The Perigee Moon of 2013

The Perigee Moon from West Adams

Last night was the night to shoot the perigee moon. I was conflicted about how to spend my time, so I combined a visit with my mom with a photo excursion. I was hoping there would be a good view of the moon from the garden at St John of God Retirement Center. 

The view was "meh" at best - actually pretty bad. And I had not done my homework, so I didn't know where to look. And there was plenty of haze. Ultimately I did get a good look at the moon, but only after the light was gone and the moon was above the haze and I adjusted my gaze far enough south.

So I snapped this souvenir and I'll hope do better next time.

Here are three essential elements for successful moon photos. (A very long lens is nice, too.)

• Location scouting
• Moon position research
• Weather-conditions luck 

Weather conditions can be managed if you are free to choose your location, of course.

The next perigee moon occurs in August 2014. That would be a good time to plan an outing. So here is the Los Angeles data for essential #2 from timeanddate.com:

• Date           August 10-11, 2014
• Moonrise   7:40 pm  at 102°
• Moonset     6:07am at 255°

The location is up to you and the weather up to Mother Nature.

Shoot the Moon Goes to the Santa Monica Mountains

In February, the Camera Committee goes to the Santa Monica Mountains to shoot the moon. Stephen Beck is assisting on the trip and together we scouted a very promising location. The photo above (with a half moon) is more a picture of our location than of the scene I expect we'll capture. I expect most of us will shoot from locations closer in.
I particularly like the standing rocks on the right.  But you never know one or more of our participants could find this to be the right view. Especially with a long lens.  Hmmm - I may change my mind.
We may linger after sunset and try a little painting with light, too. Or long exposures, maybe.

Trip info:

• Sunday February 24
• Meet at Malibu Civic Center at 2:30 or 3:30 at the trailhead
• Moonrise 5:03 p.m.
  Sunset 5:47 p.m.
  End civil twilight 6:12 p.m.
• Not too much walking required but the footing can be treacherous so wear serious boots.
• Bring tripod, flashlight (a red filter would be good on the flashlight), fresh batteries for camera and flashlight, remote shutter release if you have one.
• Prepare for a cold evening!
• To reserve send a note to me

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Post outing follow-up:  our group had a good time.  You can see a gallery of my moon shots on our Meetup Page

Moonrise, top of Corral Canyon, Santa Monica Mountains