Tonight’s full moon will be the biggest and brightest “supermoon” in over 70 years — and one NASA photographer is sharing his tips on capturing the astronomical showstopper.
Supermoons occur when the moon is full, and is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit. The Nov. 14 supermoon is especially significant, because it’ll be closer to Earth than it has been since 1948. It’ll appear around 15 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than a normal moon — and it won’t happen again until 2034.
Obviously, many people are probably looking to capture tonight’s once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. Thankfully, Bill Ingalls, NASA’s senior photographer, has shared some tips on how to get the perfect shot of tonight’s supermoon.
1. It’s okay if all you have is a smartphone
Although Ingalls did say that using a smartphone would be “maddening and frustrating to him,” he added that “it’s all relative,” and using a smartphone camera might actually be a good challenge for photographers.
He recommends shooting pictures that are more panoramic in nature, and shooting in an urban area where the bright lights might help the photo pop. Additionally, Ingalls said that it’s important to adjust for the proper light balance. “Tap the screen and hold your finger on the object (in this case, the moon) to lock the focus. Then slide your finger up or down to darken or lighten the exposure,” he wrote.
2. Make sure to include people, landmarks or other objects for reference
“Don’t make the mistake of photographing the moon by itself with no reference to anything,” Ingalls wrote in the blog post. Everybody is going to be getting that shot, he said. “It can be a local landmark, or anything to give your photo a sense of place,” Ingalls wrote.
Without any object for reference, the photo likely won’t stand out among the horde of similar pictures. Additionally, shooting the moon when it’s on the horizon might even work out in your favor, since that’s typically when it looks its largest.
3. If using a DSLR, keep an eye on white balance and long lenses
For DSLR users using a long lens on their camera setups, Ingalls recommended that they “keep in mind that the moon is a moving object.” “It’s a balancing act between trying to get the right exposure and realizing that the shutter speed typically needs to be a lot faster,” he wrote in the blog post.
Additionally, Ingalls said that he uses a daylight white balance setting when shooting the moon, due to the fact that the moon reflects sunlight.
4. Do some homework on timing and location
Ingalls said that he uses every tool possible to get a great shot, including Google Maps and a compass. Do your research — which includes knowing when and where the moon will be on the horizon, and perhaps knowing its location relative to local landmarks. And be precise, he added.
Another thing to consider is light pollution. For DSLR users, it might be best to travel to an area away from city lights and developed areas to get the best possible shot — otherwise, you run of risk of the lights drowning out the moon’s shine.
5. Above all, use what you have — and be creative
Overall, Ingalls said his most important tip is having an eye for a great photo. Taking a memorable and unique picture doesn’t require expensive or advanced equipment. Work with what you have. Ingalls recalled one time where he was in a similar predicament.
“I had just basic equipment and saw all these people with great telescopes making a picture I could never get. So what could I do different?” he wrote. He also added that the supermoon is an excellent opportunity to get creative. “There are lots of great photos of people appearing to be holding the moon in their hand and that kind of thing,” he wrote in the blog post. “You can get really creative with it.
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