Super Flower Blood Moon from San Pedro, Belize, Central America
Lunar eclipses are an incredible opportunity to capture the moon in a unique and dramatic way. If you’re a fan of night sky photography like me, you don’t want to miss the upcoming total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025.
For those in the eastern half of North America, it will happen after midnight on the 14th, while farther west, it will take place just before midnight on the 13th. The total eclipse will last about 65 minutes, giving you plenty of time to get fantastic shots – or at least one good one before your fingers freeze.
Photographing a lunar eclipse requires some planning, the right gear and maybe an extra cup of coffee. Here are my best tips to help you capture stunning images of this celestial event.
Choosing the Right Lens
The best lens depends on the type of shot you want. If you want close-up details of the moon, go for a long telephoto lens – at least 400mm. If you want the moon to fill most of the frame, you’ll need something closer to 1200mm (or a NASA-sized budget).
For wider compositions that include the landscape, a wide-angle lens can work well. Just remember, the wider you go, the smaller the moon will be – it might end up looking like a tiny dot instead of the showstopper you were hoping for. I suggest staying at 24mm or longer to avoid disappointment.
Essential Gear and Setup
No matter what lens you use, a sturdy tripod is a must—unless you’re going for an avant-garde blurry moon effect (I wouldn’t recommend it). A remote shutter release helps prevent vibrations, but if you’re like me and always forget it, the camera’s timer works just fine.
Still seeing blur? Try turning off image stabilization, since some systems actually introduce motion when mounted on a tripod – because, of course, technology sometimes does the opposite of what you expect.
Use apps like PhotoPills to scout the moon’s location and plan your composition. If you’re incorporating foreground elements, visit your shoot location ahead of time. And bring a headlamp – unless you enjoy fumbling in the dark and accidentally kicking your tripod over (we’ve all been there).
Super Flower Blood Moon Stacked & Blended
Exposure and Camera Settings
Avoid Overexposing the Moon
When the moon is partially eclipsed, it’s still very bright, so keep an eye on your highlights. During totality, the moon darkens significantly, so you’ll need to boost your ISO and lengthen your shutter speed – but not too much, or you’ll just have a glowing red smudge.
Shutter Speed Matters
Since the moon moves across the sky, using too long of a shutter speed can cause motion blur. Stick to 2 seconds or less.
- 300mm or shorter: You might get away with 2 seconds
- Longer focal lengths: Try 1 second or even 1/2 second
The good news? Lunar eclipses happen slowly, so you have time to adjust your settings.
Focusing on the Moon
Focusing is easy when the moon is bright – just use autofocus, then switch to manual to lock it in place. Be careful not to bump the focus ring. During totality, autofocus may struggle, so pre-focus before the eclipse starts to save yourself from frustration.
If you’re including foreground elements, focus stacking might be needed. Take one shot focused on the landscape and another on the moon, then blend them later. Photoshop is your friend.
Bracketing for the Best Exposure
A lunar eclipse involves constant changes in brightness, so exposure bracketing is your secret weapon. Take multiple exposures at different settings to capture details in both the bright and dark parts of the eclipse.
Lunar Eclipse from Boulder, Colorado USA
Creative Composition Ideas
There’s more than one way to shoot a lunar eclipse:
- Close-ups of the moon: use a long telephoto lens to capture the moon’s surface details
- Moon with landscape: frame it with a distant mountain, tree or other foreground element.
- Eclipse sequence: take a series of shots showing different phases and blend them into a composite image.
For composites, shoot the eclipse at regular intervals, then layer the images in Photoshop. Arrange them in a straight line, an arc, or something uniquely creative. If you’re including a foreground, take a separate wide-angle shot and blend the moons into that scene later.
(Not a Lunar Eclipse) Ring of Fire from Utah. Stacked & Blended
Final Thoughts
Lunar eclipses don’t happen often, so if you miss this one, you’ll have to wait a while for the next. So mark your calendar, charge your batteries and plan ahead. Whether you’re capturing a close-up of the moon or a stunning wide-angle landscape, preparation and experimentation are the keys to nailing the shot.
Now, go set a reminder and may your skies be clear! 🌙 📸