Most people try to take a picture of the moon and end up with... well, a tiny, glowing blob. If you’ve ever pointed your phone at the night sky only to be disappointed, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: with a few simple tricks, you can capture a lunar eclipse beautifully—no fancy camera required.
On March 14, 2025, the moon will put on a spectacular show, glowing an eerie red as it slips into Earth’s shadow. And you don’t need expensive gear or professional photography skills to document it. Whether you’re using a smartphone, a basic camera, or even just your creativity, there are plenty of ways to capture the magic.
So, if you’re ready to take better moon photos—or just want a unique way to experience the eclipse—let’s dive in.
How to Capture the Lunar Eclipse Using Your Phone
If you’ve ever tried to take a moon picture on a regular night, you know how tricky it can be. Add the dimming light of an eclipse, and it gets even harder. But don’t worry! With a little planning, a steady hand, and a few setting tweaks, you can take a stunning eclipse photo with just your phone.
1. Plan Ahead for the Best Shot
The moon won’t wait for you to fumble with settings—so get ready early.
✅ Find a clear, open spot. Avoid tall buildings, trees, or streetlights that might block your view. A hilltop or field is ideal.
✅ Check the weather. No one wants to set up their camera only for clouds to roll in.
✅ Arrive early. Give yourself time to get comfortable, adjust settings, and enjoy the night sky before the eclipse starts.
2. Keep Your Camera Steady
Even the slightest movement can blur your shot.
✅ Use a tripod. If you don’t have one, rest your phone against a sturdy object like a railing, rock, or even a backpack.
✅ Set a timer or use a remote shutter. Something as simple as pressing the shutter button can shake your phone—use a 2-3 second timer or wireless remote. Some earbuds even have a shutter button.
Pro Tip: Get a Tripod and remote shutter in one! Check this one out: 64-inch Extendable Tripod for iPhones and Smartphones
3. Adjust Your Phone Camera Settings
Your phone’s default settings aren’t designed for something like a lunar eclipse, so take control.
✅ Use a manual camera app. Apps like ProCamera (iPhone) or Camera FV-5 (Android) let you adjust exposure, ISO, and focus.
✅ Skip the digital zoom. Zooming in on your phone too much - especially at night - makes the image grainy. Instead, take the photo as-is and crop it later. If your phone has multiple lenses, select the lens with the biggest
✅ Try Night Mode or Long Exposure. These settings allow more light in, helping capture more detail in low-light conditions.
✅ Manually adjust focus and brightness. Tap on the moon to lock focus, then drag the slider down (usually on the right side) to lower the brightness slightly and reveal more details.
Dimming the photo's brightness can reveal hidden moon details!
4. Enhance Your Shot with Accessories
You don’t need extra gear, but if you want to step up your game:
✅ Clip-on telephoto lenses. These attach to your phone and let you zoom in without ruining image quality. I use these and love them: Cell Phone Camera Lens with Tripod+ Shutter Remote
✅ DIY ND filter. If the moon is too bright, hold a pair of sunglasses over your phone lens to balance the exposure. I use this trick all the time!
Alternative Ways to Document the Eclipse
Not into photography? No problem! The eclipse is still worth capturing in creative ways.
1. Time-Lapse: Capture the Moon in Motion
Instead of snapping individual pictures, use your phone’s time-lapse mode to record the entire eclipse and condense it into a short, mesmerizing video.
2. Silhouette Photography: Use Shadows for Dramatic Shots
Even if photographing the moon directly is tricky, you can create stunning images by using silhouetted shapes—trees, buildings, or even people—against the darkening sky.
3. Live Streams: Let the Experts Handle the Photography
If you want to see the eclipse up close, but don’t have a telescope, tune into a Time and Date live stream for professional footage.
4. Sketch or Paint: Capture the Eclipse in Art
Bring a notebook and colored pencils to sketch what you see or paint the different phases later from memory.
My favorite sketchbooks: Spiral Notebook with Blank Pages (2-Pack)
My favorite graphite pencils: Professional Graphite Pencil Set (14 Pieces)
5. Vlog or Journal: Record the Experience
Keep a short journal entry about the event—what the sky looked like, how you felt, and any fun details. If you prefer video, try vlogging your experience to relive it later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Taking moon photos can be frustrating. Avoid these common pitfalls:
🚫 Overexposing the Moon: If your photo looks like a bright streetlamp in the sky, lower the brightness or adjust the exposure manually.
🚫 Using Auto Mode: Your phone won’t know what to focus on—lock the focus on the moon instead.
🚫 Trusting Digital Zoom: Digital zoom pixelates your shot—crop later instead.
🚫 Forgetting to Enjoy the Moment: Take a few photos, then put your camera down and just watch the sky.
When to Catch the Next Lunar Eclipses
Missed this one? No worries—there are more chances to see the moon turn red. Mark your calendar:
📅 March 3, 2026 – Total Lunar Eclipse (Visible in North America, northeast Asia, and the Pacific)
📅 August 28, 2026 – Partial Lunar Eclipse (Visible in North and South America)
📅 May 26, 2028 – Total Lunar Eclipse (Visible in the Americas)
⏳ Set a reminder! Jot these dates down so you don’t miss the next celestial show.
Capture the Moment—No Fancy Gear Required
At the end of the night, photographing the lunar eclipse isn’t about expensive gear—it’s about being prepared and present. Whether you take a photo, record a time-lapse, sketch the moment, or simply soak it all in, you’re witnessing something special.
And if your photos aren’t perfect? That’s okay. The most important thing is that you looked up, took it all in, and enjoyed the moment.
Tag me on Instagram if you capture a shot you love—I’d love to see it! I'll post the photos I get there, too.
Want a quick, easy way to remember these steps when you're out under the night sky? I’ve put together a Lunar Eclipse Photography Checklist—a simple, downloadable graphic you can save to your camera roll and reference in the moment. No scrambling for notes, no guessing settings—just a handy guide at your fingertips.
Grab it for free! Sign up for my newsletter, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get practical, no-fuss photography tips to help you take better pictures every day—no fancy gear required. Sign up here!