Rare Super Blue Blood Moon Eclipse

Don’t Miss Out Photographing This Rare Event!!

This January the 31^st, a rare event will happen in our skies, so why not use this opportunity to get the camera out and photograph this phenomena.

What is it?

On the 31^st of January 2018 three events will occur to our moon.  These events on their own are interesting but are fairly common, however the collision of the three events in the same night is very rare. 

So, what will happen on the 31^st of January 2018?  The moon will pass through the earth’s shadow causing a complete lunar eclipse!!  This is no ordinary lunar eclipse as it is also a blue moon, and this is the first of two blue moons to occur in 2018!!  It is not only a blue moon eclipse, but this will be the third super moon, creating the ‘Super Blue Blood Moon’. 

Tips on photographing this event!!

It is worth remembering the view of the moon is different in each country across the globe, so many countries may not be able to view the lunar eclipse at all!!  Of course, weather is different in each country so it is certainly worth checking your local weather and night skies information. 

Here are some useful tips when photographing this rare event:

• Ensure you do your planning.Check the time the moon rises in your locality and head out before to prepare your equipment.Check for clouds and weather reports to ensure you will be able to view the moon.Think about your positioning and where you are going to photograph. Remember don’t be deterred because of clouds.Some lovely moon shots contain clouds covering sections of moon.
• The moon is approximately 93 million miles away.Photographing with any standard lens will not show detail, even with this super moon.As a rough guide you will require a zoom of 200-400mm.You may even require a zoom of 600mm.
• As you are trying to photograph a subject from quite a distance away and require detail, then definitely use a tripod.This will help eliminate any possibility of camera shake.
• Camera settings will vary depending on focal length and available light.Trying to photograph a relatively bright subject 93 million miles away with a black backdrop can be difficult.As a general rule and starting point, work with ISO 100.You need to try and ensure enough light is getting in whilst the moon is moving, so a good starting point is 1/250^th a second.F.8 is a good aperture to begin at as this will let in enough light, without it being too much causing softness or blur.Remember, the wider the aperture the softer the image may be.
• Getting shots of the moon is great, however it is part of a very large landscape.Make use of the surroundings and integrate the landscape into the moon shot.Think about your composition.

Good luck photographing this Super Blue Blood Moon.  Remember to check when to see the major event in your locality and don’t miss out!!    

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