Lunar eclipse photography: Tips for capturing stunning shots with just a smartphone

Skywatchers around the world are in for a rare spectacle: a total lunar eclipse that will turn the Moon a striking red-orange hue, often called a “Blood Moon.” On the night of September 7–8, the event will be visible across large parts of Asia, Australia, Africa, and Europe, making it one of the most widely anticipated celestial shows of the year.

The good news? You don’t need a telescope or professional gear to capture it. With just a smartphone and a few smart tricks, you can photograph the eclipse in all its glowing detail.

A dirty lens can blur your photo without you realizing it. Before heading out, gently wipe your phone’s camera lens with a microfiber cloth or even your T-shirt in a pinch. Clear glass means sharper details and a brighter shot of the Moon’s surface.

The Moon looks sharp to the eye, but even the tiniest shake can blur a photo in low light. Use a tripod if you have one, or place your phone on something solid like a wall or table. Turn on the timer so the phone takes the photo after your hands are off, reducing shake.

RAW photos capture more image data than regular JPEGs, making them easier to edit later. On iPhones, toggle on ProRAW; on Samsung, use Expert RAW; on Pixels, enable RAW in settings. If your phone doesn’t have RAW, just shoot in Night Mode for the best results.

Pinching to zoom just enlarges pixels, which makes your photo grainy. Instead, use your phone’s built-in telephoto lens if it has one. If not, capture the Moon as it is, and crop the photo afterward, the quality will be far better than using digital zoom.

Tap on the Moon in your camera preview to lock focus. For the sharpest detail, focus on the Moon’s edge, where contrast is higher. Then slide the exposure control up or down, too bright and the Moon looks washed out, too dark and you lose color. Find a balance.

Many newer phones are built for low-light shots. On iPhones, Night Mode kicks in automatically; on Samsungs, Expert RAW lets you slow the shutter and lower ISO; and on Pixels, Astrophotography mode delivers stunning long exposures if your phone is kept steady. These modes capture more light, color, and detail.

If your phone has Pro or Manual mode, don’t be afraid to experiment. Lower ISO settings reduce grain, while slower shutter speeds let in more light. Try different combinations until you find what works best in your sky conditions. Each adjustment can make the Moon look sharper and more vibrant.