Sturgeon Full Moon Through the Clouds: A Photographer's Embrace of Imperfect Skies

August has always been a special month for me as a moon photographer. It's when the skies at my latitude start to cooperate, offering those crisp, clear nights ideal for capturing our celestial neighbor. This year, however, the very first full moon of August, the magnificent Sturgeon Full Moon, decided to put on a different kind of show.

The weather, while beautiful in its own right with a blanket of clouds, presented a rather significant challenge for the kind of detailed, close-up shots I usually aim for. Traditional lunar photography often thrives on stark contrast and clarity, something that can be diffused by a cloudy sky.

Instead of being deterred, I embraced the situation. It was a perfect opportunity to shift my perspective. Rather than focusing on the intricate details of the lunar surface, I decided to go for a wider angle shot. This allowed me to capture the moon not just as an isolated object, but as part of a larger scene, interacting with the atmosphere.

It's in these moments, when the weather isn't 'perfect' by traditional standards, that some of the most compelling images can emerge. The clouds, in their own way, add a dramatic flair, a soft diffusion that lends a unique, ethereal quality to the moon.

Here's a look at the result:

This shot was taken with my trusty Nikon Z6 and a TTartisan 500mm f/6.3 lens. The settings were: 1/80s at 100 ISO with an aperture of f/6.3, with a bit of exposure compensation to bring out the moon's glow through the clouds.

It's a reminder that even in astrophotography, flexibility and a willingness to adapt to unexpected conditions can lead to truly breathtaking results. Sometimes, the most beautiful views are found when you look beyond the perfect clarity and appreciate the atmospheric artistry unfolding above.