A few words about "Moon and Bridge."

[Grumpy Old Guy]

Thank you all for your support in the last photo contest. I’d like to post a few thoughts about my winning picture, “Moon and Bridge.”

I love this photo for three reasons. First, it’s a simple composition, with only three elements, the moon, the bridge, and the sky. There is nothing else to confuse the viewer. Second, it contains an optical illusion. The cables on the bridge appear to run normally along the sides of the bridge, and then they appear to crisscross in front of the tower, and then they seem to go back to where they belong. Third, of course, is the precise timing that it took to get the moon positioned perfectly behind the tower.

No one would blame you if you thought this was a photo composite of two separate images. After all, what are the chances of catching the moon at that exact position? Well, as it turns out, there are several apps for a cell phone or computer that makes photos like this possible. Some of them are Photo Pills, Photographers Ephemeris, or in this case, Planit! and Planit! Pro. You can enter a location, date and time into these programs and they will tell you exactly where and when the sun and moon are going to be. Some of these programs are very simple to use, and others have a bit of a learning curve, but they all work great.

In this case, I found myself on a hilltop in San Pedro, overlooking L.A. Harbor, with about thirty other photographers who keep in touch on Instagram. I’m sure that there are probably similar groups in most cities around the country. There are probably photography clubs that do the same thing in your area as well. I was able to get there about thirty minutes before the alignment took place, which gave me enough time to frame a good composition and do some test exposures. Thanks to Planit Pro! We all knew the exact moment that the moon would cross behind the bridge.

I’ve posted a few other photos in the last year featuring lunar and solar alignments. They’re some of my favorite shots. Let me know if you’d like more information about these apps.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. These are just phenomenal photos, my dear Grumpy!

There are a couple I've seen before, and they still knock my socks off.

Thanks for your description of how you got these. They deserve to be printed, framed and matted, and hung somewhere you can see them!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

2. Thank you dear Peggy!

[ms liberty]

3. These are so good - Love them! Thanks for the background info too...

[Grumpy Old Guy]

4. Thank you so much!

[George McGovern]

5. Union of Nature, Technology and human smarts. Plus usually you get what you work for. Fabulous GOG!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

8. Thanks George!

[Gato Moteado]

6. wow! amazing images!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

9. Thank you Gato!

[ShazzieB]

7. Wow!

Thanks so sharing the backstory and extra shots, Grumpy Old Guy! I can spppreciste the shot even more with this context. The additional photos are beautiful, too, especially the last one (I have a special fondness for cityscapes and skylines).

[Grumpy Old Guy]

10. Thanks ShazzieB.

That shot took second place in the first contest that I entered here on DU, just about this time last year. This location is about fifteen minutes from our home, and I often go back there.

[HAB911]

11. Thank you for sharing this!

Stunning photos!

When I was actively tracking the ISS, I came across the ISS Transit Finder that may be of interest to some

https://transit-finder.com/

[Grumpy Old Guy]

12. Thanks!

I've seen the ISS a few times. I should start tracking it.