How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse happens when the shadow of the earth passes over the moon. During the peak of the lunar eclipse, the moon appears dark red. Lunar eclipses are much safer to photograph than solar eclipses and are great times to practice your night and moon photography.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use a high quality camera such as SLR (single lens reflex) or a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) if possible. These cameras allow you to change out the lenses in the camera for a variety of effects. You may even be able to hook your camera to a telescope for up-close pictures of the lunar eclipse.

2. Minimize vibrations if you're shooting long exposures. Put your camera on a tripod and use the timer if possible. You'll also have to move your camera as the moon moves. Try charting the moon's movement with your camera a night or two before the eclipse, so you know how to do this.

3. Change the exposure time as the eclipse continues. When the moon is still bright, you can use shorter exposure times, but as it darkens, you'll need greater exposure times. Know how to change the exposure times on your camera and do some experimenting with taking pictures with different exposure times before the eclipse starts.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a speed film or an ISO setting of 400 if you want to avoid streaks in your pictures. If you want streaks, use a different ISO setting.