June Full Moon

My project to photograph the full moon every month for a year continues on track. For June, I returned to a favorite spot along the banks of Chesbro Reservoir. My very first full moon shot (before I started this project) was from here in July, 2008. I'd like to retake that shot from two years ago because I like it a lot and I've learned so much since then that I think I could improve upon it immensely. But there is no going back. With all the rain this year, that spot is now under water. I took this first photo three days before the full moon on my reconnaissance expedition to find a good composition, and to pinpoint exactly where the moon would rise and how long it would take to show itself. I liked the framing of the tree branches, and on this day, because the moon rose 2 hours before sunset, there was still plenty of light.Two days later, the moon rose just as the sun set (perfect full moon sky light ). Although the tree branches were rendered as silhouettes, the moon was aglow.

As the moon rose higher in the sky, I wanted to include its reflection on the water. I moved to a more open area, composed with a wider angle to include the trees and grass, and captured this shot, now at the top of my favorites list. The sky really was this beautiful combination of blue and magenta. Click on the photo to see a larger view.

I am so pleased to have taken this shot.
The lunatic in me is reaffirmed.