank you so much for the info it is much appreciated as I am totally brand new to photograpghy. Happy shooting!
Jim
https://www.buffalorising.com/2018/12/total-lunar-eclipse-viewing-on-january-20-at-the-gateway-building/

sv3noKin51E

James, You're welcome, glad to help. You'll have creative life seen in new ways through your lens. Be on the lookout for the 'GAS' syndrome. Here's one of the less expensive gimbals on Amz;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0146DY85E/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1

We bought a couple different models when Amazon had them reduced last, when they were between $40 to $99, put a bit over $100 in two and and they were both such solid performers we kept both. They each have a QR release and one stays on the tripod away from any visiting grandkid area (they're well-mannered and ask lots of great questions about the gear:). I used a $400 Wimberly gimbal for a while some time back but the truth is if set side by side on a table most couldn't tell you who made which chimbal. The machine-work on ours was incredibly good. The bearing on one was a bit snug and though it would likely have broken in over time, another fellow had posted instructions, so we disassembled, re-lubed and reassembled it, and now both are silky smooth. Any large-lens devotee owes it to themselves to work with a gimbal for a while. Being able to smoothly track an eagle, plane or the moon at any angle, makes owning one of these fun as well as sensible. (if only we owned stock in photographic accessory companies)

Buffalo is a great area, we were last there in the 1970s. Adorama and B&H host live events that you might find interesting, they're streamed live and are sometimes very helpful. If you see one on the schedule you like, sign up and they'll send you a reminder before it begins. There are sites such as ON1's and Skylum's Luminar pages which have good post-processing guides. Happy shooting. sv

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

There will not be any single settings that work for the entire event. As the moon moves into the shadow of the earth, it will be reflecting less and less sunlight. So be prepared to adjust settings as the event timeline passes. The darkest will be when the moon is entirely in the Earth's shadow. You will need to open the lens, slow down shutter speed or up ISO or a combination of all three. Have fun and good luck.

theyguy

Thank you again!