Grab your cameras and get ready to cover a “once in a lifetime” event happening this Friday.
What is it? The longest total lunar eclipse this century. Totality will last one hour and 43 minutes. During this time the moon will turn a reddish-brown colour commonly known as a Blood Moon.
Where and when can I photograph it? UK, Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa and South America photographers get their lucky shot this Friday, July 27th, 2018. (Sorry North America, you’ll get a chance next year.)
for all the specifics of where you are.
For those close to 17Թ HQ, the eclipse will begin before the moon rises. When it rises at 20:54 it will already be in full eclipse with the maximum happening at 21:21. All you need is a good view to the Southeast (127° to be exact).
How can I make my pictures what news clients want? Add in subjects with the moon. Pick out a well-known landscape, building or landmark to have in the foreground with the moon. Keep an eye out for airplanes, helicopters or birds that cross its path. Or try adding a person, child, horse or dog for extra interest.
Dos and ٴDz’ts
Do keep your shutter speed up to avoid a blurry moon. The Focal Length Shutter Speed rule is always good to follow, but I wouldn’t drop below 1/60th second to avoid moon movement.
Do fill the frame. As always there are a few exceptions that work, but “bigger is better” is more popular with our Live News clients.
ٴDz’t upload late. With a 21:21 Maximum Eclipse, it is possible to get your pictures to us by 10pm ahead of deadlines for Saturday morning papers. If you are in remote location, please file your pictures by 8AM GMT. We will be sending the best images from the event out to the Sunday papers, but they will need to be in early to make that final push.
Do fill out your captions completely. Please remember to make sure your location and any monuments, landmarks, objects or people pictured in your photos are named in your captions.
ٴDz’t forget your headline. This is a HEADLINE, not a title or file name. When the headline is the same for your set of images they will auto group. If you don’t put the same headline in each image from the same event, then there could be delays in your pictures getting out to our Live News clients.
This is the last total lunar eclipse until 21st January, 2019 so clean your lenses, charge your batteries, and scout your location, you don’t want to miss this event.