Thursday, August 13, 2009

Edit the Moon

I've been trying to get some really outstanding moon shots with no luck. While up at the cabin I waited in the cold for the moon to rise. Unfortunately by the time it rose above the ridge it was so dark that there wasn't even a faint glow on the land. I learned some things, though. The sunny 16 rule (ISO number for the shutter speed at f16) gives the proper exposure for the moon itself. I also found I got better results manually focusing. Next month, if I remember, I'll try to shoot on the day before full moon and do some more experimenting. I also tried to see if editing and special effects could improve the picture. The results are subtle, don't feel bad if you see no difference.


I duplicated the photo and extracted the moon. The first copy I used the emboss effect and the second the overlay. I think it gives a little bit of depth but as I said, the results are subtle. One problem, I think the process inverted the highs and lows.


For more sky shots, click here.

20 comments:

Photo Cache said...

That's pretty cool. When I have time I will find out what those buttons are on my camera and also learn what the buttons on my software do :)

James said...

That looks so cool, like its sitting halfway in a black pocket.

Texas Travelers said...

Looking good.

Geocaching looks interesting..

Come visit 'Prairie Barrens' under a hot sky, Click here.
Troy and Martha

Ebie said...

This is my main blog.
Hi Martha, your moon shots are great, and I have no such luck.
P.S. The photo was taken in the Financial District, on 7th & Hope Street, where Macy's Plaza sits at the corner. I am headed to your older post.

Sylvia K said...

Great shots, Martha, and I can see the difference. It is subtle, but it's there. I'm still learning about night and moon shots. My son gave me a really cool tripod for my birthday so I'm hoping to get some better shots -- as I gradually learn more about my new camera.

Have a great weekend!
Sylvia

Lori R. said...

I think you did an excellent job of getting a pic of the moon. It looks huge!! Thanks also for the post on Geocaching... I went on the site registered and found a few places not too far from here to scope out.... Something different to do!!!!

Anonymous said...

I seldom have luck with moon shots and think yours are nifty ;--)
Hugs and blessings,

Pearl Maple said...

How talented to be able to photograph the moon in all its shining glory. Thanks for sharing with us all in sky watch friday.

Esther Garvi said...

Catching the moon is one of those things still on my todo list! But one day...! Can't help it that Sheba stole the show last time I tried! :-D

Regina said...

How awesome! Great shots.
Mine is also a moon.
Happy weekend.

david mcmahon said...

Great results.

cara said...

Really gorgeous shots - especially close up. Well done.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Great shot. I love moon shots. I just have the patience to do them right.

Lew said...

Those are good shots of the moon. I ahve good luck with the moon at dusk (or near sunrise), but not at night.

Rune Eide said...

It looks good enough for me. I have learned another rule for the moon. Tripod of course, but ISO 100, Aperture 11 and speed 1/125. It has worked for me.

Unseen India Tours said...

This is fantastic !! You did it very neatly..Great work..Unseen Rajasthan

Owlfarmer said...

You've inspired me to get out the tripod and the telephoto. A few years back, my husband and I sat on a picnic table in the park in Independence and watched the moon set over the Sierras. With that perspective, it seems almost like it plummets into the mountains in no time. The moon's always a great subject, but thanks for playing around with it.

Anonymous said...

I like the way it came out. Thanks for the shooting info.

Martha said...

Great shots. I need to experiment with the moon. I had a few shots in FL, but here is more difficult from home as we are tree covered!


My SWF - Rainbow

EG CameraGirl said...

The moon is a challenge and I think your experiments are turning out well. ;-)