There’s a special kind of magic in the air when the Harvest Moon rises, and this year, it brought the extra brilliance of a Super Moon. For a photographer, it’s a dream assignment—a colossal, golden orb hanging in the inky sky, offering a chance to frame the eternal against the enduring architecture of the city.
In these two shots, I aimed to capture the dramatic scale and the different moods this celestial event presented.
The Perfect Balance: Clock Tower and Super Moon
The first image, “Harvest Super Moon Over the Clock Tower,” is a study in vertical alignment and raw impact. The sheer size of the moon, which appears magnified due to the long focal length, creates a stunning, almost surreal juxtaposition with the clock tower’s spire. The warm, golden hue of the moon contrasts beautifully with the cool blue of the night sky and the illuminated, historic stone of the building. It’s a moment of dramatic tension where the massive cosmic body seems to be perfectly balanced atop the earthly structure—a beautiful blend of human artistry and natural grandeur.
The temple, featuring its classical design, two prominent illuminated spires, and an Angel Moroni statue atop the taller spire, dominates the right side of the frame. The building is brightly lit, contrasting with the dark night sky.
A large, bright full Harvest super moon is prominently positioned in the upper left of the dark sky. In the foreground, the blurred, streaking red and white lights of vehicular traffic on the adjacent Vine Street Expressway (I-676) indicate a long-exposure shot, creating a dynamic, modern contrast to the historic-looking architecture.
Behind the temple, modern high-rise buildings complete the urban setting.
Cityscape Glow: Moon Over the Temple
The second image, “Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple,” offers a wider view and a different kind of energy. Here, the moon is less of a dominant force and more of a majestic feature within a bustling cityscape. The illuminated Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple serves as an anchor, its bright architecture contrasting with the streaking tail lights of the traffic on the adjacent highway. This long-exposure element introduces a dynamic, fleeting motion to the otherwise still night. The moon hangs calmly above, a silent, steady observer of the city’s nightly rhythm.
Each photograph tells a different story of the same night. The clock tower shot is about scale and perfect alignment, while the temple shot is about atmosphere and the harmonious, though contrasting, relationship between a magnificent moon and a vibrant city.
