The December 2025 Full Moon, also known as the Cold Moon, will be one of the most breathtaking lunar events of the year. Whether you’re using a smartphone, digital camera, or beginner DSLR, capturing the full moon can be incredibly rewarding.
But photographing the moon isn’t as simple as pointing your camera at the sky. It requires understanding timing, basic settings, and simple tricks that produce clear, sharp, and impressive images.
This beginner-friendly guide will teach you everything you need to know to photograph the Full Moon in December 2025, even if you’ve never taken a moon photo before.
When Is the Full Moon in December 2025?
The Full Moon will peak on:
- Date: December 4, 2025
- Time: 23:14 UTC (adjust based on your time zone)
You don’t need to capture it at the exact peak moment; moonrise and the hours after are usually the best times for photography.
Why December’s Full Moon Is Perfect for Photography
December’s Full Moon is special for several reasons:
Cleaner skies
In many regions around the world, December brings clearer, drier air—meaning better visibility.
Low position at moonrise
When the moon is low on the horizon, it appears bigger and more dramatic due to the moon illusion.
Foreground opportunities
Trees, buildings, hills, bridges, and skylines make your moon photos more interesting.
A bright Cold Moon
December’s Cold Moon is traditionally very bright, making it easier for beginners to photograph.
What You Need Before Photographing the Moon
You don’t need expensive gear. Here’s what works best:
Smartphone
Modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, etc.) have excellent night modes and zoom.
DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
Even entry-level cameras with a standard zoom lens can capture good moon shots.
Tripod
A tripod stabilizes your shot and prevents blurriness.
Optional:
- Remote shutter
- Telephoto lens (70–300mm or more)
- Moon photography app (MoonCalc, PhotoPills, or The Photographer’s Ephemeris)
Best Time to Photograph the December 2025 Full Moon
1. Moonrise (Best for beginners)
The moon will be close to the horizon, appearing larger and more colorful.
2. Early night (Sharper photos)
Once it rises higher in the sky, it becomes clearer, smaller, and easier to capture.
3. Pre-dawn (Quiet and atmospheric)
A great time for clean, crisp photographs.
Best Locations for Moon Photography
Choose a location with:
- Low light pollution
- A clear view of the eastern horizon
- Interesting foreground objects
- Open spaces: beaches, rooftops, hills, lakesides, fields, deserts
Foreground elements make moon photos more unique and emotional.
Camera Settings for Beginners (Step-by-Step)
1. For Smartphones
Most phones today can capture a good moon photo if used correctly.
- Turn on Night Mode
- Use 2x–5x zoom, not 10x–30x (too grainy)
- Tap on the moon to focus
- Lower exposure slightly to avoid over-brightness
- Use a tripod or rest your phone on a surface
- Try shooting with Pro Mode (if available)
Set:
- ISO: 100–200
- Shutter speed: 1/125 – 1/250
- Focus: Manual (set to infinity)
2. For DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras
Use these settings as a starting point:
Mode: Manual (M)
ISO: 100–200
You want the cleanest, sharpest image.
Aperture: f/8 – f/11
This ensures maximum detail on the moon’s surface.
Shutter Speed: 1/125 – 1/250
The moon is brighter than people expect, and short shutter speeds prevent overexposure.
Focus: Manual → Infinity
Autofocus often struggles in low light.
White Balance: Daylight
The moon reflects sunlight, so daylight WB looks natural.
Lens: 200mm+ recommended
The longer the zoom, the larger the moon appears.
How to Add Foreground for Stunning Results
Professional-looking moon photos often include:
- A lone tree
- A mountain ridge
- A mosque or church steeple
- A tall building
- City skyline
- Lighthouse
- Bridge
- Silhouettes.
Use a zoom lens to “compress” the scene; this makes the moon appear much larger behind the foreground object.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Many beginners struggle because of these issues:
Using Auto Mode
It overexposes the moon and removes detail.
Zooming too much on smartphones
High zoom produces grainy, blurry images.
Shaky hands
Without a tripod, moon photos usually blur.
Shooting when the moon is too high
The moon looks smaller, harsher, and less dramatic.
Dirty lenses
Even a fingerprint can ruin a moon photo.
Editing Tips for a Beautiful Moon Photo
After capturing your shots, improve them with simple edits:
- Increase sharpness
- Add a little contrast
- Reduce highlights
- Increase clarity/texture to show craters
- Adjust the color to make the moon warmer or cooler.
Apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO work perfectly.
Final Tips to Capture the December 2025 Full Moon Perfectly
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before moonrise
- Check weather forecasts for clear skies
- Use apps to track the moon’s movement
- Experiment with angles and compositions
- Take MANY photos, choose the best later
- Shoot RAW if your phone/camera allows it.
With the right timing and settings, anyone, absolutely anyone, can capture a stunning photo of the December 2025 Full Moon.
The Full Moon of December 2025 offers a beautiful opportunity to try moon photography, even if you are a complete beginner. With the right settings, preparation, and a little creativity, you can capture breathtaking images that you’ll be proud to share.
Whether you’re using a DSLR, a smartphone, or simply curious about night photography, this guide gives you everything you need to photograph the Cold Moon like a pro.
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