Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Rock A Bye Baby
‹ PreviousLandscape GalleryNext ›

Rock A Bye Baby

by Youssef Ismail

Gallery: LandscapePosted April 5, 2011162 views19 comments
As most of you know I go out each month to photograph the new crescent moon. When the weather is good...that is to say giving me enough clear sky that I can actually see the moon, I'll make a photo. I have been doing this so long I always hope for something extra in the sky to make the photo more than just a sliver of white against some colored background.

This evening I was planning a trip up to the local hills to not only photograph the moon but to also scout around for any early wildflowers. Well as fate would have it, I was unable to go and ended up just down my street. As I walked to the end of my block I saw the moon and found it cradled amongst the branches of an ash tree still waiting to leaf out for spring. I thought it made for an interesting image.

So here is the new moon only 36 hours old since conjunction. A mere baby in the cradle of these branches. I hope you enjoy this.

Digital capture, 2 frames for focus stacking, one for branches, one for moon both at f11, 1.3 seconds, ISO 100 at 200mm.

Comments

19 comments
Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on April 5, 2011 at 8:16 AM
I like this, Youssef. Very nice.

- Dan.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments
Comment posted by Barbara Graham on April 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM
Beautiful framing of the moon with the branches.
Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments
Comment posted by Robert Dayton on April 5, 2011 at 8:51 AM
Well framed among the branches. I like the lines.
Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments
Comment posted by Guy Tal on April 5, 2011 at 10:00 AM
I love the subtle pastels in the sky and the way the branches frame the new moon. Beautiful image.

Guy
Registered on November 1, 2003, 566 Posts, 15507 Comments
Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on April 5, 2011 at 10:28 AM
Nicely composed. Beautiful subtle color. Looks like you captured a little earthshine on the moon as well.
Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments
Comment posted by Mohsen Al-Dajani on April 5, 2011 at 11:02 AM
I see this as one of the most beautiful moon shot, the top left branches are pointing to the moon while the bottom right one with its curve stop the viewer nicely to observe the moon...what a beautiful composition Youssef. I hope the sky helped you with a bit of color and this shot will be a real winner, though it is in my opinion.
Registered on August 23, 2007, 160 Posts, 432 Comments
Comment posted by Steve Sieren on April 5, 2011 at 11:24 AM
A subtle beauty!
Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments
Comment posted by Zack Clothier on April 5, 2011 at 11:27 AM
I really like the color in the sky and how the branch under the moon forms a natural cradle. Nicely done Youssef. I was also planning a shoot of the crescent but we've had cloudy skies here for days. Oh well, there's always next month I guess :rolleyes:
Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments
Comment posted by Andreas Resch on April 5, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Excellent and elegant shot, Youssef.
Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments
Comment posted by Sean Bagshaw on April 5, 2011 at 12:23 PM
All around nice. Love that really subtle earthshine tracing the outline of the moon's sphere.
Registered on February 14, 2007, 99 Posts, 479 Comments
Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on April 5, 2011 at 1:15 PM
I think this might be one of my favorite of your crescent moon shots that I've seen. The delicate trees add so much.
Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on April 5, 2011 at 3:18 PM
This is very nice! A wonderful feel captured here, Youssef. I love the comp with the branches framing the moon.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Chambers on April 5, 2011 at 4:09 PM
Nicely done Youssef. I like the detail of the moon (being able to see the full moon). Also like the color gradient.
Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments
Comment posted by Kyle L. Krause on April 5, 2011 at 5:22 PM
Fantastic image Youssef. Well seen,composed and executed. I really like this alot. :toast:
Registered on June 15, 2010, 29 Posts, 605 Comments
Comment posted by David Chauvin on April 5, 2011 at 6:12 PM
A lovely image, Youssef. The delicate branches frame the sliver of moon wonderfully.
Registered on August 5, 2004, 1007 Posts, 5595 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on April 5, 2011 at 6:41 PM
It almost seems like the lower branch is cradling the moon. Beautiful pastel sky too Youssef.
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments
Comment posted by Matt Anderson on April 6, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Youssef, I like graphic sticks against the purplish sky. The positioning of the moon is perfect!
Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments
Comment posted by Morris McClung on April 6, 2011 at 7:04 PM
Nice vision, lovely shot.
Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments
Comment posted by Anil Rao on April 7, 2011 at 2:05 AM
Beautifully done, Youssef. This is indeed a special moment and I really love how you have presented it to us.
Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments