"Elephants are such magnificent creatures. They are always fascinating to photograph," writes Carl de Souza, a photographer based in Nairobi. "Especially since the logistics involved usually make things even more interesting."

You don’t want to miss a supermoon rising when you’re a photographer, especially when it’s the closest a full moon has been to the Earth in 68 years and with 18 years to wait until it gets as near.

So AFP shooters all over the world got ready for the occasion, thinking up of the best spots and angles, doing practice runs, talking it over with colleagues and praying for clear skies on D Night.

In the end, some trudged through hills parched with thirst to get their shot; others waited patiently, be it for the clouds to lift for just a few minutes, or for various elements in the frame to come together, or simply for the moon to make its way above their city. And some didn’t plan at all, but just happened to have noticed a great shot on the way home from an assignment.

Herewith a collection of some of our favorite pictures of the phenomenon. Enjoy and see you again in November, 2034.