March 2025 Lunar Eclipse – We are expecting a total lunar eclipse this week—grab your camera and don’t miss this unique opportunity to practice your skills in lunar photography! Get your binoculars and telescopes ready for prime viewing! The lunar eclipse is expected to start at 11:57 PM on Thursday, peak just before 3:00 AM on Friday, March 14, 2025, and continue through 6:00 AM Friday morning.
This is the last total lunar eclipse until March 3, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to capture it! Hopefully the skies will be clear, providing optimal conditions for viewing and photographing the moon!
Ready to capture this celestial event in stunning detail?
Read on for tips to master the art of lunar photography and make the most of this incredible night!
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March 2025 Lunar Eclipse
Lunar Eclipse Photography Tips
The key to successful lunar photography is to set your camera settings manually. It is easy for your camera’s automatic metering system to get tricked by the moon’s brightness against the dark sky. By manually adjusting your settings, you’re able to eliminate this exposure error – the moon is always lit with the same intensity (with the exception of solar eclipses).
General Photography Tips for Shooting the Moon
When shooting the moon, try the following settings as a starting point:
For a full moon, try these settings as a starting point: ISO 100, 1/125th second, f/11.
When photographing a half-moon, which is half as bright, adjust your aperture by one stop to allow twice as much light in—ISO 100, 1/125th second, f/8.
For a crescent moon (1/4 brightness), open up by two stops for four times the light—ISO 100, 1/125th second, f/5.6.
Tips for During a Lunar Eclipse
The eclipse unfolds gradually, so take your time to experiment with settings and capture the moon in its different phases. During a total lunar eclipse, the shadow of the Earth significantly reduces the light reflected off the moon.
Your camera’s automatic settings can be fooled by the moon’s brightness against the dark sky, so set your camera manually! A good starting point for lunar photography is a fast shutter speed (at least 1/125s), a small aperture (like f/8), and a low ISO (around 100 or 200). Be prepared for some trial and error as you adjust your settings based on the night’s conditions.
Be prepared for some trial and error to adjust your settings based on the specific conditions of the night. These adjustments will help you capture the moon’s subtle details and colors.
For the sharpest results, use a sturdy tripod, especially if you’re working with a telephoto lens. A tripod not only ensures stability but also allows you to experiment with longer exposures without introducing blur.
Set Your Camera for Success
Get your camera ready for the lunar eclipse and set your camera for success!
Remember: These settings are a starting point, but conditions such as cloud cover, light pollution, and atmospheric clarity will affect your results. Be prepared to experiment and adjust your settings to suit the specific environment of the night.
Shutter Speed: During a total lunar eclipse, the dimmed light requires longer exposures. Start with a shutter speed of 1–2 seconds to allow enough light to reach your camera’s sensor, but adjust as needed based on conditions.
ISO: To capture the subtle details of the moon, start with ISO 800–1600. This higher ISO setting will help maintain proper exposure while balancing noise levels.
Aperture (f-stop): Use a wide aperture, such as f/4 or f/2.8, to maximize light intake during the eclipse. A wider aperture is essential for capturing the moon’s colors and details in the low-light environment.
Focus Mode: Switch to manual focus for precision. Zoom in on the moon in your viewfinder or screen and carefully fine-tune your focus to ensure sharpness, as autofocus may struggle in these conditions.
Image Format: Always shoot in RAW format to preserve the maximum amount of detail and flexibility for post-processing. RAW files allow you to fine-tune exposure, contrast, and color while maintaining high image quality.