Noob question re imaging moon

[chris1964 (Chris)]

I am wondering how people get a certain type of image when taking close ups of lunar craters, etc. There are some images taken with 8 inch plus scopes and CCD's which have a nice dark grey hue to them. Is this done by using a particular type of filter or is it done in post processing.

Photo attached to explain what I mean

[sil (Steve)]

Its just exposure that determines it. The moon is rarely evenly lit (remember your seeing it in full sunlight) so you might shoot an area towards the edge where the curve of the moon is less bright. A mono camera is good for the moon since its pretty monochromatic to start with. There are also lighter and darker regions of geology on the moon to choose from. You can post process levels to get a similiar look but ultimately its exposure.

Its clear this shot was taken of a region towards the edge and not at full moon (which is a bad phase to shoot the moon). No need for filters or trickery, learn about exposure and composition. Try taking your example shot, find the crater location and shoot it yourself and see what it takes to get the same look.

[chris1964 (Chris)]

Cheers. Thanks for the advice