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This Saguaro's arms are a reminder that the path forward is never known.

If anyone has thoughts on how I might process the moon on this which is blown out? Lower exposure add grain?

Moon  - _Z631988 - September 08, 2024-3.jpg
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If the moon is truly blown out, there is no recovery. You can test it by zooming in and lowering the whites. If it goes grey without any detail it is lost. If it is recoverable you will see some detail emerge as you lower the whites. If recovery is possible use a mask on the moon and lower just that. Or if you have another shot with a non blown moon you can composite it.
 
Really nice landscape Michael! We’ve been to the Sonoran Desert to see the Saguaro and they are impressive. None quite that tall though. The only way I know to deal with blown out objects (usually flowers, leaves…) has been by reducing contrast. Great Image regardless of the 🌙…. Think Bill’s suggestions have merit.. In either case, Your skill level and Bill’s are above my pay grade…
 
If the moon is truly blown out, there is no recovery. You can test it by zooming in and lowering the whites. If it goes grey without any detail it is lost. If it is recoverable you will see some detail emerge as you lower the whites. If recovery is possible use a mask on the moon and lower just that. Or if you have another shot with a non blown moon you can composite it.
Good idea I think all capture are correct exposure this evening
 
First try. Moved to moon to reflect an image later in the series. Took out some lights on the right. Fun to experiment with. Needs more work. Some of the cactus detail is lost downsizing for the 2mp on the site. Thanks for the feedback.
Moon Edited - _Z631991 - September 08, 2024.jpg
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If you are going to move the moon, then in my opinion you could just photograph the moon separately and pop it in.

On future shoots, you can do two exposures in rapid succession: one for the foreground and one (shorter exposure) for the moon.
 
Honest response, the moon does not look quite right on the 2nd one. Not sure, perhaps too dark, perhaps the mask, something.