The Moon and I

Yasmin Namini, a former Chief Consumer Officer at the New York Times, travels the world taking photographs. At Bluedot, we believe that celebrating the Earth’s most enchanting creatures, cultures, and landscapes will inspire us to help preserve them.

Since the earliest days of my childhood, I have been fascinated with the Moon. I still cherish the memory of my mother's guidance, encouraging me to make a wish upon my very first glimpse of that celestial wonder each night. After all, the moon, Earth's only natural satellite, has been a subject of wonder for eons, its mysteries spurring curiosity and exploration. To this day, I find myself silently making a wish each time I see the moon.

This month, I’m taking you on a photographic journey of the moon. From the stark isolation of a solitary lunar sphere to its ethereal presence casting its beauty over natural and manmade landscapes.

First Quarter Moon, Namibia
Have you ever wondered why the moon looks different depending on where you are? While in Namibia, I captured this image of a First Quarter Moon, where only one half of the moon is bathed in light. What's fascinating is that whether the left or right half is illuminated depends on your location on Earth. Observing the moon from the Southern Hemisphere offers a unique perspective for sky watchers like me who are used to seeing the moon from the Northern Hemisphere. In this part of the world, the moon appears to be “upside down” compared to its Northern Hemisphere view. And, did you know that besides the Sun, the Moon is the only astronomical object you can easily spot in the daytime sky?
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 500 mm; 1/2,500 sec; f/7.1; ISO 3,200

Last Quarter Moon, Antarctica
Late at night in the Southern Hemisphere, the Last Quarter Moon illuminates Antarctica's frigid landscapes with its radiant glow. The deep, mysterious blue of the night sky perfectly complements the pristine, snow-covered peaks, conjuring an almost ghostly atmosphere. The moon, appearing grand and luminous, takes center stage over this frozen continent, gently casting its light upon the vast expanse of these Antarctic mountains.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS 5D Mark III; 400mm; 1/3,200 sec; f/5.6; ISO 25,600

Waxing Gibbous Moon Rising Over Dead Vlei
In this image, the Waxing Gibbous Moon rises gracefully over Namibia's stunning Dead Vlei. Beneath a cloudless blue sky, the iconic reddish-orange sand dunes create a breathtaking backdrop for majestic 900-year-old tree trunks. One of these ancient trees even appears to stretch its branch to touch the moon.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 70 mm; 1/60 sec; f/16; ISO 100

Under The Strawberry Supermoon
Nestled in the heart of southern Namibia, the NamibRand Nature Reserve stands as a bastion of conservation, dedicated to preserving the unique ecology and wildlife of the southwestern Namib Desert. On June 14, 2022, I found myself amidst its pristine landscape as the Strawberry Supermoon illuminated our sky. Don't be misled by the name; this supermoon's brilliance and size stem from its proximity to Earth during its closest orbit. The moniker “Strawberry Moon” harkens back to the wisdom of Native American tribes, who used it to mark the ripening of strawberries, signaling a time of abundance in the month of June.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 105 mm; 0.6 sec; f/11; ISO 100

Quiver Tree Under Moonlight
In the heart of Namibia, near Keetmanshoop, lies the remarkable Quivertree Forest, home to these ancient and intriguing quiver trees. Adorned with their distinctive upside-down appearance, they have long been cherished as symbols of good fortune in local folklore. Some of the quiver trees in this forest have thrived for over 250 years. Their name, “Quiver Tree,” finds its origins in history, as the resourceful San people once crafted arrow quivers from their sturdy branches. This image, captured during the early morning golden hour, reveals the majesty of a quiver tree set against a backdrop of beautiful hues from the rising sun and the still-glowing moon high in the sky.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 24 mm; 15 sec; f/22; ISO 400

Lady Liberty's Lunar Embrace
New York City had been my home for over 25 years, yet I had never witnessed the Full Moon rise over the Statue of Liberty, let alone capture it in a photograph. In 2021, I set my sights on achieving this goal. Guided by the expertise of a professional night photographer, I positioned myself at a precise spot in Liberty State Park, New Jersey. It was there that I captured this image as the full moon ascended above America’s iconic symbol of freedom and democracy.
Equipment, settings: Canon EOS R5; 300 mm; 1/125 sec; f/5.6; ISO 800

All photographs copyright Yasmin Namini.