Super Moon 2011

[Michael Lloyd]

I shot this a few hours ago.

EOS1DMK4 manual
800mm f5.6L IS tripod

No flash :c3:

ISO 100
1/125s @ f6.3

90535

[Allen Hirsch]

I like the crater at the very top center edge, and nice depth/detail throughout.

I was bummed that we have had rain and clouds for days now - no chance to get the extra-large full moon here.

[Michael Lloyd]

I like the crater at the very top center edge, and nice depth/detail throughout.

I was bummed that we have had rain and clouds for days now - no chance to get the extra-large full moon here.

Good eye! That's my favorite feature.

I was worried that I would miss it here. The night before was very cloudy. I could have tried for a shot between the clouds but they were moving fast and I thought the haze would be an issue so I didn't even try.

We could use the rain. The ground here has 1" wide cracks in it...

[Art Kornienko]

Very nice Michael, I would use a bit more contrast and darken the whites slightly.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Michael, Good detail! As stated might try a bit more contrast to give the moon more pop but if you do be careful not to lose detail.
I love the crater on the far rt. Almost looks like the end of a cantelope. Nice study!

[Andrew McLachlan]

Very nice Michael. Agree with a bit more contrast.

[Michael Lloyd]

Thanks gentlemen. I agree. I bumped it a little for the OP but I was trying to be cautious. I'll adjust it a little more and see what I get.

[Hilary Hann]

Lovely detail. Looks like a beautiful crystal ball.
We were totally behind cloud and missed it all.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Michael,
I didn't get a chance here either! Nice job on this and the suggested tweaks will make it shine!

[Robert Amoruso]

Michael,

I think some fill-flash could have helped here.:w3

[Morkel Erasmus]

this is nice!! love the detail here...how much of a crop is this?

[Michael Lloyd]

Robert- I agree... I didn't feel like dragging it out :S3:

Morkel

Here's the original

http://wildlightimagingstudio.com/img/s3/v26/p676405607-3.jpg

And here's something similar to the original with contrast boosted. Hopefully it will survive to trip between servers.

http://wildlightimagingstudio.com/img/s10/v2/p955277884-4.jpg

[Michael Lloyd]

Here's a little something to argue about. :c3:

I typed up a little "how'd I do that" on my "home" forum and I thought I would put it out there for comments and critiques.

*****************************

I believe that it's more important to get the exposure right than which lens we use. The moon is a relatively bright object on a very dark background. Even with a 200mm lens the camera will overexpose the moon if left in auto. I always shoot in manual so my first step is different than yours might be however I recommend following these steps to get the correct exposure:

(1) Switch to manual
(2) Shoot from a tripod
(3) If the camera allows for it shoot with the mirror locked up and use a cable release.
(4) ISO = 100
(5) f stop to wide open (smallest number)
(6) Adjust your shutter speed such that the exposure meter indicates about 2 stops under exposed.

In my Canon the view through the finder looks like this without the text (double dash is to represent a larger division line):

-- (+ 3 stops)
- (+ 2-2/3 stops)
- (+ 2-1/3 stops)
-- (+ 2 stops)
- (+ 1-2/3 stops)
- (+ 1-1/3 stops)
-- (+ 1 stop)
- (+ 2/3 stop)
- (+ 1/3 stop)
=> 0
- (- 1/3 stop)
- (- 2/3 stop)
-- (- 1 stop)
- (- 1-1/3 stops)
- (- 1-2/3 stops)
-- (- 2 stops) ***** start around this point but it's not an absolute.
- (- 2-1/3 stops)
- (- 2-2/3 stops)
-- (- 3 stops)

I have my camera set for 1/3 stop increments so you may not have 1/3 divisions.

(7) Shoot a frame and look at it on the LCD screen. If "blinkies" are turned on and it's a flashing bright white blob or if off, a bright white blob, then take away some light (more negative). With -2 stops as the setting it's not likely that you'll see blinkies or overexposure indicated but you might.

The initial point of -2 stops works well with long glass and a full moon. A waxing or waning crescent is going to require more light but I always start with -2.

[Gerald_Gilligan]

Hey Michael,

Great explanation...

I agree with Dave, it looks like the end of a cantelope.

I had rain and clouds as well but was still out there for 2 hours hoping that it might break through...