Does anyone here do aquarium photography?
Jan 16, 2016 16:49:27 #
I like to hear how you photograph fish and coral. Canmera settings and techniques and filters.
Jan 16, 2016 17:51:59 #
Wesley86 wrote:
I like to hear how you photograph fish and coral. Canmera settings and techniques and filters.
With the lens flat against the tank (provided the front element doesn't protrude) you need to move the lens or wait for a fish to show up. If there is a particular piece of coral, aim at that and wait. Use one hand, or a partner, to hold a flash above and to the side. Reflection is not an issue with your lens flat against the glass.
You want a normal to moderate wide angle. You will need some DOF and the flash will help, allowing to stop down the lens a little. Flash also helps to stop action. No filters are needed.
I'm done rambling. These were shot at the aquarium in Riverhead, on Long Island. Hope this helps a little.
Jan 16, 2016 17:54:57 #
Jan 16, 2016 17:56:46 #
I was just reading an article yesterday about using a circular polarizer when shooting through glass. It removes all the glare and makes the colors pop.
Jan 16, 2016 18:00:53 #
Nikon_DonB wrote:
I was just reading an article yesterday about using a circular polarizer when shooting through glass. It removes all the glare and makes the colors pop.
If your lens is flat against the glass it can't see the glare. The glare is bouncing off the outer side of the glass.
If you stand back from the glass, as I see some folks doing, then the filter will help some.
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Jan 16, 2016 20:28:28 #
Bill_de wrote:
If your lens is flat against the glass it can't see the glare. The glare is bouncing off the outer side of the glass.
If you stand back from the glass, as I see some folks doing, then the filter will help some.
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If you stand back from the glass, as I see some folks doing, then the filter will help some.
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You might also find a rubber lens shade to be useful - it can be pressed against the glass yet allow you a little leeway to tilt side to side (or up/down) and still prevent the reflection from the aquarium glass from hitting the lens.
Jan 16, 2016 21:01:53 #
Ive tried shooting thru the glass a few times. I never got results that I wanted. I like the idea of a rubber lens shade. I'll be heading to seaworld in a few months, I may look for a shade for that trip. Thanks, and again very useful info here on UHH
Jan 16, 2016 21:40:13 #
Wesley86 wrote:
I like to hear how you photograph fish and coral. Canmera settings and techniques and filters.
I shot this with a Fuji F30 some years ago. Pretty much as described by the others.
Albino Oscars
Jan 16, 2016 22:59:17 #
Bill, great images. You teach by example.
Bill_de wrote:
With the lens flat against the tank (provided the ... (show quote)
Jan 17, 2016 07:32:54 #
Wesley86 wrote:
I like to hear how you photograph fish and coral. Canmera settings and techniques and filters.
I've had great luck using a rubber lens hood placing it against the glass.
Jan 17, 2016 07:59:41 #
I basically used the same techniques as Bill de although without the flash to take photos of my son's aquarium. I've got a new computer and have not transferred the photos yet so I can't show them. They are not as good as Bill's, but they are acceptable. Perhaps it's because I didn't use flash.
Jan 17, 2016 08:16:51 #
ClutchDisk
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
Just learned a technique in aquarium photography. Went to Ft. Fisher and made some real lousy pictures of aquariums. Non where worth the space of an SD card. Was tempted to get a polarize filter, but after reading this post couldn't believe how well that technique would work. Thank you all for that technique. Never thought of that. Simple and effective. I like that. Simple.
Jan 17, 2016 09:14:16 #
Bill's info is great if you want photos of fish in a public aquarium and you can get through the people to get to the glass. If you're shooting the tank or fish in a home aquarium you can put the flash above the aquarium or shoot at an angle in front of the aquarium with the camera's flash or using a remote with the flash at an angle. Because you're at home, you can bracket your shots, then determine your best system for your selected shots within the aquarium.
Dan Martin
fishmaven@gmail.com
Dan Martin
fishmaven@gmail.com
Jan 17, 2016 09:52:27 #
Wesley86 wrote:
I like to hear how you photograph fish and coral. Canmera settings and techniques and filters.
These were taken at the Pittsburgh Zoo. The aquarium exhibit is dark so you have to pump up the iso, depending on your lens, and use lower shutter speeds. None were taken against the glass. All were hand held and a few feet away. I used a Nikon D3100 with a VR 55-300 kit lens.
f5.6, 1/60s, iso 1600, 72mm
f5/6. 1/50s, iso 3200, 116mm
f5.6, 1/60s, iso 1600, 85mm
Jan 17, 2016 10:09:06 #
Ralloh wrote:
These were taken at the Pittsburgh Zoo. The aquarium exhibit is dark so you have to pump up the iso, depending on your lens, and use lower shutter speeds. None were taken against the glass. All were hand held and a few feet away. I used a Nikon D3100 with a VR 55-300 kit lens.
Very nice! Did you need a polarizer, or did the zoo did a real good job with their lighting?
I'm impressed!
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