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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> finally got some good shots from my aquariums
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Showing posts 1 - 9 of 9, (reverse)
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11/20/2003 09:23:36 AM · #1
I'm finally starting to get some good shots from my tanks, and I wanted to share. You can check them out on my website. Here are a couple of samples:

Mushroom Coral


Ricordia
11/20/2003 09:27:04 AM · #2
stunning!
11/20/2003 09:32:22 AM · #3
Wow, great pictures! I'd love to have my own reef-in-a-tank someday, for now I'll get started with just the fish. Most of the "professional" aquarium websites I've seen could take some pointers from you when it comes to aquarium photography!

Looks like you have a great setup. Just curious--what is "living sand?" Living rock is the coral itself, right?
11/20/2003 09:47:06 AM · #4
Live sand and Live rock are sand/rock taken directly from the ocean or existing tanks. This means that it comes will a lot of bio-diversity that is essential for breaking down decaying matter (fish waste, left over food, etc.). The faster decaying matter is broken down, the better the water quality will be. Decaying matter will polute the water, which will stress/kill fish and corals.
11/20/2003 04:37:20 PM · #5
Nice shots Jackson

Any chance you could post some tips and tricks here for shooting aquariums? I've tried in the past and given up (admittedly not with a decent camera).
11/20/2003 04:41:04 PM · #6
Originally posted by Natator:

Nice shots Jackson

Any chance you could post some tips and tricks here for shooting aquariums? I've tried in the past and given up (admittedly not with a decent camera).

My thoughts exactly!
11/21/2003 09:10:00 AM · #7
Well, it's a lot of trial and error, but here are some things that I have found work well for me.


- use Marco mode, if your camera has one
- take pictures when the room is dark, with only the tank light(s) on - this will help eliminate glares and reflections
- don't use a flash
- use the highest resolution setting possible, then size down your images - this helps mask imperfections in the photo
- use the lowest ISO setting your camera will allow
- keep your camera as perpendicular to the glass as possible - this helps reduce the refraction as light passes through the glass into the water. I have an adapter ring for my Sony that I use for my telephoto lens. I put the adapter ring on and put it right up against the glass. The ring protects the lens, and keeps out unwanted light. Very effective for me
- play around with shutter speeds and aperature settings. I find pictures to be more appealing with a larger depth of field.
- keeping your camera still is crucial, especially with slow/long shutter speeds. Use a tripod if you don't have a steady hand.


hope these things help. I'll post more if I think of them.

by the way... I feel soooo weird giving you all tips for taking photos.

Message edited by author 2003-11-21 09:10:55.
11/21/2003 09:22:07 AM · #8
I love the detail in the shots. You wouldn't know this is a tank. Very nice shots.
11/21/2003 10:07:09 AM · #9
Oh my gosh, you have a picture of that annoying fish from "Finding Nemo" You should get a clown fish and pose a shot :-)
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