The problem is, once you've done one Moon rise, you'll want to see more! The trick with this stuff is only to try and capture these shots as the Moon rises or sets, at all other times, it's too high and usually too bright. The atmospherics layer dulls the Moon's brightness and makes photography possible, add a big zoom lens into the mix and you can create some truly surreal images.
A setting Moon is the best time to capture a crescent, a rising Moon is the best time to capture a full Moon. Did you know, a full Moon always rises around sunset, good news for photographers as we can catch the sunset to the West and flip 180 degrees for the appearance of the Moon after the sun sets, one of natures little conveniences!
Of course, shots like these don't just happen, well that's not true, you can be lucky but these shots were planned for weeks in advance, apps to figure out where the Moon will set and where best to see it from were consulted, weather forecasts followed and since this was on Christmas Day 2014, alcohol was shunned and I'm glad I did, as the inset pic above won me the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year - Urban category and both were shortlisted in the Astro Photographer of the Year.
Calton Hill is always a favourite location for Moon pics as there is so much to capture the Moon with, or in this case, just enhancing yet another perfect Edinburgh sunset.
Our wee Castle is always a favourite to capture the Moon alongside
But Inverleith Park is fast becoming a hot spot for the rising full Moon. In fact, if you are nippy, you can catch the Moon over the horizon from Arthur's Seat then making a swift exit, get to Inverleith in time for it appearing over the buildings of the city.
And we mustn't forget the Forth Bridges...
And it's not just all famous landmarks either, there's a lot to be said for catching moving objects in front of the Moon as well. I hate to think of the amount of hours I've wasted with a huge lens following flights on Flightradar 24 to see if I can capture aircraft in front of the Moon. It's a frustrating experience as they continually go above or below but now and again, it'll pay off!
Thanks for reading, keep watching that Moon and I'd love to hear and feedback you might have!
www.realedinburgh.co.uk for prints and canvas of any of the shots above!
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Or email me, grant@realedinburgh.co.uk
Credits:
All pictures copyright Real Edinburgh, www.realedinburgh.co.uk