Full Moon Magic at Arches National Park
A truly captivating moment captured: the full moon perfectly framed against the dramatic landscape of Arches National Park. This image represents a long-held ambition for the photographer, a vision brought to life after years of anticipation.
This stunning shot was taken last night around 7:30 PM, a testament to precise timing and planning. While the photographer had initially hoped to capture the Milky Way, the presence of the full moon presented a unique opportunity for a different kind of celestial spectacle.
Technical Details and Insights
Captured with a D780, the image boasts an ISO of 200, an aperture of f/8, and a shutter speed of 1/500s. The impressive focal length of 600mm allowed for a detailed and impactful composition.
Planning was key to achieving this alignment. While PhotoPills was used for the initial lineup, the photographer noted that Planitpro seemed to offer even more advanced features for this type of shot. Despite relying on a "best guess" for the final alignment, the result is nothing short of spectacular.
The photographer took multiple images, primarily to meticulously remove any distracting elements, such as people, from the final composition, ensuring the focus remains squarely on the moon and the natural wonder of Arches.
This image is a powerful reminder of the beauty that can be found when art, technology, and the wonders of the cosmos align. It’s a truly astonishing capture that inspires awe and wonder.