Plan moon photography around direction and light
A full moon alone does not guarantee a useful photograph. Its compass direction, height above the horizon, foreground, local twilight and weather all affect the result. This planner combines the predictable astronomical parts so you can choose a date and arrive with a clearer plan.
Read azimuth like a compass
Azimuth starts at north: 90 degrees is east, 180 degrees is south and 270 degrees is west. If the planner shows the moon at 110 degrees, look east-southeast. Altitude describes how high it appears above the horizon.
Use the result in the field
- Check the direction from a safe, accessible shooting position.
- Use blue or golden hour when you want foreground detail.
- Allow extra time because terrain and buildings can delay visible rise.
- Use a stable support when the moon is dim or the zoom view is narrow.