I had my first visit to Joshua Tree National Park in California a few days ago.
It was one of those special days when the full moon would rise at sunset. In fact, it was to rise 15 minutes or so before sunset so it would be a perfect time to capture one of those huge pale moons.
At least that was the plan.
But once again, despite all efforts, the moon evaded me.
After exploring the park a little I found this location at Arch Rock where my compass told me the moon would rise behind the arch. I got all set up with about half an hour to spare before moonrise so I decided to do some wide angle shots, like the one below, while I waited.
Please click the image to view a larger version.
I was sure glad I did that because when it was finally time for moonrise a big band of clouds came and blocked out the moon entirely until it was well high in the sky. Drat!
Despite all efforts sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. I stuck to my guns for the longest time waiting for the moon but just as the sun was setting I bailed out, found another location, and got some great shots of the sunset. (I’ll have that shot to show you next time.)
We are actually staying in Palm Springs right now. It was about an hour’s drive down to Joshua Tree and I only went down there because of the moonrise. But I am going back there next week to do some camping right in the park. There will be no moon then so I can try some more star trails. Keep your fingers crossed for clear weather for me!
Are you ready for the next time the moon rises at sunset? Do you know when it happens, the direction it happens and where you have to stand to get something in the foreground? If not, you might want to check out my free eBook “Before The Shutter” which will help you plan your next photo shoot.
If you’ve already read “Before The Shutter” would you consider leaving a review on Amazon? I just released it on Amazon and I’m waiting for them to drop the price so it is free like everywhere else, but it would really help the publicity if there were some reviews. I’d really appreciate it!
I can understand the frustration of uncooperative weather. I went camping in the Shenandoahs in hopes of checking out the meteor showers, but the clear skies were replaced by clouds as the sun set. Good luck with the weather on your next visit to Joshua Tree. Looking forward to seeing you photos.
Thank you Chad. When I visited the Shenandoahs it was extremely windy which wasn’t great for the fall foliage shots I was hoping for.
Love the angle of this shot Anne. Sorry the moon was a no show but you came away with an awesome image despite that.
Thank you so much Edith! It’s hard not to be disappointed. I probably waited for the moon a little too long when I could have been getting sunset shots. Sometimes these lessons are hard to learn!
I love Joshua Tree! I go there several times each year, but have yet to visit Arch Rock. Glad you posted this, I am definitely checking it out when I go there again in 2 weeks!
I was just thinking this past weekend that it would be nice in Joshua Tree right now with the clouds….usually there aren’t any, which isn’t bad either, but your Arch Rock shot illustrates how nicely the clouds can enhance a daytime shot like that.
Hi Eric, the trail to Arch Rock is really short so it is definitely worth going there. I think the clouds did make a big different in the photo. Thank you for your visit and comments!
I was in Joshua Tree this past weekend and I visited Arch Rock, thanks to your post. I have driven by it many times and never realized it was there. Really nice spot 🙂
That’s great Eric, I’m glad my post helped out. It’s a pretty cool feature of the park so I’m glad you didn’t miss it.
I like the angle as well, Anne. The clouds…wow…the clouds are a great backdrop. Well done.
Thank you so much Randy, I really appreciate your visit and comments.
My first comment but I’ve been following your blogs for awhile now. Your photographs are amazing! I love taking pictures but really need to learn to use my camera. I have a Nikon D5100 that I bought just before we started our fulltime rv life.
I have enjoyed going back to the beginning of your story. Great reading!
Hi Joan, thanks for commenting! It sounds like we have a lot in common between photography and full time RVing. Thank you very much for dropping by the blog, I am very glad you have enjoyed the reading. Don’t be shy, I like to meet and chat with like minded folks!
Oh how I would love to visit that place. Someday, I hope.
Too bad the moon was blocked at it’s most beautiful point. We’ve all been in that situation at some point.
You created an excellent image here, Anne. I like the low perspective with the streaking clouds. Well done.
For tracking the moon and sun, I use the Photographers Emphemris. It’s totally awesome and can pinpoint any location in advance. Not sure if you have ever checked it out but you can find it at http://photoephemeris.com/. Besides the fact that it is so accurate, it’s big fun to use. 🙂
Hi Jimi, thanks for your recommendation about the photographer’s ephemeris. I was using different resources on the internet, but after your suggestion I bought the ipad app. Still learning how to use it but it is pretty cool all right! Thank you very much for your kind compliment 🙂
The desert in the winter, nothing better. I”m in the Keys and jealous (with beer)!
When I was getting my Photography Degree at Long Beach State, I did several projects at Joshua Tree. I’d guess I’ve camped there over 100 nights. Its a great place, I also enjoy the backroads between there and Laughlin NV when I used to get the Blackjack itch! Route 66 as it originally was. Look for Patton’s camp. Enjoy.
Hi David, I was in the keys last year at this time and you know, it was much warmer!!! I guess I was expecting that same kind of heat in southern california but it is not the same. Still, it’s nicer than BC in the winter. Thanks for the recommendations for photo ops near Joshua Tree, I’ll check it out!
Hello Anne,
At least you got a nice wide shot 🙂
I have a question. I want to visit the park and shoot star trails at night (around mid night), but then someone at the park (I emailed them) told me that Arch rock closes at night.
When long did you stay at the park?
Hi Moon, it closes at night? Hmmm… I’m not sure about that. There is a campground right next to it so if you stay there you should have no problem doing star trails there. I usually stay at one of the campground in the park, although we’re driving an RV so we don’t usually stay at the one next to arch rock.
Hi Anne,
Thank you for the comment! I actually emailed them again and..got an answer. He meant that the parking closes. I can use the campsite as you mentioned 🙂
Thank you so much!
Have a great weekend!
– Moon
Interesting comment about the moon, or lack thereof. One of the beauties of doing landscape photography is the blessed serendipitous event; you never know what’s going to happen. While I am sympathetic about not getting the moon because of a cloud bank. What you got may be superior. The moon behind that arch is almost a cliche’. What you got here is a statement that is more eloquent, in my opinion. Nice shot.