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Photographing a Super Moon

Some expert advice for getting the perfect photograph of the moon.

 
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Last year's Super Moon.
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If the moon looks a bit bigger and brighter Saturday, you aren't just seeing things. Tonight the moon, a 'super moon', will be closer to the earth than it has been in the past 20 years.

What better time to try and capture a picture of one of nature's finest subjects?

We talked to New York Camera & Video's Canon Expert Steve Stief, who offered some tips for getting a shot of the moon that is out of this world.

Stief said the most important tip he can offer is to use a tripod. This tip applies to everyone, no matter how fancy your camera.

"You need to use a slower shutter speed to shoot at night," he said. "Coupling this with shake from your hands does not make for a sharp photo."

Next, Stief said to take multiple shots of the same picture at different exposures. This is something the pros call bracketing.

"Your camera's ISO sensitivity should be set between 1600 and 3200 for the best results," he said. "If you were to bracket, you could take one shot at 800, one at 1600 and one at 3200."

Bracketing will ensure that when you are all said and done, you will most likely have something that you can work with.

"It's really hard to tell if the photo turned out on that small screen on the back of your camera," said Stief. "The worst thing is to get back to your computer and realize you didn't get the shot."

Also, the right lens goes a long way. 

Stief said you'll want to use between a 200 and 300 mm lens if you hope to capture any detail in the moon.

So quick review: use a tripod, bracket your shots and use at least a 200 mm lens. These three tips should have you well on your way to one great super moon photo.

Show us how well these tips worked for you. Upload your super moon photo to the gallery by clicking the 'Upload Photos and Videos' button.

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Related Topics: How To, Photography, super moon, and tips and tricks

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Jennifer Mohan

12:02 am on Monday, May 7, 2012

I know. I was very disappointed.

Tom Sofield

8:32 pm on Monday, May 7, 2012

The moon still looked pretty super on Sunday evening.

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