Super Moon - Photo Tips
A super moon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to the earth. We see it best as a full moon as it is rising. The moon can look huge as it breaks over the horizon. This year, it will actually be a blue moon as well. This is when you get 2 full moons in a calendar month. It is also a Blood Moon which is when the moon looks red as the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon's surface.
To get good shots of both these effects, you need to do your homework.
First, look up what time is moon rise and what angle to the horizon it will rise in. Next find a good location to take the photos. A place up high is good. Not too much on the horizon and not too many power lines (or none!)
Next figure out what settings you will use on your camera BEFORE you go out. Check these settings on the moon a day or two before.
Lens
A telephoto lens is preferable, particularly as it gets higher in the sky (200 mm minimum when high). On the horizon, if the moon is very large you may need a smaller telephoto lens. This will depend on how much of the surrounding scenery you want in the shot. Check this out the day before.
Settings Guide (you may vary this)
Exposure - use manual exposure mode if the moon isn't taking up most of the frame. You will want to show detail on the moon, not just a bright blob unless the surrounding landscape is more important than the moon.
f -stop f 2.8 to 6.3 or higher depending on your lens. Higher if you need more detail
ISO depends how bright the moon is. On the horizon, you may find you can use 400. When it is higher in the sky and red, you may need a higher ISO
Shutter Speed depends on how bright the moon is. As you are on a tripod you can have up to a second or two.. Not much longer as the moon is moving! Check your shot to make sure there is no movement
WB - Daylight or shade if you want a redder look
Picture Style - Landscape or similar
Focus - Manual. You can try auto. It may work on the horizon when the moon is bright
Finding the moon when it is high in the sky. If you have a zoom lens, start at the wide angle so you can see the moon and then zoom in. Otherwise check your angle to the moon before looking through the viewfinder or back screen and use small movements to re-align.
Your Gear
Tripod, torch (for seeing the settings on your camera), remote control or use your 2 second time delay
These settings are starting points
Try them out on the previous days when the moon is nearly full. Check your image for camera shake and moon movement (if a long shutter speed is used)
Enjoy the challenge! and hope for a cloud free night.
