Moonset

William, having taken images like this myself, I have to ask whether this is really a single, non-manipulated shot as you've stated.  In my experience, it is simply impossible to get a properly exposed moon and properly exposed clouds that are only partly lit in the same frame.  There's also "something" about the color of the moon that just doesn't match; a moon near the horizon just isn't this white.

Sorry, Stephen, but it's the real deal.  First, the shot was taken in northern Arizona at an altitude of 7000 feet, which may account for a low-moon color different than what you're used to seeing.  Also, the sun was just coming up over the eastern horizon, giving the clouds a sunrise glow and the moon a high albedo.  It was a perfect combination.  I metered on the moon, which, of course, left the foreground trees in silhouette mode.

Sometimes, it just works out.  Not nearly often enough, though...

Cheers,

William

O.k., thanks William.  In this digital age, one can never be certain.  The fact that it's not quite a full moon means there's still a bit of light in the sky, at least enough to put some light on the clouds.  The day before a full moon is also when I try to get the moon in a composition as well.

Well done.

This is exactly the kind of shot that I have been trying to get, with much poorer results so far.  There is something very compeling and beautiful to me in a photo that shows both the earth and the moon properly exposed in the same frame--with no Photoshop fudging.

Very nice work, Bill.  I love your entire portfolio.

--Lannie