Capturing the Full Moon Over Melbourne: A Memorable Meetup
On January 13, I hosted my first moon photography meetup of the year, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group or location. With 5 passionate photographers joining me, we gathered in Williamstown to capture the breathtaking sight of the full moon rising between the iconic CLLIX Australia 108 building and the Melbourne Skydeck, two of Malbourne’s tallest buildings. It was an evening filled with learning, laughter, and the thrill of photographing one of nature’s most mesmerizing events.
The Planning
Capturing a full moonrise in a bustling city like Melbourne takes careful planning. Before the meetup, I spent hours researching the moonrise time and trajectory, checking apps like PhotoPills, and Planit Pro to ensure the perfect alignment between the moon and the skyline. Sharing this process with the group was a great way to show how critical preparation is for moon photography, and it’s always fun to reveal the “behind-the-scenes” steps that make these moments possible.
The Gear
During the meetup, we dove into the essential gear for moon photography. From telephoto lenses to sturdy tripods, we discussed how to get sharp, detailed shots of the moon while also capturing the surrounding cityscape. I walked everyone through camera settings like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, emphasizing how these can be adjusted to balance the moon’s brightness with the darker urban environment. For a few attendees, this was their first time working with manual settings in low lighting, and they nailed it by the end of the night!
The Experience
One of the best parts of the evening was meeting such a fantastic group of people. Everyone came with their own experiences and perspectives, creating a collaborative and supportive environment. We swapped stories about our favorite photography moments, shared tips and tricks, and motivated each other as we framed our shots. Watching everyone’s excitement when they captured the moon perfectly nestled between the Australia 108 building and the Sky Deck was incredibly rewarding.
Tricks for the Toolkit
By the end of the meetup, I’m confident everyone walked away with a few new tricks to add to their astrophotography toolkit. From the value of using apps for location scouting to mastering manual focus in low light, the evening was packed with actionable insights. We also discussed post-processing techniques to bring out the moon’s details while maintaining the beauty of Melbourne’s skyline.
Looking Ahead
This meetup was just the beginning! I’ll be hosting similar gatherings throughout the year, focusing on different astrophotography targets. Whether it’s the Milky Way, meteor showers, or another moonrise, these events are designed to help photographers of all levels learn the basics, refine their skills, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. There’s something magical about standing under the night sky with a group of people who share your passion, and I’m excited to create more of those moments.
If you missed this event, don’t worry—there are plenty more opportunities ahead. Follow along for updates on upcoming meetups, and I hope to see you under the stars soon!
