Photographing the Blue Moon of August 2023

The month of August 2023 was a special one for skywatchers and photographers alike, as it featured not one, but two full moons. This rare occurrence, known as a Blue Moon, happens when there are two full moons in a single calendar month. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the breathtaking experience of photographing these celestial events in the picturesque setting of Halkidiki, Greece, specifically at a rocky beach.

I had the opportunity to capture both full moons in all their glory from the rocky beaches of Halkidiki, Greece. The stunning scenery of the rocky beach provided the perfect backdrop for the celestial spectacle.

Essential Equipment for Moon Photography

•  A sturdy tripod: This will help you achieve sharp and steady images, especially when using longer exposure times.
•  A telephoto lens: Opt for a lens with a focal length of at least 200mm to capture the moon’s intricate details and have it appear big in your frame.
• A remote shutter release: This will minimize camera shake when pressing the shutter button.

Planning the Shoot

   Familiarize yourself with the moonrise and moonset times for the specific dates. Use smartphone apps like PhotoPills or online tools like Stellarium to determine the best time to photograph the moon rising or setting against the landscape. Consider incorporating other elements into your composition, such as silhouettes of rocks, waves, or nearby structures, to add depth and interest. The moon’s position in the sky changes quickly, so it’s important to be prepared and ready to capture the shot when the moment arises.

Camera Settings and Techniques

• Use manual mode to have full control over your camera settings.
• Set a low ISO (e.g., 100-400) to minimize noise and ensure sharp details.
• Start with an aperture around f/8 to f/11 for optimal sharpness.
• Experiment with different shutter speeds, but a starting point could be around 1/125th of a second for a well-exposed and sharp moon.
• Bracket your shots by adjusting the exposure to capture both the moon’s details and the surrounding landscape.

Conclusion

Photographing the two full moons of August 2023 was a rare opportunity. By planning ahead, using the right equipment and considering the composition I was able to capture some photos that I really liked. Plus it’s always great spending a warm summer night at the beach! Here is a selection of my personal favorite full moon photos in case you want to have a look!