Some fishie pics.

Gomer

Gomer

Superstar Fish
#1
Apr 25, 2003
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beyond_gomer.tripod.com
#1
Don't know where else to put this ..:D

Well, I admit, my photography skills need lots of work. these were taken with my dads Olympus 5050. I don't really have any photo experience, but I want to learn!

I tried playing with macro, manual, and auto. ..and I am not sure what is working :( All of these pics are taken with no flash..just tank lighting.

If anyone has any suggestions/technique tips, I'd really appreciate it!







 

madhippoz

madhippoz

Large Fish
#4
Jan 14, 2003
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#4
What kind of zoom does your Dad have on that camera? Or were you just really close? I generally never use flash either, tank lighting, as long as the room is dark is generally sufficient. Heheh that's the key to photography though, takes lots of pictures, then you're more likely to end up with a few good ones.
 

spikekillifish

spikekillifish

Large Fish
#9
Feb 23, 2003
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Nice pics from a nice camera!

I use a tripod with my camera and change the manual shutter settings from anywhere inbetween 1/15th of a second and 1/60th of a second (the human eye typically scans at 1/60th) . This is a great range for the lighting you are dealing with. Pictures taken at 1/15th will appear brighter as slower shutter speeds mean longer exposure of light to the film or camera. If you do not know how to change these settings ask your dad or dive into the camera's manual. I would do both. You might not have as many wasted pictures once you find the best setting for your tank. Depending on your camera you may have great results in auto mode but once the camera has to open up the shutter more you will need the tripod or most your pics will be fuzzy.

I use this method on all my tank pics and have an outdated digital camera from 1997.

Next time you post some pics how about some more info or brief titles regarding the subject matter.

Looking forward to some more.

-Spike
 

Last edited:
FroggyFox

FroggyFox

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#12
May 16, 2003
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#12
I second the karma_llama! I've tried...but either my camera is too slow, or my fish are too fast! Oh well...I guess I'll just have to enjoy them by myself haha

Great pictures Gomer...I especially like the snail ;)
 

Gomer

Gomer

Superstar Fish
#13
Apr 25, 2003
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beyond_gomer.tripod.com
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Thanks peoples :) These pics are ok. I wish I had a beter focus and depth of field. that will take practice...and a tripod would help. I tried some pics with flash, but I was getting too much reflection off of the glass :(

I have to return the camera friday...so it might be a while before I get some better ones. I have other fish in the tank too...but they won't stay still as well....hence my subject matter ...a snail :D

..not sure what info you want on the subject matter.
 

madhippoz

madhippoz

Large Fish
#14
Jan 14, 2003
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#14
The flash can be used, you just have to take the photo at an angle to the glass so you don't get a reflection of the flash. Flash sometimes washes out the natural colours a little, but if you don't have enough lighting in your tank, then you kind of have no choice. For those of you getting blurry pics you need a faster shutter speed, or need to adjust the aperture of you're camera. This all depends on the type of camera, whether you have fast or slow moving fish, lighting, and all sorts of other things. Play around if you can. I use a Canon Rebel EOS 2000 35mm for my pics, which I'm in the process of scanning and will post a link on here sometime soon. You really need a camera where you can adjust the shutter speed/ aperture/ and whether or not to use the flash. Many Point and shoot camera's won't allow you to turn the flash off manually. Patience and a tri-pod also make a huge difference :D.
 

spikekillifish

spikekillifish

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#15
Feb 23, 2003
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#15
not sure what info you want on the subject matter.
Click to expand...
The name of the fish is good start. Although many of us may know what they are from experience others may not. It will also come in handy if an individual did a search and found your picture along with the results.

Sorry you have to return the camera.

Patience and a tri-pod also make a huge difference
Click to expand...
Patience and a tripod are the keys to getting good shots of active fish. I usually will place the camera/tripod and focus on an area of which the particular fish frequently occupies. I then shoot some test shots whether there are fish there at the time or not. You can observe them from afar or sit and wait for the right moments. Don't try tracking the fish with your camera just wait for them to come into the view of the camera, click off some shots and hope for the best.
 

madhippoz

madhippoz

Large Fish
#19
Jan 14, 2003
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#19
Good point about the tracking. If you track along with a moving fish and try to snap a picture, it will almost always end up blurry. Like Spike says, pick an active spot, frame it how you want. Let the fish swim through the spot a few times to make sure you've got the zoom where you want it...and then just wait. Its not uncommon to take a whole roll of film, and only end up with 2 or 3 shots that you're happy with. That's one advantage of digital. But I just love the process of using 35mm, and getting it done in matte with borders and then I can scan in the negatives later if I want.
 

denimous

denimous

Large Fish
#20
May 18, 2003
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madhippoz:
how do you scan negatives in? ive never heard of that before. (and here i thought i was one of the only ones who got borders!)

im a diehard 35mm fan, i love my lomo. something about 35mm, my pictures turn out more "artistic" with different lighting and colors than my digital, which looks more "true to life".

the advice for photographing fish is great!...anyone have anymore advice? im considering doing a photodoc when i set up my new tank.
 

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