How to Be There

 ...By Red Badger Photography

So here's a shot of the moon...just as it's coming up over the horizon....when it's in the full phase....and happens to be in alignment with some of DC's landmarks....when seen from a place that has a clear line of sight.

Coincidence?  I think not.

So how to you get this shot--or one like it?  You have to plan it--that's how.

Ok, that's a lie.  The easy way is to troll some of your local photography blogs and meetup groups until someone else suggests that you show up at a certain time and place and start pressing the shutter release.  For example: check out Unexpected Treasures.

But, what if you actually wanted to do something other than follow directions like an obedient little lemming?  Then, my squeaky whiskered friend, you would need to do the planning thing.

So, while there are probably easier ways to do this, I'll give you a few humble tips on how to be in the right place at the right time.

1.  Scouting, scouting, and scouting.  Get out.  Get off the couch.  Get out of the car and walk away from the road.  Get those REI hiking shoes dirty.  Look around.  Find places that make you think, wow, this is a pretty cool scene -- and then ask yourself "What would make it even cooler?"  Bigfoot stepping out of the woods?  An airplane coming in for a landing?  Better lighting from the sun being at a different angle?  How about the tree foliage in a different season?  Maybe even an astronomical event like a moonrise. 

2.  If you do decide that the lighting (for the purposes of this post that's aka the sun or moon) needs to be better, then you've got a couple of options.  The hard way is to google yourself up some almanac data, and then use your trusty map and compass to plot it all out.  You do know how to use a map and compass right?  I mean, only an idiot would walk into the woods carrying more camera gear than food, water, and survival gear and NOT know basic land navigation right?  Good -- and since you're an expert I feel comfortable recommending to you a couple pieces of software that should make it easier.

• First, the Photographer's Ephemeris.
• Secondly, Stellarium.

Between the two of them, you should be able to figure out where and when things will rise and set, and from what angle the light will be falling.  No, I'm not going to tell you how to use them.  They come with help files.  (This goes back to that get off the couch thing we talked about.  You really need to work on that.)  So download them, use them.  Our world is a wonderful, awe-inspiring place and amazing things happen every day.  Go take a picture of them.

 Since I'm in a good mood though, if you really must take this photo, then here are some suggested times for you to be at N38.888212, W77.069310:

• October 16th, 2013: Waxing Gibbous Moon ~17:00 (just for practice)
• February 15th 2014: Waning Gibbous (98%) ~18:45
• September 9th 2014: Full ~19:40

 Have fun!


Equipment used for this photo:
Nikon D800, mirror lock up
Nikon 70-200 f/2.8G ED VRII
Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod
Manfrotto 322RC2 Tripod Head
Cable Release

Oh...and one final hint...get there early, get set up well before hand.

Red Badger Photography