Blue Moon: A Photographer's Guide to Capturing Lunar Beauty

While the Nothern Lights and Milky Way skies are the best to capture on the lens, the beauty of encapsulating a full moon is surreal. On August 30 as the rare Blue Moon presents an enchanting sight gracing the night sky, it is a spectacle orchestrated especially for photographers. But to be able to capture the ethereal glow of this rare moon one requires some basic skill and preparation. Here are tips and techniques that will help you capture the beauty of this celestial event.?
Remember, it is all about the timing
The key to photographing the essence of any subject is divine timing. Similarly, with a Blue Moon, the timing has to be precise. Blue Moons occur when two full moons appear within the same calendar month. In the United States, the Blue Moon is expected to reach its peak at 9:36 PM. So be ready and set up your gear beforehand looking for a perfect obstruction-free spot looking at the sky.
Gather the essential equipment
The secret behind obtaining good pictures is investing in the right equipment as that will enhance the Blue Moon photography. A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal. For close-up shots, a telephoto lens (300mm or higher) will allow you to capture intricate details.
Figure out the right settings
Set your camera to manual mode and then adjust settings for optimal exposure. To begin with, set a low ISO setting (e.g., ISO 100-400) to minimize noise. Important to place a narrow aperture (high f-stop value) as it will ensure a sharp focus across the moon's surface. Then comes the shutter speed. Try and keep a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/125 to 1/250 seconds), as it will prevent overexposure.
Make use of a tripod
To keep the hands still holding an object is not an easy job. Especially with a camera, even the slightest shake can blur the shots. In such cases, a sturdy tripod is essential for keeping the camera steady during longer exposure times, making it easy to adjust the focus.
Mindful of exposure
Just like the sun, the moon too has its light and due to the moon's brightness contrasted against the night sky, metering for the moon can be tricky. One can use spot metering on the moon to ensure that it is properly exposed. Be mindful of the dark surrounding sky as it may lead to losing the details.
It is time to get creative and capture this rare occurrence of Blue Moon. Consider including elements in the foreground, such as silhouettes of trees or buildings, to add depth and context to your images.
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