How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse

Lunar eclipses are one of the most accessible astrophotography events — no special location required, and the whole event unfolds over a couple of hours.

Gear You'll Need

A telephoto lens (300mm or longer) gets you a moon that actually fills part of the frame. A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable, since you'll be shooting long exposures in low light. A remote shutter release or your camera's timer function eliminates camera shake from pressing the button.

Settings to Start With

Shoot in manual mode. During the partial phases, start around f/8, ISO 200, and 1/125s, adjusting as the moon dims. During totality, the moon takes on a reddish hue and gets much darker — you'll need to open up to ISO 800–3200 and slow your shutter to 1–2 seconds.

Focus Carefully

Autofocus often struggles on the moon against a dark sky. Switch to manual focus, zoom in using live view, and fine-tune until the moon's edge is crisp.

Bracket Your Exposures

Because brightness changes dramatically throughout the eclipse, take multiple exposures at each phase. It's easier to have options than to guess perfectly in the moment.

Arrive early, get your composition locked in before totality, and enjoy watching the eclipse in person between shots — it's worth looking up, not just through the viewfinder.