My original intent in joining the forum was to learn to take better reference photos for my paintings. While photography has taken on a life of its own since I've been following various threads of exceptional photographers here, I renewed my effort to paint and get away from my temperamental computer. I took the original photo a couple of weeks ago and decided I to use it as a reference for a painting.

The following represents the original photo (edited) and the finished painting. I must admit I should have used a tripod when I shot the painting. :|

The biggest problem (as it always is with photography) is getting the light right. You will see some white 'bleed' towards the back of the fish. Its difficult to position the white bg optimally if you have a range of contrasts in your subject matter, as was the case with the fish.

If you do attempt it, my advice would be to start with a single fish, and add and tweak as you get you develop confidence in your formula.

Once I got the illumination and DOF under control, I shot approximately 200 over an hour period, of which I kept 10 (ain't digital great!). Some of them are on my website, as referenced in my signature.

Shooting handheld is also advisable, as it allows slight opportunistic adjustments of angle etc. Given shutter speed, a tripod is not necessary.

And keep the lights off if you can to avoid reflections. I used an led positioned diagonally behind the fish (which did not find to contribute to the 'bleed' to assist focus.