Digital BW, The Print

Hi Christopher,



I have chased moonrises for many years and have found that the day before
full moon offers the best photographic opportunities.  On this day the
moon rises a little before the sun sets which makes contrast management
easier.  On full moon day the contrast between rising moon and the
sun-illuminated foreground usually exceeds the detail contrast range of
slide film and digital sensors (about 6 - 7 stops).



The other issue is the moon is not a static object, its constantly moving.
Any shutter speed less than 1/30 of a second will result in a blurred moon
that is elliptical in shape rather than round. I normally use a 500 mm
lens for 4x5 negatives for my moonrises - it gives a larger than life moon
which looks great in prints and you can see detail in the moon, not a
burned out circle of light.



The moon rises in a different position each night.  In the fall of the
year here in New Mexico it raises a little more toward the north each
night and about 20-30 minutes later each day.



The best thing to do is get out there 3 days before full moon and see
where it comes up over the horizon.  Then go out the next day and do the
same observation - this will give you data on where it rises and at what
time.  Then the next day (1 day before full) you are ready to make the
awesome image!



Hope this helps.



TK



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