Last month I showed you how I tracked and photographed the Super Moon. I was not very happy with the attempt. One of the reasons why I wanted to take the Night Photography eClass. This week’s assignment was to photograph the Moon as it rose the night before the full moon. The weather which caused havoc all across the United States last weekend put those plans on hold. Using what I learned, I did take this photo last Friday night of the gibbous moon which was around 90% Full.
The Waxing Gibbous Moon. Nikon D700/80-400VR, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 200, EV +0.3, 400mm focal length, tripod.
This time I used the Nikon D700 digital SLR camera coupled with the Nikon 80-400mm VR Zoom lens to photograph the moon. Though I lost 200mm in reach not using a cropped camera, the resolving power of the larger 12MP sensor in the D700 made up for it. The fact that I was not guessing at the exposure this time helped the most.
This photo is much better and shows the moon’s surface features as it floated above me. I hope to get the moon rise or set later this year.
Views Infinitum 
Fantastic shot Scott, love it!
LikeLike
Thanks, Simone!
LikeLike
It’s perfectly amazing to me that your camera–in your hands–is able to show me almost as much detail as the telescope can. I rather like the little mystery left in this phase.
LikeLike
Why, thank you so much, Gerry! It’s good but nowhere near as good as a true astrophotography setup would be. I’m with you, I do like this phase to as you get some shading. I want to try other phases which changes the exposure but should be even more dramatic looking.
LikeLike
Nicely done, Scott. You are learning much in your class!
LikeLike
Yes, I am. The stars are next if the weather will cooperate. The presentation of the information is excellent. Will go into more detail when I finish both courses and write up a review.
LikeLike
This turned out great!
Hubby went to the gym yesterday morning (still dark out) and came back in the house to tell me I should go outside with the camera, because the moon was orange! I did take some pictures, but wasn’t very happy with the results 😛
LikeLike
Was the moon low on the horizon? That’s a tough shot with the atmospheric conditions which caused the coloration.
LikeLike
Awesome! Great detail in this shot.
LikeLike
Thanks, Deanna!
LikeLike
This is a Perfect Moon, Scott. You did it. I can not imagine any more perfection than this. 🙂
LikeLike
You are too kind, Kathy. Thank you.
LikeLike
This is just the kind of moon shot I’d love to be able to take. Beautiful work. Usually once a month, I’ve been seeing a perfect “Cheshire Cat” moon – a really neat crooked smile of a moon, sometimes just perfectly misted with clouds to a look as though it is disappearing. I’m dying to photograph it; do you think similar settings to yours could help me out?
LikeLike
A crescent moon is what you are describing with a lot less reflected light. Make sure you use spot metering. Open up the aperture and/or raise the ISO to keep the shutter speed around 1/30th of a second or better for best results.
LikeLike
Done right indeed! Nice work.
LikeLike
Thanks, Mike. Now all I need is a snow capped mountain peak to go with it. Got any you can ship down here for me?
LikeLike
Nice shot, Scott,
I couldn’t photograph the moon the night before or the night of the full moon due to clouds. I’m looking forward to getting it next month.
LikeLike
Hi, Mary! I noticed you were taking the class. How do you like it so far? Will you be doing the second one, too?
LikeLike
Impressive shot, Scott. The detail is amazing.
LikeLike
Great detail Scott, amazing what you lens can do. I’m not sure if I gazed at the moon too much, but it looks like it’s getting bigger and bigger to me. 🙂
LikeLike
This is a wonderful image – amazing what an excellent photo equipment and a skilled photographer can produce!
LikeLike
What!! You took this?!? Scott, I am usually impressed by your images but this one takes the cake.
LikeLike
Fantastic moon shot, Scott! The detail is amazing.
LikeLike
Pingback: FX Unmasked | Views Infinitum
Pingback: Best of, Part 4 « Karma's When I Feel Like It Blog