| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/19/2008 02:33:44 AM · #1 |
I've been lurking here for a few years but this is my first post. I have almost zero knowledge as far as serious photography is concerned. I generally just point, shoot, shoot some more and then pray for a decent shot. Now more often I get a shot that I like but I realize my editing skills are awful.
So to get to the point, I like photography but suck at it, and recently started getting into salt water fish/coral. That leads to a great opportunity to take some really nice (I wish) pictures of my fish and coral. That being said, I need major pointers on aquarium shooting and on editing.
This is an unedited shot that I really like and would like some help/pointers on editing.
And I would like any other general advice on shooting in a home aquarium. Any advice at all.
Thanks!
Steve |
|
|
|
02/19/2008 02:41:51 AM · #2 |
Try using your 18-55 lens (not ideal, but you can get in closer to focus on the fish), put the lens on manual focus (I have problems with autofocus unless the fish are large and slow moving), focus on where the fish usually hang out, you can use flash if you're on an angle to the tank (not ideal, but sometimes it's the only way). I've tried a higher ISO to get a faster shutter speed, but unless the tank is very well lit it's still often not fast enough with a slower lens and my photos have been too noisy to be of use.
Take many many pics ..... and when you've done that, take some more. The more you shoot the more familiar you'll get with the movements and habits of the fish, and the more they'll get to ignore you getting that close to the tank. |
|
|
|
02/19/2008 02:47:12 AM · #3 |
Yeah, I've realized I'm going to have to take a ton of shots, especially with the clown fish and the dottyback. The goby in the photo above is the only fish that stays still enough to get a tripod shot with. I do need to practice with manual focus as well. I have a hard time focusing and framing shots with my glasses and don't usually mess with the diopter adjustment for my wife's sanity. I guess it's time to get some new contacts.
The tank that I have set up at the moment is just a 12g with 70w hqi. |
|
|
|
02/19/2008 02:57:24 AM · #4 |
| Haven't taken any fishy pics for ages so am very out of practice. I've got 2 tropical tanks with mostly guppies and loaches. Just taken a few with the 20D, 18-55 lens and flash, will post them later tonight for you to see. I tried a/focus, but the fish wouldn't sit still (not as well trained as the dog). |
|
|
|
02/19/2008 03:00:27 AM · #5 |
| I think the 50mm lens is your better choice. Using flash works best for me angled right like suemack said to avoid reflection. I hand hold mine and setup where I like the background and where the fish come close to the glass at the front of the tank. The less water between the fish and your camera gives the best result and of course having clean water and outside of tank helps. |
|
|
|
02/19/2008 03:27:26 AM · #6 |
I think you're right  Owen, just took a few with the 18-55 and noticed with the exif that the focal length was 55mm. Will have another play round (but not tonight) with the 50mm
fish1 fish2 fish3
and yup, a tank always looks much better with clean glass which mine ain't got LOL |
|
|
|
02/19/2008 04:24:50 AM · #7 |
A fast lens is a must for an aquarium and an ISO of 400 or higher depending on the lens.
  
(exposure data is on the 1st two pics, the 3rd being similar)
Message edited by author 2008-02-19 04:25:26. |
|
|
|
02/19/2008 12:56:06 PM · #8 |
Thanks for the replies and the examples. What kind of lighting was used for those shots?
|
|
|
|
02/19/2008 01:00:10 PM · #9 |
| Try one of these to get up on the glass and shoot without reflections ==> Screw-In Rubber Lens Hood |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 07/17/2025 07:27:41 PM EDT.
