Capturing moon and clouds

Hello. I'm relatively new to photography, and I'd say I understand just enough about my camera and how lenses work to screw a picture up. I'd like to know how in the world one gets a shot of the moon and the clouds in one shot.

I have a Rebel XTi and I'd be using a Sigma 70-300MM to take the shot. In the past, I've got some really good moon shots, but can't get the clouds. If I slow the shutter speed to catch the clouds, the moon is too bright. Do I need to take two shots with different settings and then combine the two?

Matt

 

You may have to use a ND (neutral density) filter to allow for a longer shutter speed to capture the clouds. Really not sure if this will work though...never tried it.

 

Hello and Welcome to TPF from another Tarheel (and fan). I live just outside of Raleigh.

That's probably the easiest way. I tried some the other night but was not happy with the results.

Sometimes you get lucky though. I took this one as the very orange moon was rising just above the treeline and dark clouds were coming in. Within seconds there was no shot. I thought it was funny.

 

I've been trying to get a similar shot as well. This is my best so far.

Not as good as I had hoped, but it's the general idea I was going for.
I just wish more of the sky was lit up.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. So, I guess it wasn't just me then Well, I guess what I'll try is taking the moon shot - then changing the camera settings real quick and taking another shot with settings for the clouds. I'll go into Elements, take the moon out of the second shot, then combine the two shots together and see what I come up with. However, just taking the moon out of the second shot may still leave too much ambient light and it might look a little strange. I'll try it again tonight if I can.

 

The huge difference in luminosity is to great to get both in one image.

You'll have to make 2 images and combine them in post process.

 

It's super hard. I've enjoyed these tips too. I took some the other night. They were meh. I'm sure it'd help if I had a tripod, which I'm hopefully getting today.

 

Those are pretty good! That's kinda what I'm shooting for, but as you call them "meh", I know what you mean. There is just no "oomph" behind it like there is when you look at it. Here is one I got of the moon with my telephoto and tripod. Not too bad for a "meh" lens Didn't get the clouds though - yes, there were clouds there.



I'm going to try again soon. This picture was more or less just trying to get a feel for the lens.

Matt

 

I guess the moon and clouds in NC have been interesting to a few people the past few nights huh.... Welcome from NC here to (winston salem) i took a few last night but havn't looked at them yet.

 

It appears that way. Actually, this is just something I've been trying to do for some time, and I'm just now getting around to asking about it.

Matt

 

Good exposure on the Moon, Matt. It's to bad the detail gets so flat when it's full (no shadows).

All you need now is an exposure of some clouds.

 

I far from a professional, but I find this to be absolutely gorgeous!!