Moon Over Madison - Valentine's Day 2008

[bikehikeskifish]

Some of you may have seen this in the Madison trip report, but I thought it belongs in the photo section as well. Comments welcome, as always. Enjoy!

Original:



Cropped:



Original #2 (zoom) with a lot more blowing snow:



I would have liked to have the moon stick out better, but to do that would blow out the snow in the foreground. Split ND filter perhaps? The horizon with the sky is not horizontal, and my P&S wouldn't accept the filter anyway

Tim

 

[Mark Schaefer]

I like the shot. It is good that you were able to configure the moon near the horizon and with some interesting elements on the ground. For me the crop of the first picture is the most successful of the three images. It is easier for the moon to balance (and compete) with just one cairn vs. two cairns. Also the moon is larger.

From the shadows on the rocks it appears that you have a fair amount of side light. So if you had the capability of using a filter, a polarizer could darken the sky and allow the moon to stand out more. When the direction of sunlight is perpendicular to the angle of your view -- the polarizer can have its optimal effect. With a high contrast scene like this you do not even need to dial the polarizer to its maximum setting, as the sky may become too dark (even black). Alternatively you could up the contrast or just darken the sky in photoshop or other photo editor.

(edit) I didn't see your note about the horizon not being straight until after I posted. The photos do not appear unnatural to me - if that was your concern. Although on second thought, perhaps you are referring to the applicability of using a split ND filter.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

No, it was more about using the split-neutral density with a non-horizontal horizon. I.e., the summit cone slopes down to the right.

I played with the contrast a bit, but haven't been able to make the moon pop out any more. It took a while to even notice it, with all the snow reflecting the sun. The sun was probably 135 degrees from the line of the camera to the mountain. I.e., not directly behind me and not 90 degrees either. Half-way between.

Tim

 

[kmorgan]

...or you can:



Kevin

 

[w7xman]

To me, the moon gets a bit lost in the composition, especially with the rest of the bits of snow and ice in the air in some shots. That being said, it is a nice shot, and when you do see the moon it is a nice addition.

Exposing for a 1/2 moon or less in daylight conditions with a bright foreground...well, you did the best you could!