Another super moon visited us last night and the sky was clear all day, so I couldn’t pass up a chance to try to capture it. A year ago last November I stood on a bluff overlooking our library and attempted to catch the pink moon rising. It was freezing cold. I was only sort of successful.
So last night I tried again.
I drove out to one of Katie’s favorite parks where I knew there was a nature trail up to a lookout hill.
I had set the camera up for the moon shots in the nice warm car, but on the way I saw stuff I wanted to photograph (of course) and I forgot, in the moment, that the camera was set for night skies. Hence this:
It’s a bad shot that not even Lightroom could fix. But I thought it was kind of cool. OK. I’m weird.
Once up on the hill I settled in along with another family to wait. The sun set behind us and we almost missed it because we were staring at the horizon where the moon was supposed to appear any minute.
And then it did.
And my tripod wasn’t steady, and that bothered me so much I didn’t even register that the moon was completely blown out and I needed to speed up the shutter. Eventually I figured that out, but by then the moon was higher in the sky, past the ridge of clouds it had been shining through.
I couldn’t get the clouds and the trees and the moon all in one shot. Either the clouds disappeared or the moon was too bright.
But I had a wonderful time. It wasn’t freezing cold. The moon was breathtaking, much more beautiful than these poor images display. The family up on the hill left way too soon, while the moon was still in the clouds. I hope they saw it shining bright on their drive home!
December 4, 2017 at 5:26 pm
We were out walking last night and the moon lit our way. So big and bright! I think your first photo is gorgeous. The lavender light is so soothing.
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December 5, 2017 at 2:03 pm
The lavender light was wonderful. The whole evening was wonderful minus the frustration of the tripod!
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December 4, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Beautiful captures, Dawn! I like the photo of the geese, and always enjoy those kind of happy accidents. 🙂
I gave up on my tripod. I always get so distracted by it that I end up missing part of what I went out to photograph. I do everything hand held now and hope for the best (which is not always good, but sometimes good enough).
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December 5, 2017 at 2:05 pm
I think I didn’t have some part of it tight enough. I need to get more familiar with it so I’m not turning wrong things in the dark. I really need it to be steady when I try stars next time! Can’t believe you get the shots you do of the moon without one! I’ve leaned up against buildings and trees to get the moon though, so I know it can be done.
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December 4, 2017 at 7:22 pm
I think you did a very nice job, even with the geese – you caught the movement of their wings.
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December 5, 2017 at 2:05 pm
Those geese actually were really pretty in the evening pink light….but I had my aperture way open and the timer set for way too long!
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December 4, 2017 at 7:50 pm
The moon was intense here too.
Speaking about intense, your idea on retirement is intense. You go girl!!!
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December 5, 2017 at 2:06 pm
I love to go! Just like Katie-girl…go go go!
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December 4, 2017 at 9:32 pm
You had a wonderful time and that’s what counts. Your moon photo is great! And I had to chuckle about your geese caption–too funny!
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December 5, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Well I figure if you can’t stun them with technique then get em with laughter!
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December 5, 2017 at 12:16 am
All wonderful shots- and you got the super moon!
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December 5, 2017 at 2:07 pm
It was a super beautiful moon that evening!
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December 5, 2017 at 10:18 am
I think you did a fine job! Just braving the cold and dark is an accomplishment, and your lovely photos of the sunset and the super moon were big payoffs!
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December 5, 2017 at 2:07 pm
I was glad there was another family with me up there. As the sun went down we heard deer snorting somewhere behind us. That would have freaked me out if I was up there alone! Even knowing what it was!
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December 5, 2017 at 3:04 pm
Yikes, they can be mean … especially at this time of year!
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December 5, 2017 at 2:40 pm
I am smiling about your night-time photography adventures, Dawn, and can totally relate. Your photos share the spirit, from the artsy geese to this creative post. The moon has been gorgeous!
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December 5, 2017 at 10:04 pm
The moon has been amazing. We were lucky that there were only a few clouds.
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December 5, 2017 at 11:41 pm
Night photography is kind of fun , isn’t it. I did take a 6 week class in it about a year or so ago. I kind of got into it for awhile but haven’t done much lately. I think I should tho. I will post some of my night photos soon .
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December 6, 2017 at 10:04 am
It would be cool to see some! Thanks for stopping by!
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December 6, 2017 at 10:35 am
I actually think those photos came out pretty amazing! I heard we had a supermoon the other night but fell asleep too early before I could remind myself to go out and take a look.
Oh, and the photo of the geese? I think that’s my favorite. Guess I’m weird right along with you.
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December 6, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Nice to have company in my weirdness! I still have lots to learn but I feel like I’m making progress.
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