Lunar Eclipse Photography Tips

Night Life Night Photography Fireworks Lights Moon Snow Sunset

Lunar eclipses are rare but recurring celestial events that are typically fun and easy to document.

Since they occur sporadically, and can happen in overcast conditions, photographing one is often a matter of patience, good fortune and a willingness to remain awake throughout the night (or outside during the earlier evening hours, depending on the timing of the eclipse).

The above picture shows six phases of the moon during a total lunar eclipse.

The photos of the moon in red are characteristic of the color of the moon as it moves totally into the earth's shadow and away from any direct sunlight.

Setting the camera at a higher shutter speed, 1/1000 or 1/500 for example, is suitable for taking pictures of the moon prior to, and following, its movement in the earth's shadow. The exact setting depends on the amount of light hitting the moon at the time of the picture, so you will need to experiment with different settings.

Decrease the shutter speed, as low as 1 or more (one second per frame), and allow the lens to capture more light while the moon is in the earth's shadow.

Because lunar eclipses occur over an extended period of time, there is ample time to set the camera on a tripod and position it properly for each shot. Slow shutter speeds increase the possibility of the camera moving during the picture, so use of a tripod is most important for getting sharp pictures when the moon is red and in the earth's shadow (i.e., when the shutter speed is set to 1 or slower).

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels