Posted by Todd Caudle on March 31, 2010 at 11:15 AM
I calculated that the moon would set behind Tijeras Peak in the Sangre de Cristos this morning, just as sunrise was happening. Well, clouds to the east thwarted any alpenglow surprise, but I think it still looked pretty cool with the range in blue. I'm sure some will eschew the strong off-center crop, but the mountain ridge to the left was interesting enough that I wanted to include it, whereas the ridge to the right (out of frame on this crop) was fairly bland and would've unbalanced the image artistically. Given where I had to be to get the moon setting right where I wanted it, I didn't really have an option of finding a different position to include more interesting terrain on the right. It's a compromise, but it works for me.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on March 31, 2010 at 12:13 PM
Nice, I like the pano crop.
Please post the equations used in your calculations.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on March 31, 2010 at 12:23 PM
This a great photo. I wish we could see it bigger.
I would like to see a bit more on top. Thanks for posting.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on March 31, 2010 at 1:15 PM
Wow, I really like this! I like it even more with about 1/3 of the left cropped off. How'd you calculate this, Todd? Any of my moon alignment images have been happy accidents.
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 31, 2010 at 1:20 PM
TPE is a great tool, and you used it mighty finely for this shot - awesome Todd!.
Posted by Dean DuBois on March 31, 2010 at 3:10 PM
I think your composition is right on...and having the moon right on top of the peak is a plus...Nice one!
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 31, 2010 at 3:19 PM
My original post was fairly straight, just a little shadow adjustment with H/S to bring up the mountains and sky a little bit, and having now done a little curves adjustment layer work, the original looks flat and blah. Here's another version, slightly different crop, w/curves adjusted.
Posted by Jesse Speer on March 31, 2010 at 4:02 PM
#2, #2, #2! Very smart of you Todd, and a striking image.
Posted by Jack Brauer on March 31, 2010 at 4:10 PM
AWESOME! #2 is definitely better. Tijeras is such a nice looking peak... all the better with a moon behind it. This image would also make for a great crop right around the peak... for an almost logo-esque composition.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on March 31, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Very well done Todd!
Posted by Todd Caudle on March 31, 2010 at 4:25 PM
HA! Jack, you and I think alike. As I was watching this unfold, I was actually thinking it looked like the logo for my own company.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on March 31, 2010 at 9:43 PM
The color of the moon with the predominant blues is simply spectacular!
I also greatly prefer the second version with more of those beautiful mountains present.
Great shot! Does anyone know what causes those pixelated distortions around the moon? Ive had that happen to me a few times and i end up having to clean it up in PS, but if there was a way to avoid it id like to know.
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 4, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Stan, what you're seeing is atmospheric distortion. I remember the first time I ever noticed it was up on Indian Trail Ridge, as the moon dipped into a strong Earth shadow before setting behind Sharkstooth Peak. Peering through my 360mm lens on my RB67, I could see the outline of the moon taking on a mirage-like pulse. Oddly, it wasn't happening noticeably over the face of the moon, but was only visible on the outer edge, where the contrast was greatest.
Discussion
28 repliesPlease post the equations used in your calculations.
I would like to see a bit more on top. Thanks for posting.
I also greatly prefer the second version with more of those beautiful mountains present.