Moon Phase Calendar 2025: Best Times for Night Photography
Discover the optimal moon phases for different types of night photography in 2025. From new moon for Milky Way shots to full moon for landscape illumination, plan your perfect night photography sessions.
Understanding Moon Phases for Photography
The moon's phase dramatically affects night photography conditions. Each phase offers unique opportunities and challenges, from the complete darkness of new moon perfect for astrophotography to the bright illumination of full moon ideal for landscape photography.
Understanding lunar cycles helps you plan photography sessions months in advance, ensuring you're in the right place at the right time for your desired shots.
Moon Phases and Photography Types
New Moon (0% Illumination)
Best for: Milky Way, deep sky objects, meteor showers, aurora photography
Darkest skies provide maximum contrast for faint celestial objects. No moonlight interference.
Crescent Moon (25% Illumination)
Best for: Landscape silhouettes, star trails with foreground detail
Subtle foreground illumination while maintaining dark skies for stars.
Half Moon (50% Illumination)
Best for: Night landscapes, architectural photography, moon portraits
Balanced lighting for foreground and sky. Good compromise for mixed subjects.
Full Moon (100% Illumination)
Best for: Moonlit landscapes, seascapes, snow scenes, moon photography
Bright natural lighting creates dramatic shadows and illuminates landscapes like daylight.
2025 Moon Phase Calendar
Here are the key moon phases for 2025, perfect for planning your night photography sessions:
New Moons 2025 (Best for Milky Way)
Full Moons 2025 (Best for Landscapes)
Special Lunar Events 2025
Partial Lunar Eclipse - September 7, 2025
The Harvest Moon will experience a partial lunar eclipse, creating a dramatic reddish shadow across part of the moon's surface.
Visibility: Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia | Peak: 18:11 UTC
Supermoons 2025
Supermoons occur when the full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter.
Moon Photography Techniques
Camera Settings by Moon Phase:
New Moon (Milky Way Photography)
- • ISO: 3200-6400
- • Aperture: f/2.8 or wider
- • Shutter: 15-25 seconds (500 rule)
- • Focus: Manual to infinity
Full Moon (Landscape Photography)
- • ISO: 100-800
- • Aperture: f/8-f/11
- • Shutter: 1-30 seconds
- • Focus: Hyperfocal distance
Moon rise and set times vary throughout the month. During full moon, the moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. During new moon, it rises and sets with the sun, making it invisible at night.
Planning Your Moon Photography
Successful moon photography requires careful planning:
- Check moon rise/set times: Use apps like PhotoPills, Sun Surveyor, or Solora to plan exact timing
- Consider moon position: The moon's path across the sky changes with seasons and location
- Weather planning: Clear skies are essential - check forecasts days in advance
- Location scouting: Visit locations during daylight to plan compositions
- Backup plans: Have multiple locations ready in case of weather changes
Pro Tip:
The days around new moon (±2 days) are ideal for astrophotography, while the days around full moon (±2 days) provide excellent landscape lighting. Plan your shoots during these windows for best results.
Track Moon Phases & Rise Times
Get precise moon phase calendars, rise/set times, and photography alerts with Solora
Download Solora App