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As we were watching impalas drinking at a waterhole, we were happy to have a full moon in the photo and in the reflection in the water. Soon, however, I saw the moon becoming less full until I suspected we were witnessing mere clouds… or was it an eclipse?
Lake Magadi, Kenya - Lunar eclipse, 7 September 2025.
Very nice image, Ingrid. Obviously the impalas aren’t particularly superstitious about strange astronomical phenomena. The lighting and reflections are quite nice, though the light is obviously not from the moon at that angle. It still works quite nicely.
This definitely caught my attention. It’s so unusual, almost abstract. The negative space most certainly serves to force your focus on the subject. However, I find the moon to be very distracting. This is a very novel and intriguing image.
Very unique image Ingrid! I like the dark image, it gives a mysterious feel to the image, you wonder what its lurking in the darkness. I find the moon distracting, it pounces the eye up and down as the brightest things in the image. I might also try a tighter crop to get more detail in the impala if you have the pixels to do so. Great capture!
Another vote for no moon. Then it would be a superb shot to my eye, great composition and super low-key nighttime mood. (I also wish I could enlarge this more to enjoy it in greater detail). A real feel of Africa to this!
Hello all, thanks for the comments, opinions and advice!
The light is indeed artificial, it is from a night photography hide.
Interesting to see some of you find the moon distracting and would crop it out. Of course I also have similar images without the moon, but I felt that the image posted was the strongest of the lot, given that the lunar eclipse was also partly visible. I specifically zoomed out for the occasion But I will post the image without moon some time, and look forward to your reactions then Thanks again!
You definitely made me look at this one. The thumbnail was compelling so I clicked on it. Not what I was expecting! I love dark images as much as I love reflections, so this is a win/win for me! Well done.
And @Diane , I didn’t forget about you either
I did as you suggested, but that looked really weird to me. However, I then turned the image upside down and that looked more pleasing. Would be interested to know what you think.
Thanks all for your support!
Ingrid.
I prefer the version without the moon – although I appreciate being able to capture it, it is a little too small to work well. The animals are so spectacular they dob’t need anything competing!
I love this low key look, what a wonderful opportunity to photograph such lovely creatures.
I’m think my favorite of the options is the reversed image without the moon reflection, however it’s your shot and you get to select the one that feels right for you.
Alice
But I will post the image without moon some time, and look forward to your reactions then 
Thanks again!
