Planning - Part 1.

I had to do a bit of planning for these photos. It also took me a couple of attempts to get the photo I was after. Then there was quite a bit of luck to get my favorite photo of the sequence.

So how did I come up with the idea for the moon over the Shorncliffe Pier? Well, I had seen numerous YouTube videos on how to use forced perspective –a technique that uses optical illusions to make objects appear larger than they are and I wanted to create something similar here in Brisbane. I also noticed some of @benjpphotography work where he had captured a similar photo. Please go check Ben out, either on Facebook or on Instagram – he does some awesome work.

Attempt 1 was a bit of a fizzer. I sat on the boardwalk wishing the clouds away. I did get some good shots of the pier with a grey background, but the clouds had other plans for the moon. I also happened to catch up with some friends that were out for a Sunday afternoon walk. All was not lost.

I then headed out a month later to a similar spot for attempt 2. The moon moves around quite a bit and I had to move further north along the foreshore. I had my concerns because this new location was now about 1.5 kms from the pier once you got the alignment right. I was concerned the moon would not look as big as I had anticipated. I was also concerned because the weather forecast was predicting clearing clouds and sure enough when I arrived the clouds had not yet cleared.

Thankfully though the moon did make an appearance. Sure, the moon didn’t appear exactly when I wanted it to, but this was practice for the next day when the moon was officially at its fullest.

I like that these photos depict what was happening on the day. People were out and about enjoying a Sunday afternoon walk on the foreshore with their families, friends and dogs.

Then, out of nowhere I noticed a plane that had just taken off from Brisbane airport. Wow, that plane is about go in front of the moon, how cool would that be I thought to myself. I had not planned for this, and I fumbled around with my camera settings so that burst mode was activated. I just clicked as many photos as I could. I was wishing that at least one would have the plane in front of the moon.

It was not to be. The plane and the moon were not in alignment. Still a nice shot in my mind and this unique moment gave me time to think of what to do should this happen again the next day.

Is there a plane that takes off at the right time to allow it to be positioned in front of the moon? Am I in the right spot for this to happen? Did the clouds have more plans for the moon? Did I get the photos I was after? So many questions. You will just have to wait and see next week if I capture a unique moment.