Day 200 of 366: Capturing the Moon by Daylight

Celebrating 200 Days with a Celestial Perspective

Today marked a significant milestone in my ongoing photography project—day 200. As I reflect on the journey so far, each day has been a unique chapter of discovery and learning. To celebrate this landmark, I wanted to capture something different, something that deviates from the usual yet resonates with the spirit of this endeavour.

A Serendipitous Sight

The idea came unexpectedly. While walking my dog under the afternoon sky, I noticed how distinctly the moon was visible despite the sun's presence. The sight of the moon during the day is not rare, but its clarity today was striking. It was a perfect opportunity to blend the familiar with the unexpected in my photography.

Technique and Composition

Returning home, I quickly grabbed my camera equipped with a long lens. The goal was to isolate the moon against the vast, blue sky, capturing its serene presence amidst the daylight. I also wanted an element that added depth and context to the frame, so I positioned myself to include the silhouette of a tree in the foreground, adding an organic texture against the smooth backdrop of the sky.

The contrast of the sharply defined moon against the blurred colours of the sky created by the tree’s leaves resulted in an almost dreamlike composition. The challenge was in balancing the light and capturing the fine details of the moon’s surface, which required careful focus and exposure settings.

Post-Processing

In post-processing, I enhanced the colours to bring out the blues and the subtle gradients around the moon. The final image emphasizes the moon’s ethereal glow and the surreal blend of daytime and celestial elements.

Reflections on the Journey

Reaching day 200 is not just about counting days; it's about the endless possibilities of creativity and expression through photography. Each image tells a story, and today’s story was about looking beyond the obvious and finding beauty in the harmonious coexistence of day and night elements.

As I continue with the remainder of this 366-day project, I am reminded of why I began— to explore, to document, and to express the fleeting moments of beauty that surround us, be it through landscapes, night skies, or simple daytime moons.

Here’s to the next 166 days—may they be filled with just as much wonder and discovery!