Help me with this picture of Moon and Venus

[Volatile]

I really feel like I had the potential to get a great photo, but this was the best I could do at the time:

http://members.cox.net/erin555/lo%20rez%20moon.jpg

dRebel, "thrifty fifty", f/5.6, 2.5 sec, ISO 400

I tried about thirty different combinations of f number, shutter spped, and ISO. Most shots over-exposed the moon to fubar, and when I got the moon under control, everything else was "lost in shadow". IMO, this was the best compromise between the two.

I am a n00b to SLR, but I'm looking for some suggestions to help better expose a shot like this.

TIA!

Bill

[Shakey]

Okay I am no expert by any means nor have I tried to shoot the moon with my dig cam.

However I have heard that the moon is as bright (almost )as the sun in a cameras eyes and to use daytime settings to get the best detail .

Yours is not the first pic of that combo I have seen with the moon totally overexposed.

I will stay tuned to this thread to see if some photo guru can answer your excellent question.


Cheers

Tim

[Shakey]

Ok I did a quick test I took a picture of the moon right after I posted the above reply.

This is at: Manual
Photo Effect Mode
Off
Tv( Shutter Speed )
1/500
Av( Aperture Value )
8.0
Metering Mode
Evaluative
ISO Speed
50
Lens
7.8 - 23.4mm
Focal Length
23.4mm
http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/2660714-M.jpg

So a daytime setting does work . Even with the limitations of my A80 And being Hand held just for testing purposes.

[Penguin_101_1]

I take pictures of the moon. It looks like you moved the camera or had a really slow exposure. You need a fast exposure because the moon is moving faster than you think. Try 1/30 of a second exposure. Then try 1/50 and keep moving up. Look at my pictures: http://gallery47083.fotopic.net/c124568.html . Some are at night and some are in the day like yours. Keep trying!

[perfectpixel]

volatile, I have also tried moon pictures and been surprised by the outcome. Your photo is fine. Just a little overexposed IMHO.
Get the exposure right for the moon so it doesn't turn into an overblown white marshmellow (make use of the histogram data on your playback review). As for the other elements in your photo, you can have a second shot, properly exposed for those (ie longer exposure) and then try some digital blending in PS with layers.
Lastly, the lower to the horizon you catch the moon, themore dramatic your composures can be.
You are on the right track and it's fun taking 52 pixtures of a white dot :lol:
good luck! and post the results here (including hte exif data)

[Penguin_101_1]

it's fun taking 52 pixtures of a white dot :lol:


Yes it is!

[JZaun]

For moon shots you need equipment. This photo was taken with a Nikon 885 Point and shoot 3.2mp. Auto, iso 100, F2.9 1/51 sec..thru the eyepiece of a 8" reflector, hand held. Sorry about the camera type just got my 10d and haven't had a chance to shoot with it.



http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/1633Picture_001-med.jpg

Keep at it..

JZ

[Volatile]

I'll be back at next waxing crescent. My goal is to get a clear shot of the moon while preserving the strong Rayleigh scattering effect of the sky. Perhaps a little earlier in the evening so that the moon is not sooooo much brighter than everything else.

[Penguin_101_1]

There is a full moon March 6th.