Today I’m excited to share another Frame Your Journey Story Series, featuring a talented photographer and dear friend, Michele Thompson, known in the Instagram community as @magpie_n_moo.
Michele has been one of my earliest supporters on Instagram, and over the years I’ve had the joy of following her creative journey. Her love for cityscapes in Toronto and New York, as well as breathtaking landscapes across Canada and the USA, has always inspired me.
I have also had the pleasure of interviewing Michele in the past, where she shared more about her journey as a photographer. You can read that feature here: Canada’s Most Beautiful Landscapes with Magpie’n’Moo Photography.
Michele has taught me a lot about landscape photography. Her mastery of ND filters creates that signature smoothness in water and clouds, turning her images into works of art.
In this story, Michele takes us to New York, where she set out to capture a rare alignment of the full moon rising behind the Statue of Liberty.
But I’ll stop here and let her tell the story behind this unforgettable shot.
The Story Behind the Photo
This was one of those mornings where everything came together in a way I won’t forget.
I had just flown into New York City the night before, and after a quick text exchange with my friend, we found ourselves out before dawn, chasing a moon alignment.
Our plan was to photograph the near-full moon perfectly aligned with the Statue of Liberty, this time with Lady Liberty facing us. It was the reverse of an alignment we’d captured 6 months earlier, when we shot her silhouette from behind.
At 4:30 a.m., I woke to heavy cloud cover and a strong wind that could’ve easily ruined our chances. Still, I had a faith in my weather app (Clear Outside) and a lot of hope.
We set up early. I could feel the chill bite through my jacket as gusts rattled my tripod. And then, just in time, the clouds parted, revealing the moon in its full glory, suspended above Liberty’s torch.
Choosing the Right Gear for Moon Photography
With a setting moon , high winds and low light, this wasn’t the kind of shoot where I could rely on longer exposures.
I had to trust my gear and opted for a fast shutter speed to sharply freeze the moon, accepting the tradeoff of a high ISO. I braced my tripod, and captured what I could in the few minutes of clear sky we had.
It wasn’t perfect light. It wasn’t a comfortable shoot. But in many ways, that’s what I love about these moments, how fleeting and unforgiving they are. You have to show up, stay ready, and work with whatever the sky gives you.
Camera Settings
Captured at 1/400s, f/6.3, ISO 5000, this shot of the full moon rising behind the Statue of Liberty balances speed and sensitivity — fast enough to keep the moon sharp while pulling in detail from the statue against the night sky.
The Nikon Z6 II is the second-generation model of Nikon’s Z series — a full-frame mirrorless camera praised for its excellent low-light performance, dual processors, and reliable autofocus, making it a versatile choice for portrait, event, and video work.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM is a super-telephoto zoom lens for Nikon, known for its sharp reach, optical stabilization, and lightweight build, making it a popular choice for wildlife, sports, and even capturing detailed full moon shots.
Final Thoughts
This photo is a reminder of what draws me to photography in the first place:
“The pursuit of new challenges and rare moments.”
I love that this one has Lady Liberty not just in frame but facing me. As if to say, You made it. Welcome back.
And just like that, the clouds returned, and the moment was gone. But I got it, and that’s all I needed.
Camera
Nikon Z6 II
Tripod
K&F Concept 62″ Aluminum Tripod TM2324
Lens
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Planning Apps
PhotoPills
Planit Pro
About Michele
I’m Michele Thompson, a published landscape and urbanscape photographer based in Toronto. I started chasing the moon mid 2024, learning and adjusting to the unpredictability of real life conditions.
This kind of alignment work has become a defining part of my creative journey. It’s not just about the technical precision, it’s the mix of planning and serendipity, patience and adrenaline.
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Share Your Story
Got a photograph with a story to tell? We’d love to feature your work in our Frame Your Shot series. Whether it’s a moment, a memory, or a message behind your photo, share it with us and inspire our community with your unique perspective.
