How's this? (Moon shot)

[Snydremark]

Hi All,

I just recently picked up my first DSLR (Canon 40D) back in December. This is one of the first decent moon shots I have managed to catch, but I'm curious to see if any of the more experienced artists here have any suggestions on how I might improve; either in original capture or in PP.

Image info:
Canon 40D
Tamron 18-270mm @ 270mm
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 200
Tripod
Adjusted contrast, brightness and some sharpening in Lightroom
Fairly large crop at the end



I look forward to your feedback

-E

[DerekSimon]

So it really is made of cheese...i knew it! Really clear shot in my opinion and the color is accurate. Good shot.

[JuiceBox]

It's very soft. Focusing on the moon is ridiculously hard. In my experience, it's almost always guesswork. Just remember to use manual focus, and try try again to get that focus right.

[Snydremark]

Originally Posted by JuiceBox

It's very soft.

Yeah. I'm wondering whether I can do much better with that lens, though. I was using Live View and manual focus to get it that far. I don't know whether I'm running up against the glass in this lens or something wonky with my eyesight.

[samanan]

I have a similar set up as yours, except that I have a Tamron 70-300. And I've been trying to photograph the moon for some time like you )) And my results are very similar to yours.

I don't like that the results are very soft. I did get slightly better results when I photographed the moon at dusk and when I reduced the shutter speed. I'll give JuiceBox's idea of manual focus a try too.

[JuiceBox]

Definitely use a tripod as well if you're not already. Just take as many shots as you can with slightly different focal points, and see what results you get.

Also, never use live view. Viewfinder is so much more accurate.

[ntinlizi]

wow, i wish i could get a moon shot like this! im still working on it not turnign out so dark! let alone the fact that i cant get it near as close as yours (biggest i have is a 55-250mm) id say you've got a great photo here that needs nothing fixed! thanks for sharing

[LostShootingStar]

The composition and size of the moon is great. If it wasn't so soft, it would be perfect.

[ntinlizi]

Originally Posted by LostShootingStar

The composition and size of the moon is great. If it wasn't so soft, it would be perfect.

could try sharpening it!

[JuiceBox]

Trying to use a post-processing technique to get that shot up to par with a properly focused shot won't work; it will just come out FUBAR'd.

[Snydremark]

Originally Posted by JuiceBox

Also, never use live view. Viewfinder is so much more accurate.

I don't disagree with the assertion here, but when shooting stuff far away it's nearly impossible for me to see whether my actual subject is in focus without the magnification feature in LV...

I'm definitely using a tripod for this...The way MY hands shake, it would look like vanilla pudding if I tried to hand-hold this shot

I'll give the multiple shots w/ multiple focal points a try though, thanks!

And thanks everyone else for the comments/info, as well.

-E

[canonnoob]

do you have the unedited original that you would be willing to email me so i can try and get something out of it?

[Snydremark]

Originally Posted by canonnoob

do you have the unedited original that you would be willing to email me so i can try and get something out of it?

I do, but not with me at the moment. I'll dig it out later tonight, once I'm home. I'll be curious to see what you come up with.

[Dusty]

Both the focus and WB is off a bit.
Try using "Daylight" WB instead of AWB (if that's what you used).
Also use a tripod and focus using LiveView at 10x.
Use mirror lockup as well and also lower your ISO to 100.

[Dusty]

BTW, if I have your permission I could post an edited version of your shot and explain some techniques I used on it to improve the look.