A version of this post was originally published on my Facebook page on September 23, 2020.

Out with the crickets shooting the #moon tonight. I’ve been asked how I take my moon photos. It’s very low-tech and unscientific. About six years ago Art and Julie, my inlaws, gave me a #nikoncoolpixl820. After I’d had it for a few months I went out on a clear night and just pointed it at the moon. I learned that if I pushed the focus into the yellow and held very still (I typically don’t use a tripod), I could get a fairly crisp image if I snapped fast. I upgraded a couple of years back to a #nikoncoolpixb500, again thanks to a generous Christmas gift from Art and Julie. The technique and results are similar. There are much better cameras, some even have a “moon” setting. And there are many better photographers. But I enjoy getting what I get the way I get it. It’s also fun to capture things in front of the moon, like trees or power lines. Tonight I just missed capturing a bird flying in front of the moon.

Here are the dates of the upcoming full moons for 2021:

• Oct 20 Hunter's Moon

• Nov 19 Beaver Moon

• Dec 18 Cold Moon

Grab your camera and point it at the moon. I’d love to see your photos.