Nestled on the Arizona-Utah border, Monument Valley is a land of striking rock formations and endless skies.
However, there's one experience that transcends the daylight beauty of this iconic landscape—the magic of moonrise.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, witnessing the moon rising above the valley's towering buttes and mesas is nothing short of mesmerizing. Capturing this ethereal moment with a camera becomes a quest for many who visit, as the soft glow of the moonlight transforms the valley into a mystical dreamscape.
The Perfect Spot for Capturing Moonrise
Monument Valley is known for its vast, open vistas, making it a prime location for photography. When planning to capture the moonrise, choosing the right vantage point is the first step. One of the most popular spots for photographers is the area around the Mittens—two large buttes that mirror each other. As the moon ascends behind these rock formations, it creates a breathtaking silhouette that is often considered the "money shot."
Another excellent location is John Ford's Point, named after the famed film director who shot numerous westerns in the valley. This spot offers a panoramic view, allowing photographers to frame both the moon and the valley's grand expanse in one shot.
Timing is Everything
Timing is crucial when photographing a moonrise in Monument Valley. Use apps like PhotoPills or The Photographer's Ephemeris to determine the exact time and position of the moonrise for the date of your visit. The moonrise time varies daily, and its position on the horizon shifts throughout the month. Planning your shoot around a full moon will give you the brightest and most dramatic moonrises.
Arriving early is essential, not only to secure the best vantage point but also to capture the changing light as the sun sets. The twilight hours before the moon appears provide a gorgeous gradient of colors—deep purples, pinks, and oranges—that contrast beautifully with the impending silver glow of the moon.
The Majesty of Monument Valley | National Geographic
Video by National Geographic
Camera Settings for the Perfect Shot
While it's tempting to let your camera's automatic settings do the work, photographing a moonrise requires manual control for the best results. Here are some tips to ensure your photos capture the magic:
Use a tripod: A steady camera is essential for low-light photography. A tripod will help you avoid blurry images and allow for longer exposures.
Shoot with a low ISO: Start with an ISO setting around 100 or 200 to keep noise (graininess) in your photos to a minimum.
Choose a small aperture: An aperture setting between f/8 and f/16 will give you a wide depth of field, ensuring both the moon and the valley's features are in focus.
Set a slow shutter speed: Since the moon is not moving quickly across the sky, you can afford to use a slower shutter speed, around 1/15 to 1/30 of a second, to allow more light into your shot.
Consider bracketing your shots: Take multiple exposures at different settings to increase your chances of capturing the perfect shot. This technique is particularly useful in high-contrast scenes like moonrise.
The Magic of Moonlight
As the moon fully rises, Monument Valley is bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. The towering buttes look rugged and solid during the day and take on a ghostly, almost otherworldly appearance in the moonlight. The shadows lengthen, and the play between light and dark creates a dramatic, dreamlike scene.
While many photographers focus on the moment of moonrise, staying out in the valley under the moonlight offers even more opportunities. Long exposure shots taken after dark can reveal details in the rock formations that are invisible to the eye. The stars also begin to twinkle in the night sky, offering an additional layer of beauty to the already magical landscape.
Photographing a moonrise in Monument Valley is an unforgettable experience. The combination of the moon's radiant light with the valley's ancient rock formations creates a scene that is both timeless and surreal. For any photographer, professional or amateur, it's an opportunity to capture nature at its most mystical.
Whether you're planning your first trip to Monument Valley or returning for another visit, don't miss the chance to witness this extraordinary event. The magic of moonrise will leave you in awe—and with stunning photos to remember the moment forever.
