I will be in Death Valley early June (I know, I know, worst time of the year but its an add-on to a business trip).
I saw there will be a full moon while I am there, rising about 8:30pm. Does anyone have any suggestions for a hot spot to shoot full moons at the park?
Thought it might be cool if I could shoot the moon reflecting in the water in Bad Water, any thoughts about this or other good locations from people who know the park would be appreciated! Not sure if the moon would be bright enough to try some long exposures on the dunes?
Philip, early June may not be too bad yet, anything past that it sure heats up though. To be honest I'm not sure about water reflections of any type that late in the season. Especially after this very dry season we have had in California this year. Maybe others will see your message and be able to provide more details here. Good luck with the photo opportunities out there no matter what.
Unless you are there the day before to line up a particular shot, the dunes by Stove Pipe Wells are a safe bet. Ease of movement with plenty of open sky to set up a good composition. Have fun and drink plenty of liquids.
Posted by Rodney Ninow on May 11, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Personally I like to photograph the nearly full moon a day or two before. Reason being the moon will rise BEFORE the sunsets. This enables some awesome shots with a sunlit, warm landscape and a full looking moon. I think the stovepipe wells dunes sounds like a great idea. If the motel there is still open, its decent enough for a night or two.
As soon as you set foot outside the car it will insinerate. Hope that doesn't bother you J/K.
You could try moonsetting at Badwater but you might want to ask the ranger if the water is always there. Moonrise at Agueberry Point would give you an view with depth but the dunes would be a lot easier to compose as long as you know where it's rising(exact opposite horizon only on full moon night) Good luck. Hope you can post what you got.
Discussion
5 repliesI saw there will be a full moon while I am there, rising about 8:30pm. Does anyone have any suggestions for a hot spot to shoot full moons at the park?
Thought it might be cool if I could shoot the moon reflecting in the water in Bad Water, any thoughts about this or other good locations from people who know the park would be appreciated! Not sure if the moon would be bright enough to try some long exposures on the dunes?
You could try moonsetting at Badwater but you might want to ask the ranger if the water is always there. Moonrise at Agueberry Point would give you an view with depth but the dunes would be a lot easier to compose as long as you know where it's rising(exact opposite horizon only on full moon night) Good luck. Hope you can post what you got.
Philip