Lunar Eclipse (Through Groggy Eyes)

Image Critiques
1

DSC_2770_01_ver2.jpg
DSC_2770_01_ver2.jpg2778×2014 527 KB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

I’m not much of a night shooter, but I set the alarm and popped (or dragged) myself out of bed to photograph the recent lunar eclipse. We had nice clear skies in Northern California. I started shooting around 3:05 a.m., but was aiming to get my best shots around 3:30 a.m., when we had eclipse totality and the moon was going to be the most red. The moon, as you know, moves pretty quickly and I was just using a tripod and camera, so no tracking equipment.

Specific Feedback

Is the moon sharp enough?
Is there enough detail in the moon?
When post processing, I wanted to maintain the red but it looks a bit too dark at the top. I also wanted to maintain detail in the moon, while keeping the red hue. I also like the stars in the photo,

Technical Details

Nikon Z6 III
Nikon 100mm-400mm lens
Benro Tripod CLT-303 Series 3

SS 1/3 second
ISO 2500
f5.6

2

Excellent!! And I think you captured a very realistic exposure – the deepest part was so dark as to be almost invisible, and there was quite a strong gradient as the moon was fairly close to the edge of earth’s shadow. For the needed ISO and SS you got a good image! Even with the trouble I went to, both with equipment and clear air location, mine wasn’t as sharp as I had hoped. I shot the full moon before it got into the shadow for comparison, and I couldn’t get it that sharp. I’ll post the comparison in my thread later today.

3

Thanks Diane! It is indeed challenging to get a sharp image of the moon, as it moves much faster than our eyes perceive it. Still, it’s fun to try, even if it means crawling out of bed in the middle of the night!