Everyone is familiar with the beauty of rainbows. Fewer people, however, have seen a moonbow, either live or in pictures. If one gets the rare opportunity to view this phenomenon, it would be great to have a photo to remember and share the experience. Taking a quality shot in the conditions that need to be present is not easy. Thus, it's good to know some basic information beforehand regarding moonbow photography.
Rainbows and moonbows have one distinct difference. The former is created by direct sunlight while the latter comes from moonlight, leading to the alternate name of lunar rainbows. Because direct sunlight is many times brighter than when it is reflected off the moon, lunar rainbows are the much fainter of the two. In general it is difficult or impossible to see their colors live but they do show up in pictures taken with a long exposure.
There are a few conditions that must be present for a moonbow to be viewed. The sky must be dark and the moon must be bright, usually near full, and low in the sky with rain falling opposite the moon. The combination of all of these makes a lunar rainbow sighting rather rare as well as challenging to photograph successfully.
Spray moonbows are a special kind that can occur more often. Rather then being created by moonlight with rain, they are produced by the light of the moon reflecting off of the spray of waterfalls. Certain locations are known for this including Cumberland Falls in Kentucky and Yosemite National Park in California, both in the United States, and Victoria Falls that borders Zambia and Zimbabwe.
There are several things that you'll want to have ready if the opportunity to photograph a moonbow does present itself. Since these only occur when the light is relatively low, necessitating very slow shutter speeds, a tripod is definitely advisable to allow for a clear photo to be taken. A remote control for the shutter can be helpful in this regard as well. For DSLR cameras, a wide angle lens may be preferable so that you can capture the whole scene. In addition, something to protect your camera from the damp conditions, an extra battery and spare memory would all be wise to have on hand.
Regarding the actual taking of the photo there are a few things to keep in mind. Because of the low light, you will need to set your camera for a long exposure. Keeping the camera steady is key, preferably with a tripod. Resist any temptation to use the flash as this will prevent the colors from showing up well and can negatively effect other photographers around you.
As with most photography, you will likely want to take a number of different shots. The more exposures you have, the greater the chances are that some will be to your liking. If you have the means to do so, a bit of post-processing may be in order depending on how the shots look straight out of the camera.
Lunar rainbows are a rare sight. Because of this, moonbow photography is both challenging and rewarding. It certainly pays to be prepared to capture the moment when it does indeed occur.
Rainbows and moonbows have one distinct difference. The former is created by direct sunlight while the latter comes from moonlight, leading to the alternate name of lunar rainbows. Because direct sunlight is many times brighter than when it is reflected off the moon, lunar rainbows are the much fainter of the two. In general it is difficult or impossible to see their colors live but they do show up in pictures taken with a long exposure.
There are a few conditions that must be present for a moonbow to be viewed. The sky must be dark and the moon must be bright, usually near full, and low in the sky with rain falling opposite the moon. The combination of all of these makes a lunar rainbow sighting rather rare as well as challenging to photograph successfully.
Spray moonbows are a special kind that can occur more often. Rather then being created by moonlight with rain, they are produced by the light of the moon reflecting off of the spray of waterfalls. Certain locations are known for this including Cumberland Falls in Kentucky and Yosemite National Park in California, both in the United States, and Victoria Falls that borders Zambia and Zimbabwe.
There are several things that you'll want to have ready if the opportunity to photograph a moonbow does present itself. Since these only occur when the light is relatively low, necessitating very slow shutter speeds, a tripod is definitely advisable to allow for a clear photo to be taken. A remote control for the shutter can be helpful in this regard as well. For DSLR cameras, a wide angle lens may be preferable so that you can capture the whole scene. In addition, something to protect your camera from the damp conditions, an extra battery and spare memory would all be wise to have on hand.
Regarding the actual taking of the photo there are a few things to keep in mind. Because of the low light, you will need to set your camera for a long exposure. Keeping the camera steady is key, preferably with a tripod. Resist any temptation to use the flash as this will prevent the colors from showing up well and can negatively effect other photographers around you.
As with most photography, you will likely want to take a number of different shots. The more exposures you have, the greater the chances are that some will be to your liking. If you have the means to do so, a bit of post-processing may be in order depending on how the shots look straight out of the camera.
Lunar rainbows are a rare sight. Because of this, moonbow photography is both challenging and rewarding. It certainly pays to be prepared to capture the moment when it does indeed occur.
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