Aquarium Photography

[AquaticJim]

Do you use a dSLR or a point and shoot for your aquarium photography? On camera or off camera flash? Whats your favourite lens if you use a dSLR?

I see some really excellent photos of aquariums posted sometimes and it can really show off an aquarium well. I think poor photography lets down a lot of really nice tanks when viewing them online.

I'd definately like to hone my photographic skills.

 

[feh]

I know what you mean. I only have my cell phone cam and its a 50/50 shot based on the right lighting and so on for a good pic. One day I'm gonna invest in a decent camera.

 

[AquaticJim]

feh, I see some amazing aquarium photography sometimes, no reflections, perfect colour, perfect clarity etc etc

I can take good photos and I have pretty good gear......but I struggle to do my tank justice. A big problem for me is the spillage of light from open top tank and my metal halides causing reflections.

 

[feh]

I have that same problem sometimes with a single t5ho and a canopy. I get better pics at certain times of day.

 

[charlie]

feh, I see some amazing aquarium photography sometimes, no reflections, perfect colour, perfect clarity etc etc

I can take good photos and I have pretty good gear......but I struggle to do my tank justice. A big problem for me is the spillage of light from open top tank and my metal halides causing reflections.

X2, hope some of the more talented folks in this field will soon post

 

[xavier]

I have that same problem sometimes with a single t5ho and a canopy. I get better pics at certain times of day.

I saw very nice photos of a planted tank a few months ago. The owner said that she took the photos during night time, with only the aquarium light on. The lights inside her room are all switched off. Camera's flash is also set off.

You may also try different background colors on your tank, like blue, black, white etc.

Hope this helps

 

[Tom Barr]

You need a decent flash remote where you get one over the top of the tank and perhaps one behind it if you like the whiter brighter look from the backgrounds.

Ideally 2-3 flashed or studio lights.

Note, 2-3 studio lights really crank the light in the tank, so pearling without any flow etc when you do the photo shoot, remove all the equipment, clean well that 3-4 days before and do a large water change after, then another that morning, then you do the photo shoot.

Tripod and remote switch for the shutter, wide angle lens work best, 14-28mm ranges.......

Polarizers can get rid of some reflections.

But taking them at night and using boards to block light from other sources helps.

There is an aquarium photography forum BTW:
Some good articles and specifics:

http://www.aquatic-photography.com/forum/forum.php


Please note, even a simply cheapo camera can do great things if the user is willing to out forth the effort.

I have not done much myself with aquariums, so I am honestly......a hypocrite. I have the nice high photography equipment as well, but it's mostly for work and natural terrestrial stuff.
I just take pics of tanks as I walk by. The pic quality shows that.

But that is the point for me. This is what they look like on Thurs. If folks come over, then they see it as it is.