The photograph known as 'Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico' is one of the most celebrated images captured by American photographer Ansel Adams. The moment occurred just after the sun had set behind the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, casting a soft twilight glow over the small town of Hernandez. The enchanting scene featured the rising moon illuminating the clouds, while the snow-dusted mountains stood majestically in the background, setting the stage for one of the most renowned photographs in the history of the medium.

Using an 8x10 view camera, Adams had to act quickly; he only had a matter of moments to capture the extraordinary interplay of light and shadow before the illumination changed. Working within the stringent confines of the Zone System—a photographic technique he developed that allowed for precise control of exposure and interpretation of tonal values—Adams meticulously adjusted his settings to preserve the stark contrasts that characterized the image. The resultant photograph not only highlights the breathtaking beauty of the New Mexican landscape but also emphasizes Adams' extraordinary technical skill and deep connection to the natural world.

'Moonrise' was not immediately recognized on its release, but over time, it evolved into an iconic American image, often regarded as a prime example of 20th-century landscape photography. The photograph has since been reproduced in countless formats and has had a lasting impact on artists, environmentalists, and the general public, inspiring a greater appreciation for the natural environment and the art of photography itself.