Super moon 2016 tonight: Seven tips for taking smartphone pictures as moon passes close to Earth

THE biggest moon of the century is now rising over Sydney, but for the most part Sydneysiders are being forced to rely on occasional breaks in the clouds, as grey conditions roll in.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting mostly cloudy conditions along the NSW coast and ranges including Sydney and Canberra,

Those who are planning to flock to popular landmarks across Sydney can expect a one or two showers but that will ease as the night goes on. Be sure to pack a jacket as temperatures will drop to as low as 12 degrees.

Meteorologists say there will be a ‘clear, uninterrupted view’ of the supermoon after 10pm.

The “supermoon”, as it has been dubbed, occurs when the moon is full and orbits close to Earth. Last time it was this close was in 1948 and it won’t put on such a bright display until 2034.

Thousands of Sydneysiders are expected to flock to popular landmarks and beaches to capture the event.

But images of the moon rising over iconic structures such as the Harbour Bridge may not be possible due to expected cloud cover along the coast.

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Those in the west of the state will have the best views of the event as it will be mostly clear but they will have to brave cooler conditions with temperatures expected to drop to 10 degrees.

Along the coast may be warmer, with temperatures around 15 degrees, but photographers may have to be a little more creative, or lucky, to get the perfect picture.
 

But for those lucky enough to actually get a clear view of the moon at its greatest this century here are a few tips to getting that perfect picture.

7 TIPS FOR TAKING THE BEST SMARTPHONE PHOTOS

By Nick Eagar

1. COMPOSITION

This is top of the list for any photography and smart phones aren’t immune. Consider what your primary subject is; what is it and how does it naturally appear in the real world, and how best you can visually represent it. If you’re shooting a full moon, you’ll want something in frame to give context to its size and how it appears to the naked eye.

2. DON’T USE FILTERS

This is especially true of Instagram filters. Frankly, they’re washed out and will reduce the quality and integrity of your photo. Photoshop Express and Lightroom are great free apps to make subtle edits to your exposure, shadows, etc. There is also a great app named NightCap that can mimic the ability of a DSLR cameras ability to take long exposure photographs.

3. KEEP STEADY

I’ll often dig my elbows into the top of my hips so as to keep the phone rigid and in-place. No more shaky cam! This is also a good way to shoot panning video, using your shoulders to guise where the phone-camera is pointing. However, another option is always to pick up a smart phone tripod on eBay. I’d recommend one with flexible arms so you have greater control for your composition. A small tripod will come in especially handy when shooting the moon and nights sky.

4. FRAMING, FRAMING, FRAMING

Before tapping that snap button, be sure to consider what’s in the edges of the image. Is there a rogue tree branch getting in the way, do you want the branch to compliment the framing?

5. SAY NO TO FLASH, JUST NO

Unless of course you want your images to have a b-grade horror film vibe.

6. ALWAYS CROP, DON’T ZOOM

Those finer details will get lost in distortion. Take a wider frame and crop in to maintain definition of your subject.

7. CLEAN YOUR LENS

We take our smart phones anywhere and everywhere, so be weary of the cleanliness of your lens and give it a once over with something soft and lint-free. Preferably a lens cloth.