Moon photography, a genre demanding meticulous planning and artistic vision, reached remarkable heights in 2022. Photographers worldwide used precise alignment tools and creative concepts to capture our celestial neighbor in stunning new ways. The following selection represents some of the most impressive and inspiring images from that year, showcasing a diversity of styles from monumental alignments to intimate natural scenes.
1. David Pineda – "Moon Over La Giralda, Seville"
This photograph captures the full moon perfectly aligned behind the historic Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain. Shot from a significant distance with a 600mm lens, the image exemplifies precision planning to achieve a clean, powerful silhouette where the architectural icon frames the lunar disc. The success of such a shot hinges on calculating the exact location and time when the moon's path intersects the landmark from the photographer's vantage point.
2. Alyn Wallace – "Moon Rays at Sgwd Yr Eira, Wales"
Alyn Wallace trekked into the Welsh woods to capture an ethereal scene: moonbeams piercing through the mist of a waterfall. This image, requiring the specific alignment of a near-full moon, clear skies, and sufficient waterfall mist, represents a triumph of patience and persistence. The long exposure (30 seconds) and wide-angle lens (14mm) create a magical, otherworldly atmosphere that transforms a natural setting into a scene from fantasy.
3. Yhabril Moro – "Snowboarders Under the Moon, Spanish Pyrenees"
This dynamic action shot features snowboarders mid-jump against the backdrop of a large full moon. It demonstrates complex planning involving not just lunar positioning but also the precise construction of snow ramps to time the athletes' leaps. The use of a telephoto lens (600mm) compresses the perspective, making the moon appear dramatically large behind the riders and freezing a split-second of nocturnal adrenaline.
4. Aflah Zikar – "Crescent Moon and Bridge, Toronto"
Aflah Zikar's image is a masterclass in minimalist, evocative composition. It features a lone figure walking along a bridge during blue hour, with a slender crescent moon suspended in the dusky sky. The photo uses negative space and complementary colors to create a mood of quiet solitude and urban poetry, proving that powerful moon photography doesn't always require a massive lunar disc.
5. Toni Sendra – "Human Tower Reaching for the Moon, Requena"
This extraordinary photograph combines cultural tradition with celestial photography. It captures a castell (human tower) from Algemesí, Spain, rising against the "Pink Moon" of spring. The planning involved coordinating with the team to synchronize the tower's ascent with the moonrise. The resulting image is a powerful metaphor for human aspiration and collective effort, beautifully lit by the twilight sky.
6. Stefano Zanarello – "Moon, Monviso, and Superga Basilica, Turin"
Stefano Zanarello captured a rare and perfect three-element alignment: the full moon setting directly behind the distant peak of Monviso, framed by the arches of the Superga Basilica near Turin. This image, years in the planning, highlights the photographer's dedication. It uses the church's architecture as a natural frame, drawing the viewer's eye through the composition to the moon-capped mountain on the horizon.
7. George Meletis – "Moonrise at the Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion"
This photograph presents the moon rising over the ancient Temple of Poseidon in Greece. Shot from 1.25 kilometers away with a 350mm lens, it creates a compelling connection between the timeless celestial body and the historic human-made structure. The warm stone of the temple contrasts with the cool light of the moon, evoking a sense of mythic grandeur and the enduring passage of time.
8. Sandrine Bonnardot – "Supermoon Between Cathedral Spires, Clermont-Ferrand"
Sandrine Bonnardot's image shows a "Supermoon" (a full moon near perigee) precisely positioned between the two Gothic spires of Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral. This type of urban moon alignment requires scouting a specific location where the gap between two fixed points aligns with the moon's monthly path. The result is a harmonious blend of architectural geometry and natural astronomy.
9. Andrés Domínguez – "Madrid Skyline with the Five Towers and Moon"
Taken from an impressive 44 kilometers away, this photograph frames the full moon alongside the distinctive "Five Towers" of Madrid's modern skyline. Such long-distance moon photography demands exceptional atmospheric clarity and precise telephoto technique. The image juxtaposes the timeless moon with the contemporary symbols of the city, creating a striking portrait of modern Madrid under a celestial spotlight.
10. Rami Dibo – "Spider-Man on the Fossil Rocks, Maleha Desert, UAE"
Rami Dibo introduces a playful, narrative element to moon photography. The image features a person dressed as Spider-Man climbing the dramatic fossil rocks of the UAE desert, with a large full moon in the background. It showcases how creative storytelling, precise lunar planning, and a touch of humor can produce a unique and memorable photograph that stands out in the genre.
The Art and Science of Moon Photography
These 2022 highlights demonstrate that compelling moon photography rests on two pillars: rigorous planning and creative vision. Modern tools allow photographers to predict celestial events with great accuracy, but the artistic decision—choosing a foreground, composing the frame, and capturing a mood—remains a human endeavor. From silent natural landscapes to vibrant urban scenes and staged narratives, these images prove the moon remains one of photography's most versatile and inspiring subjects.
