How to get perfect photos of the moon

Soaring high...adding a foreground like an eagle soaring high added the perspective to the moon picture.- Pic by Eddie Chua

The moon, our closest celestial neighbour, has fascinated humanity for millennia.

Its glow and enigmatic presence in the night sky have inspired more than just poets, storytellers and dreamers.

Beyond its role in mythology and romance, the moon is a breathtaking subject for photographers.

Unlike other celestial bodies, it’s close enough to reveal fascinating details through a lens, yet far enough to challenge the skills of a photographer.

Between the two towers... it's a rare occasion to capture the moon between the towers. However, such photographs are possible with the help of the moon tracking app, which indicates its rising path.- Pic by Eddie Chua

Each moon phase, from the slender crescent to the full moon, offers different challenges.

A manual setting is preferred because automatic modes often falter in low-light conditions to photograph the moon.

The choice of lens is also essential.

A long telephoto lens, typically 200mm to 800mm, is ideal to capture the moon’s glory. The longer the focal length, the larger the moon appears in the frame.

A sturdy tripod provides the stability and support for the camera and lens to capture clear, sharp images.

A photo composite of a rare rising moon as it turned red at the peak of the lunar eclipse when Malaysia witnessed the longest eclipse of this century in 2018. This picture was taken in Kudat, Sabah.- Pic by Eddie Chua

Photography is about capturing moments and this is especially true for lunar photography.

The phase of the moon significantly affects the image.

A full moon, while spectacular, often lacks the depth and contrast provided by the shadows during other phases.

Many photographers prefer shooting during the waxing or waning gibbous phase, where the interplay of light and dark brings out the moon’s craters and seas in stark relief.

Using a flight tracking app, one can track a plane flying near the moon. - Pic by Eddie Chua

Another critical aspect of timing is the moon’s position in the sky.

Photographing the moon during moonrise or moonset can add a dramatic effect, with opportunities to incorporate landscapes or cityscapes.

Mastering the settings on the camera is where science blends with art. The ‘Looney 11’ rule is a good starting point – setting the aperture to f/11 and the shutter speed to the reciprocal of the ISO.

However, this is just a starting point.

Experimenting with different settings is key to understanding how changes in ISO, aperture and shutter speed affect the image.

For a start, shoot at low ISO – at ISO 100 to ISO 200 – and use a small aperture of around f/8 to f/11 which will give you the sharpness.

The moon over the Telekom tower in Kuala Lumpur. Such an opportunity comes only once or twice a year. - Pic by Eddie Chua

A fast shutter speed of anything beyond 1/125th of a second is needed to freeze the moon’s motion as it rises high in the sky.

Autofocus can struggle in low light, so manual focus is the way to go. Using the camera’s live view mode to zoom in on the moon and adjust the focus is a technique many photographers use to get crisp, clear shots.

Of course, a remote or cable shutter release is also recommended to prevent the camera from shaking. Remember, even slight movements can induce camera shake when using long lenses, especially given the narrow depth of field. This increased sensitivity to vibration can lead to blurriness in the photo.

Infuse depth and narrative into the moon photos by placing foreground elements like trees, buildings, birds or even aeroplanes.

Photographing the moon during the blue hour – the period of twilight when the sun is below the horizon – would also add uniqueness to the photos.

Photographing the moon during the blue hour with a plane flying near the moon in the foreground adds depth to the photo.- Pic by Eddie Chua

Fine-tuning the lunar images, including exposure, contrast and sharpness adjustments, is essential during post-processing.

Experiment with various settings, compositions and moon phases to unleash creativity, capitalising on each phase’s distinctive lighting and shadow play.

Use phone or desktop apps to plan and compose your moon shots for added precision.

These apps allow you to pre-calculate perspective and incorporate a fitting foreground into the frame at precisely the right moment.

Such meticulous planning can significantly enhance the uniqueness of your compositions.

So, seize the opportunity and capture the moon during its next appearance.

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