Blood Moon Eclipse Photography

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March 14, 2025 Timings -
Here are the key times for North American viewers: Eastern Time (EST): Totality from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. on Friday, March 14. Central Time (CST): Totality from 1:26 a.m. to 2:31 a.m. on Friday, March 14. Mountain Time (MST): Totality from 12:26 a.m. to 1:31 a.m. on Friday, March 14.

Note that for most of North America the full moon rise is happening shortly after sunset and that makes for potentially excellent photos and in my opinion that is more exciting than this eclipse which happens in the middle of the night. when the moon is high in the sky making compositions with landscapes nearly impossible.

How to Photograph the Total Lunar Eclipse

A total lunar eclipse offers a good opportunity to capture the moon in different phases, from full brightness to deep red during totality. Here’s what you need to know to get a clean shot.

Gear

  • A camera with manual settings.
  • A telephoto lens (100mm or longer; 300mm+ is better for detail).
  • A sturdy tripod.
  • A remote shutter release or timer to minimize shake.

Settings

Before Totality (Bright Moon)

  • ISO: 100-400
  • Aperture: f/5.6 - f/8
  • Shutter Speed: 1/250s - 1/500s

During Totality (Red Moon)

  • ISO: 800-3200
  • Aperture: Widest available (f/4 or lower if possible)
  • Shutter Speed: 1-2 seconds (See below for precise max shutter speed with your lens)

You might find autofocus difficult on the brigh moon. You can Use manual focus or carefully position your focus point on the edge of the moon. Autofocus struggles in low light especially in low contrast. Depending on your camera you may find switching to manual focus best- so switch to live view, zoom in, and adjust manually.

Avoiding Motion Blur

The moon moves faster than it seems. To avoid blur, don’t expose for too long. A quick formula:

Maximum Shutter Speed (seconds) = 300 / Focal Length (mm)

Examples:

  • 300mm lens → 1 second
  • 500mm lens → ~1/2 second
  • 1000mm lens → ~1/3 second

For longer exposures, a tracking mount helps, but it’s not necessary for basic shots.

Composition

Close-up shots are good, but including foreground elements—like trees, buildings, or landscapes—can create more context. Plan a location with an unobstructed view and minimal light pollution.

Final Tips

  • Shoot RAW for better post-processing options.
  • Use bracketing if unsure about exposure.
  • Try a time-lapse to capture the full transition.

With the right preparation, you’ll get solid shots of the eclipse from bright to deep red. If the first few frames aren’t working, adjust and keep shooting.