Sea Turtle

[NicoleScraps]

I love this photo and am looking for ideas for processing that might make it a little better.
I took this at the Virginia Marine Science Museum and Aquarium literally about a week after I got my dslr. I had no clue what I was doing with the camera at this point and was basically using it as a point and shoot, in auto mode with the flash disabled.
Even though I realize it is not a dynamic shot, I still love it. It reminds me of Crush from Finding Nemo and I feel like he (or she) is waving at me saying "Yo Dude, wassup?" in that Crush voice.
Any suggestions for processing to make this better? I'd like to print it for the kids room.
I have PSE 7 for editing.



f/4
1/13 second
ISO-1600
focal length 28 mm

I am thinking in the future I might have needed a faster shutter speed, but then again, I kind of like the blur around the fins. It really emphasizes that he was waving at me.

[Laurenbiz]

I took my Canon 50mm f/1.8 to an aquarium back in June, and it worked very nicely.

The problem with indoor aquariums is that the lighting in the environment is just difficult - the main area is very dark, a few bright lights do exist, and the subjects are always in motion.

A fast shutter can definitely help to freeze the motion and avoid the blur, but you'll also get a very dark photo. Cranking up the ISO like you did with 1600 is really all you can do in this sitatution, given that you're probably using a kit lens.

If you're willing to invest in a fast lens with a wider aperture, this can help you very much in low light situations!

[NicoleScraps]

When you say "wider aperture" that means, bigger lens opening and smaller f number? Sorry, I am still learning all this and want to make sure that I understand.

[Laurenbiz]

Yes! A bigger opening and a small f/stop number is indeed a wide aperture. :-)

Here is info on dps.com about these types of lenses:

What is a Fast Lens?

[alex123]

I have many pics of these turtles.It is really nice pic which you took.I need to know that did you take this pic by yourself or download from somewhere?It attract me.

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by alex123

I have many pics of these turtles.It is really nice pic which you took.I need to know that did you take this pic by yourself or download from somewhere?It attract me.

Yeah, I took it myself at the aquarium in Va Beach.