Photographing a new moon presents a unique challenge, as the new moon phase is when the moon is virtually invisible to the naked eye. This is because the new moon is between the Earth and the Sun, and the side of the moon facing us is not illuminated. Therefore, technically, you can't photograph the new moon as a visible object in the same way you would a full moon. Instead, you'd be photographing the absence of the moon or focusing on capturing the conditions during the new moon phase.
However, you might be interested in capturing elements associated with the new moon, such as the night sky during that time. Here’s how you can approach that:
Capturing the New Moon Night Sky
Since the moon isn't visible, the new moon provides an excellent opportunity for astrophotography, specifically capturing the Milky Way or deep-sky objects. Here's how:
1. Equipment
- Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode is essential.
- Lens: A wide-angle lens with a low aperture (f/2.8 or lower) is ideal to capture more light.
- Tripod: A sturdy tripod is crucial for long exposures.
- Remote Shutter Release (Optional): Helps minimize camera shake.
2. Location and Timing
- Dark Skies: Find a location far away from city lights. Use a light pollution map to locate dark sky areas.
- New Moon Phase: Confirm the exact dates and times of the new moon phase using an online lunar calendar.
- Clear Weather: Ensure minimal cloud cover for optimal visibility.
3. Camera Settings
The optimal camera settings can vary, but here's a general starting point according to reference material for capturing the moon, adapted for astrophotography during a new moon, and a general setting guide:
| Setting | Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Manual (M) | Complete control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. |
| Aperture | f/2.8 - f/4 | The lowest possible to let in maximum light. |
| Shutter Speed | 15-30 seconds (adjust as needed) | Long enough to capture light but short enough to avoid star trails without a star tracker. May need to be adjusted depending on the desired effect and lens. |
| ISO | 800-3200 (adjust as needed) | Higher ISO boosts sensitivity, but increases noise. Adjust to achieve proper exposure without excessive noise. Test shots are critical. |
| Focus | Manual (to infinity) | Use Live View to zoom in on a bright star and adjust focus until sharp. Some lenses have an infinity mark, but double-check the focus visually. |
| White Balance | Adjust as needed | Auto WB can work, but experiment with custom white balance settings for more natural colors. |
Reference: The exact camera settings you need to photograph the moon can vary. However, you can generally capture the moon using manual mode with an exposure time (shutter speed) of 1/250th of a second, f/11 for the aperture (f-stop number), and an ISO setting (sensor speed) of 100 or 200.27-Sept-2021
Note: The reference is regarding the visible moon, not the new moon. The settings are adapted to the new moon.
4. Composition
- Foreground Elements: Incorporate interesting foreground elements like trees, mountains, or structures to add depth and context to your image.
- Milky Way Alignment: Use apps like PhotoPills or Stellarium to plan your shot and determine the Milky Way's position in the sky.
5. Post-Processing
- Noise Reduction: Use software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One to reduce noise while preserving detail.
- Color Correction: Adjust white balance and colors to bring out the natural colors of the night sky.
- Sharpening: Apply subtle sharpening to enhance details.
Example
Imagine you're in a dark location at 2:00 AM during the new moon. Set your camera to manual mode, aperture to f/2.8, shutter speed to 20 seconds, and ISO to 1600. Use manual focus, and focus on a bright star using live view. Frame your shot to include a silhouetted mountain range in the foreground, with the Milky Way stretching above. After capturing the image, you can further enhance it in post-processing to create a stunning night sky photograph.
