Moon over Bristol

A Waning Gibbous Moon rising over Federal Hill in Bristol. | Laura Bailey

The moon rising over Bristol last night was captivating. Large and exquisitely bright, I felt the need to take a walk up to the top of Federal Hill for a better view of the celestial beauty.

The current moon is a Waning Gibbous, an intermediary phase between a full moon and the third quarter. During the waning stage, the moon isn’t visible at sunset. It rises later in the evening, travels after midnight, and sets after sunrise.

Tonight’s forecast for Mum City calls for clear skies, providing ideal conditions for photographing the moon. Here are some tips for anyone looking to capture their own lunar portrait.

What You Will Need:

  • A DSLR or Mirrorless camera
  • A telephoto lens. Ideally you want to use something 200mm-400mm
  • A tripod. This will help prevent camera shake, resulting in sharper photos.

Camera Settings and Tips:

Use manual focus. Autofocus, even on the best cameras, can be unpredictable in low light.

Use manual exposure mode with the following settings:

  • ISO: 100-200
  • Shutter Speed: 1/125-1/250
  • Aperture: f/11-f/16

Bring a flashlight for safety and have fun!


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About the Author

Laura Bailey
Photographer and photojournalist living in Bristol Connecticut