Plan the frame before exposure settings
First decide whether the photograph is about lunar detail or the Moon’s relationship to a landscape. A long lens makes the Moon large but narrows the field and magnifies vibration. A wider lens records the eclipse above a skyline, ridge, tree, or building and can communicate scale more effectively.
Use local eclipse times with altitude and azimuth to predict where the Moon will be. Scout the foreground in daylight and confirm safe nighttime access.
Stabilize and focus
Use a tripod or firm support. Disable flash. Focus on the Moon or a distant bright object, then lock focus so the camera does not hunt in darkness. A short timer or remote shutter reduces movement. On a phone, tap and hold to lock focus and exposure if the camera supports it.
Expect the exposure to change
The uneclipsed Full Moon is sunlit and surprisingly bright. During totality it can become hundreds or thousands of times dimmer, depending on the eclipse. One exposure cannot cover the entire sequence.
Begin with a low ISO and fast shutter for the bright partial phase. As totality approaches, increase sensitivity or lengthen the exposure, checking that lunar motion does not blur detail. Bracket several exposures rather than trusting the display alone. Preserve highlights on the bright crescent during partial phases.
For a sequence, keep framing and interval consistent. Lock white balance if you want the changing eclipse color to remain comparable from image to image.
