20 20 July 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
Technique LUNAR PHOTOGRAPHY
Why it works
Landscape photography that incorporates the moon requires planning: understanding exactly
where and when the moon will rise, and where you can position yourself. Desk-based study,
combined with the PhotoPills app or similar, will help you to map out a vantage point. This shot
of a Super Blood Blue Moon, taken at Hunafjordur Bay, North Iceland, was planned a few days
in advance. It uses a 20km view over the bay to good effect.Twilight and moonlight
Shooting in twilight is a little more
forgiving, as dusk and dawn illuminate
the landscape with ambient blue
light, thus helping you to balance your
exposures. For optimum results, you
need to learn about the diff erent kinds of
twilight. Personally I fi nd that nautical
twilight and astronomical twilight provide
the best results, with beautiful deep blue
hues. At this point the stars are becoming
visible, so if you’re using a wideangle lens
(and you’re not worried about recording
detail in the surface of the moon) be sure
to calculate your shutter speed and focal
length for the stars that are visible, or you
will suff er star trail. Studying lunation,
and gauging what phase the moon will be
at during your shoot, will help you to plan
for diff erent elements such as exposing
within the twilights for earthshine.Pushing the boundaries
Venturing out night after night, and
becoming submersed in the moonlit
landscape, is incredibly rewarding. The
more experience you gain, the further
you can push the creative boundaries.
Photographers often try to keep
urbanisation out of their landscape
images, with the occasional quaint village
sneaking into rural scenes. But as we have
seen, these extra light sources can work in
our favour. Often, artifi cial light combined
with moonlight can enhance the mood of a
shot, casting shadows and giving depth.
Our planet’s moon is an unpredictable
beast of a light source. On clear nights the
landscape can be exposed with relative
ease, while on overcast nights the light
penetrates and illuminates the broken
clouds and landscape.
In order to successfully incorporate the
moon in your landscape imagery – either
as a light source or signifi cant feature –
you need to familiarise yourself with your
location, make a few calculations, and
have a genuine understanding of what
you are trying to achieve. With a little
preparation you will soon be creating
Last of the pale pink sunlight over the Dolomites in Italy Nikon D810, 120-400mm, 1/40sec at f/8, ISO 125 breathtaking, moonlit imagery.