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How to photograph the moon: A guide for stunning lunar shots

How to photograph the moon: A guide for stunning lunar shots

TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 20, 2025, 19:16 IST

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Moon photography requires a balance of exposure, focus, and stability. Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens, a sturdy tripod, and manual settings like ISO 100-200, aperture f/8 to f/11, and a fast shutter speed ensures detailed shots. Capturing different moon phases and post-processing can enhance the images further.

How to photograph the moon: A guide for stunning lunar shots

Photographing the moon is an exciting challenge for photographers of all levels. Whether you want to capture a glowing full moon, a detailed crescent, or a breathtaking lunar eclipse, understanding the right techniques can make all the difference. Unlike daytime photography, moon photography requires a balance between exposure, focus, and stability to get sharp and well-lit images.

Choose the right camera and lens

While smartphone cameras have improved, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will give you the best results when photographing the moon. The most important piece of gear, however, is the lens:

A telephoto lens (200mm or more) will allow you to capture detailed shots. A 300mm or 400mm lens is even better for close-ups.
A superzoom camera (bridge camera) can work if it has a high optical zoom range.
If using a smartphone, attaching a clip-on telescope lens can help magnify the moon.

Use a sturdy tripod

Because the moon is far away and relatively dim, even slight camera shakes can ruin your shot. A sturdy tripod helps eliminate motion blur and ensures sharp images. Using a remote shutter release or a self-timer will further prevent vibrations when pressing the shutter button.

Camera settings for moon photography

To capture the moon’s details, you need to adjust your camera settings manually. Here’s what works best:

ISO: Keep it low (ISO 100-200) to avoid noise in the image.
Aperture (f-stop): Use f/8 to f/11 for sharpness and clarity.
Shutter speed: Start with 1/125 to 1/250 sec, as the moon moves quickly across the sky. If overexposed, use a faster shutter speed.
Focus mode: Switch to manual focus and adjust until the moon appears sharp in your viewfinder or LCD screen.
White balance: Set it to Daylight or adjust manually to get the right color tone.

Tip: If your camera has spot metering mode, use it to expose for the moon correctly without making the surrounding sky too bright.
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When to photograph the moon

Full moon: Best for bright, detailed shots, but it may appear too flat due to lack of shadows.
Crescent moon: Offers more contrast and texture as the sunlight creates shadows on the lunar surface.
Moonrise or moonset: Capturing the moon near the horizon creates stunning compositions with landscapes or cityscapes.
Lunar eclipse: A dramatic event where the moon changes color—use a longer exposure to bring out details.

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