How to Photograph the Blue Supermoon on August 30th 2023

The full moon on August 30th 2023 is a special one: it’s a blue moon, which means it’s the second full moon in a calendar month. And it’s also a Supermoon, which means it’s at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes it the biggest and brightest full moon of the year!

If you’re a photographer, you’ll want to take advantage of this rare opportunity to capture the beauty of the blue super moon. Here are a few tips:

1. Plan your location. I plan my photo location using PhotoPills, a powerful app for iOS and Android, that can help you plan your location for any type of photography, including moon photography.
2. Use a tripod. A tripod is essential for taking sharp photos of the moon. Even a small amount of camera shake can ruin your shot, so it’s important to use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady.
3. Use a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens will help you magnify the moon and make it appear larger in your photos. A 200mm lens is a good starting point, but you can use a longer lens if you have one.
4. Set your camera to manual mode. This will give you more control over the exposure settings of your camera. You’ll want to use a low ISO (100-200) and a slow shutter speed (1/100-1/200).
5. Use exposure compensation. You may need to use exposure compensation to make sure the moon is properly exposed. Experiment with different settings until you find one that works well.
6. Take multiple shots. The moon is constantly moving, so it’s important to take multiple shots to choose the one that looks better later.

The importance of finding an amazing foreground

In addition to the moon itself, the foreground of your photo is also very important. A well-chosen foreground can help to add context and interest to your photo, and it can also help to frame the moon and make it stand out. When choosing a foreground, look for something that is visually interesting and that will complement the moon. Some good options include trees, buildings, mountains, or bodies of water. You can also use foreground elements to tell a story or create a mood. For example, you could use a foreground tree to create a sense of scale, or you could use a foreground building to create a sense of place. The possibilities are endless!

With a little planning and preparation, you can capture stunning photos of the August 2023 blue super moon. So get out there and start shooting! Oh, here is a collection with some of my personal best Supermoon photos to get some inspiration!