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Basic Aquarium Photography


Molino
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I wrote this article a year or more ago for another forum and Valerie suggested I share it here as well since there seem to be a lot of people interested in photographing their fish.

Basic Aquarium Photography

The first thing I would recommend if you want to get involved in aquarium photography is a digital camera. This will allow you unlimited practice with no need to worry about wasting rolls and rolls of film. However unless you already own a digital camera this will cost you some money at the outset, unless you’re able to borrow one from friends or family. Visit www.dpreview.com for detailed reviews, specs and pricing information ($USD).

Once you’ve gotten started the second item you may want to consider is a tripod. These will allow you to take pictures without the flash, and will also be helpful if you’re sitting in front of the tank for long periods at a time.

There are generally two types of photos you’ll be taking. Overall tank shots as well as pictures of individual, or groups of fish.

Tank Photography

Taking pictures of your tank is fairly simple. Results are usually best without the flash so use a tripod if you have one, otherwise try setting your camera on something sturdy. To avoid any reflections on the glass turn off any other lights in the room and take the picture at night if there’s a window in the room.

1.jpg

Fish Photography

When taking pictures of your fish there are a variety of methods you can use. This introduction will cover just the basics. You can take these pictures with, or without a flash. Initially it will probably be easier to get some good photos with the flash on since most cameras won't allow for a fast enough shutter speed without a lot of light.

Before you get started clean the glass inside and out, otherwise you’ll get awful water spots and algae which will become very obvious in the photo.

Using the Flash:

If you’ve tried this before you’ve probably run into the flash reflecting off the glass and ruining many of your pictures.

There’s a simple way to avoid this. Rather than taking the pictures from straight on, keep you camera slightly higher than the subject you are shooting so that you’re shooting at an angle to the glass. However if you’re at too much of an angle your subject may appear distorted. Try taking pictures at different distances and angles to the tank and see what works best for you.

With Flash:

6.jpg

(Apistogramma Cacatuoides)

Without the Flash:

You can also take photos without the flash. To do so you will need a tripod. One advantage of not using the flash is that the colours tend to be more realistic, and vibrant. However because the pictures usually require a much slower shutter speed, it is difficult to get a picture if your fish won’t stay still.

Here are a few tips that will help in taking photos without a flash:

- If you have extra light fixtures or tank lighting set it up above the tank to allow a faster shutter speed than would otherwise be possible.

- If you camera allows for the adjustment open the aperture as much as possible (Av). A larger aperture will allow more light into the camera, and thus allow for a faster shutter speed. Note: larger apertures are actually denoted by smaller numbers, so an aperture of 3 is actually larger than 8. If your camera doesn’t allow you to adjust the aperture, but has different shooting modes try the “sports” or “portrait” mode. Also Note: larger apertures also result in a smaller depth of field (i.e. the range of what is in focus will be smaller).

- If possible take the pictures when your fish are calm and still, or choose a fish that tends to be calmer than the others.

- Make sure any other lights in the room are off to avoid reflections.

- Consider increasing the ISO setting if you need a faster shutter speed. If you use a higher ISO rating it will allow the camera to take pictures with less light coming in. However keep in mind that a higher ISO setting will result in more “noise” in your photo. If possible keep the ISO setting low.

Without Flash:

5.jpg

(Apistogramma Cacatuoides)

Other Hints and Tips:

- Depending on your camera it may allow you may be able to take pictures from just a few inches beyond the glass (macro) or you might have to stay 2-3 feet or more back from the glass. Either way you should be able to get some reasonable photos. You will find that when you take pictures closer to the tank your depth of field (i.e. range of what is in focus) will be smaller than when you are taking photos from a distance. However you won’t get the great detail of a close-up if you’re across the room, so experiment and see what works best for you.

- You may want to consider which ISO speed to use before taking your pictures. The majority of cameras will allow you to change this setting. In most cases it will be to your advantage to use the lowest ISO setting in order to minimize “noise” in the photo.

ISO.jpg

- Another feature that can be adjusted on most digital cameras is the “white balance.” If you find the colour of the picture appears unusual, play around with the white balance. It will allow for adjustments to compensate for various lighting conditions you may be shooting under (i.e. fluorescent, incandescent, flash, sunlight, etc).

I hope this brief introduction will help in your attempts to successfully photograph your fish and aquariums.

9.jpg

(Archocentrus Nigrofasciatum)

For more tips and advice on fish photography please visit:

aquatic-photography.com

Good luck!

Nelson

Edited by Molino
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