Pictures of Aquariums

[fishysmell]

No no, I don't have any pictures of my aquariums and yes I know there is a board for that. In fact, getting pictures of aquariums is exactly my problem. I tried with my relatively high quality non-digital camera a couple weeks ago and was disappointed at the results. About 3 out of every 4 were blurry beyond recognition. I took some pictures right up against the glass (or more specifically acrylic) which didn't work at all, none of those turned out recognisable. I took some from distance and those were all dark (regardless of the fact that I have 300 watts over a 60 gallon). When I used the flash all the fish freaked out and besides the pictures turned out looking all screwed up because the flash made the place look like a stadium (you know, multiple shadows). Anyway, I was looking at everyone's tanks on the post your pics board (there are some REALLY nice tanks there) and I want to know how everyone gets such good pictures. This post isn't all that urgent (unlike the post about my diseased fish farther down that no one will respond to!!!) but some help would be appreciated. Thanx again.

 

[Somonas]

The problem I think with non film cameras is unless you have a high end slr it is hard to adjust exposure settings and aperture stops. in order to take close ups of high speed fish you need to use a macro lens and adjust your shutter speed accordingly something you cannot do on point and shoot film cameras

Alas, you can probably make it work satisfactory if you tried, turn all the lights off except the aquariums, get about 3 feet back, put the camera on a tripod, turn the flash off, push your shutter button half way down to set the focus, and take the pic

if you need to use flash take pics at a 20 or 30 degree angle to the glass to deflect flash. I shot a couple rolls off using a relatively decent minolta slr, some were ok some were great some were udder crap.

The advantag to digital is that most have the ability to control exposure settings and most importantly MACRO (closeup). I would -strongly- recommend get a digital. they aint that expensive can get a good one for around 250 US.

 

[Backdraft Bagel]

The ability to avoid film (using a digicam) as you perfect your underwater photography was key for me. If I had to wait to get film developed, then pay for it, I never would have spent as much time practicing.

 

[Antwan]

If your game, get an underwater camera and the fish will pose like models!!!!!!!

 

[fishysmell]

I don't have a problem with the speed of the fish. The problem is getting ANYTHING in focus. The picture of my plants were blurry too. And yes I do want a digital camera but with ten bucks a month, you don't get you one all that quickly. I'm trying to convince my parents too get one, but that will take some time. Anyway, thanks for the help, I'll give it a try.

That underwater camera idea is grand Antwan, I might pick a disposible one up just for fun and see what happens. = )