Photographing the full moon can be a challenging task, but with the right equipment and techniques, you can capture stunning images of our lunar neighbor.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Use a tripod: To capture sharp images of the moon, it’s essential to use a stable base. A sturdy tripod will help you keep the camera steady, allowing you to take longer exposures without blur.
  2. Use a telephoto lens: A telephoto lens with a long focal length (200mm or higher) will allow you to fill the frame with the moon and capture details like craters and mountains. If you don’t have a telephoto lens, you can use a zoom lens and zoom in as much as possible.
  3. Use manual focus: Autofocus can struggle to lock onto the moon, so it’s best to switch to manual focus and adjust it until the moon appears sharp.
  4. Set the correct exposure: The moon is a bright object, and it’s easy to overexpose it. Start with an ISO of 100 and an aperture of f/11, and adjust the shutter speed until you get a well-exposed image. A general rule of thumb is to use the “Looney 11” rule, which suggests setting your aperture to f/11 and your shutter speed to the reciprocal of your ISO.
  5. Use a remote shutter release: Using a remote shutter release or a timer will help you avoid camera shake when you press the shutter button.
  6. Shoot in RAW: Shooting in RAW will give you more control over the final image in post-processing.
  7. Experiment with composition: Try to include interesting elements in the foreground to add depth and interest to your photos. You can also experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique compositions.
  8. Look for interesting lighting conditions: The moon can look particularly striking when it’s low on the horizon during sunset or sunrise. Look for opportunities to capture the moon in interesting lighting conditions to add drama to your photos.

Remember that practice makes perfect, so my initial advice would be to attend a short photography course that would provide practical 121 sessions to meet your needs where you are able to experiment and try different techniques until you find the approach that works best for you. Good luck, and happy shooting as there are amazing opportunities and images to capture on this subject.

What is the best time of day to photograph the full moon

See the light, take the shot is what I live by. The best time of day to photograph the full moon depends on your location and the phase of the moon. Generally, the full moon is best photographed when it is low on the horizon, either just after it rises or just before it sets. This is because the moon appears larger when it is closer to the horizon due to an optical illusion called the moon illusion.

The exact timing of the moonrise or moonset will vary depending on your location and the time of year. You can use a moon phase calendar or a mobile app to find out the exact times of moonrise and moonset in your area.

In addition to timing, you’ll also want to pay attention to the lighting conditions. If you’re shooting during the day, the bright sun can wash out the moon and make it difficult to capture the details of the lunar surface. On the other hand, shooting at night can be challenging because you’ll need a tripod and a slow shutter speed to avoid camera shake and get a sharp image. A short outdoor workshop is useful as lighting is key to th mood and result of your image.

Overall, the best time to photograph the full moon is during the “golden hour” just after sunset or just before sunrise when the moon is low on the horizon and the light is soft and warm.

The Swartland in the Western Cape of South Africa is a beautiful region with a diverse landscape that offers many great opportunities for capturing stunning full moon night photographs. Here are some locations that could be great for taking photos:
  1. Riebeek Kasteel: This small town in the Swartland is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and has some great vantage points for capturing the full moon rising over the horizon, definitely spoilt by its beauty and landscape, definitely worth a visit.
  2. Malmesbury: The town of Malmesbury is located in the heart of the Swartland and offers many great opportunities for capturing the full moon against the beautiful backdrop of the surrounding farmland.
  3. Darling: The quaint town of Darling is located just outside of the Swartland and is known for its beautiful wildflowers. It could be a great location for capturing the full moon rising over the fields of wildflowers.
  4. The Kasteelberg: The Kasteelberg is a mountain range located in the Swartland and offers some incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Climbing to the top could be a challenging but rewarding way to capture stunning full moon photographs.
  5. The West Coast National Park: The West Coast National Park is located just outside of the Swartland and offers some stunning views of the coastline. Capturing the full moon rising over the ocean could make for a stunning photograph.

Remember to always take safety precautions when exploring these locations at night, and be mindful of any private property restrictions as well as roads when you archaising the beauty, perhaps consider a short photography getaway where everything is catered for while you learn and take in the scenic landscapes and all that fits with intention.