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You are listening to Adorama narrated a collection of our favorite blog posts, presented in audio format. What Photographers Wish they knew before their first lunar eclipse shoot Written by Terry Jose Published on February 27, 2025 Seeing and photographing a lunar eclipse is a breathtaking experience for everyone who is lucky enough to witness it. However, many photographers realize, often too late, that it's not as simple as pointing a camera at the sky. They could come across gear mishaps or exposure miscalculations. No matter what. Mistakes are common. However, you can try and prepare for them all so they're less likely to happen. If you're about to embark on your first lunar eclipse shoot, here's everything you need to know to get it right. Or at least mostly right the first time Invest in a Sturdy tripod A solid foundation is the first essential to capture every nuanced detail of a lunar eclipse. For that purpose, a four section aluminum tripod with a ball head is more than perfect. Its durable aluminum build provides unmatched stability while remaining ultra compact and lightweight so you're steady on rooftops or on uneven terrain in the wilderness. Plus, its dual lock design and rapid leg opening system ensure that you're set up in a matter of seconds. With a padded carry bag included, you can travel light without sacrificing quality. This tripod supports your camera and your passion for lunar eclipse shoot sessions. Don't let your battery die mid shoot. You don't want to have your camera shut down right at the climax. What a nightmare. To avoid it, have a reliable power system like the Tether Tools Case Relay Camera power system made for uninterrupted shooting. The this system is compatible with a wide range of camera brands, some of them Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji and Olympus. Therefore, no matter your rig, it's got you covered. It has an internal UPS battery that provides seamless external battery exchanges a real gem during those long four to five hour lunar eclipse sessions. Use two rigs for maximum creativity A lunar eclipse can last hours, so you're opened up to a lot of photo possibilities. Relying on a single setup can limit what you can do. That's why, sadly, photographers swear by a two rig system, one for zoomed in details and one for wide atmospheric shots. Enjoy the flexibility to experiment with different exposure techniques, all from rapid snapshots to long painterly exposures that capture the unreal ambiance of the eclipse. Choose between these two zoom Canon EOS Rebel T7 24.1 megapixel DSLR camera with EF S 18-55mm f 3.5 5.6 is two lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4 5.6 is two USM lens the Rebel T7's 24.1 megapixel sensor and wide ISO range will let you capture the Moon's vibrant details. The EF70 300mm lens with its ultra low dispersion elements and image stabilization will assist you in making sure every shot is sharp and clear. This combo is perfect for those moments when you need to show off the lunar surface in all its glory. Nikon D7500DX Format Digital SLR Camera Body the D7500 with an insane low light performance, pairs perfectly with the 70 to 300 millimeter lens. Together they provide a versatile zoom capability. Both flawlessly capture the Moon's craters and textures, all with no lack of precision. A wide angle setup for the entire celestial drama. Sony Alpha A6400 mirrorless camera with the Venus leowa 12mm f2.8 0D ultra wide angle lens for Sony A cameras if you crave the type of shots that are expansive in storytelling, this combination should be in your cart by yesterday. The A6400's ultra fast autofocus and real time tracking let you nail the perfect moment. Oh, and the Leowa lens. It boasts a 122 degree field of view and near zero distortion, so it invites you to frame sweeping landscapes with the Moon as the celestial centerpiece. Of course, dial in the right camera settings for eclipse photography. When eclipses rarely happen, it's crucial to master your camera's controls. When the right moment comes. All you should have to worry about is pressing the shutter. Start with a low ISO around 200 to 400 during the partial phases to prevent overexposure as totality approaches, gradually bump it up to around 800. Adjust your shutter speed based on the brightness. For example, faster speeds like 1 125th of a second work for the illuminated Moon. Meanwhile, slower speeds one to two seconds capture the soft glow during totality. Do advanced tracking for long exposure shots Long exposure photography takes your lunar eclipse shoot from impressive to awe inspiring. But Earth's rotation can blur your celestial subjects if not managed properly. That's where something like the slick ECH630 AstroTracker comes into play. It's a lightweight motorized mount engineered to track the motion of the sky. Why is it so important for eclipse photography? Well, it compensates for the Earth's rotation so you can capture perfectly aligned star studded long exposures with an 11 pound capacity and multiple speed settings, the ECH630 is designed for versatility, as in it handles both subtle movements and more dynamic tracking needs. Its extended battery Life up to 20 hours on AA batteries and micro USB port for external power make it a reliable partner during those extended night sky sessions. Study Composition Great eclipse photography is a tale of technical perfection and awesome storytelling. Look beyond the Moon for a minute, not the surrounding landscape. Silhouettes and even urban skylines play a role in your narrative. Each element adds depth and emotion to your image. The flexibility of the dual rig setups discussed earlier in the article will allow you to experiment with different compositions. For instance, the Sony A6400 paired with the ultra wide Venus Leowa lens is perfect for capturing expansive, dramatic views that include the Moon as a mysterious, otherworldly orb. The Magic of Post Processing Raw images are full of potential, but they need a bit of polishing to truly shine. Post processing is your chance to bring out the best in your lunar eclipse shoot. Begin with basic adjustments, fine tune contrast, sharpen details and reduce noise, especially if you push your ISO higher during totality. For those who love to experiment, consider stacking multiple exposures to enhance the dynamic range and bring out the finer details of the lunar surface. Software like Photoshop or Lightroom can transform your images, revealing the stunning textures and intricate patterns that make eclipse photography so captivating into the unknown. When it's your first lunar eclipse shoot, it's basically a journey into the unknown. However, with the right gear, creative versatility of dual rigs, and advanced tracking, you're all set to capture the cosmic ballet in stunning detail. Embrace each tip with enthusiasm and experiment boldly. This has been what photographers wish they knew before their first lunar eclipse shoot. Written by Terry Jose Read for you by Nikki Haller for more posts like this, check out the 42 west blog at adorama.com blog links are in the show notes. Be sure to follow Adorama narrated on your favorite podcast app and leave us a review if you enjoy the content. Remember, create no matter what.