Full Moonrise & The 2% Cloud Cover
The forecast called for clear skies. I’m usually not a fan. However, when it comes to Golden Hour, I’ll definitely make exceptions.
My view as I drive East out toward Ramah, Colorado.
Driving in, I could see a band of clouds off on the eastern horizon. Quite unexpected and, from what I could tell, the clouds were exactly where I didn't want them. This could be a problem. Good thing it was still ~2hrs from moonrise. Maybe they’d drift away?
If things weren't looking good when I approached, they were looking worse when I arrived.
Just before moonrise, I finally had to accept that I'd not get the moonrise image that I had in my mind. Instead of despising the clouds, I'd focus on them, along with day's sunset and the solo windmill out on the plains of Colorado.
I often enjoy the soft colors that the late day's sun provides. It’s at this point where I loved the clouds vs cursed them. They are a double edged sword. They killed my moonrise, but were definitely needed throughout the rest of this evening’s photo shoot.
The day’s last light shines on an old windmill near Ramah, Colorado.
The sun reflecting off of the windmill was quite nice, tho it didn’t last long. Once it faded, I began to set my sights on the moon cresting the clouds and finally revealing itself.
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The moon finally making its entrance
The moon alone was gorgeous. The soft pastels, reflecting off of the thin clouds, added a beautiful touch. I just love the transitions between the cool purples all the way to the warm oranges! Below, I grabbed a handheld panorama. Why handheld you ask? Good question!
Its usually best/advised to use a tripod when taking a panoramic image. Tho, during certain times, I require that I be able to take panos handheld. The rising moon isn't reason enough on its own. What makes it necessary is when you add the windmill, a stationary foreground object, into the composition with a moving background element.
The Super Beaver Moonrise out over the plains near Ramah, Colorado
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Having to constantly adjust a tripod, with a moon blazing across the sky, is more of a hassle than I care to deal with. If you've ever tried this then you likely know what I'm talking about. If not, trust me.
Three image pano of Super (Beaver) Moonrise
These days, with modern equipment and editing software, bumping your ISO up a bit more than you might've been able to in the past is a lot more acceptable and allows for this option in your photography.
Last light out on the plains of Colorado
With that, I began planning my moonrise compositions for next month. Care to join me? There are multiple opportunities. See my Email Lists for more details.
Until next time!
~ Faz
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