First Aquarium Shot

[Caribbeanguy]

I am new to using this camera and Photography as a whole. I would like to know if the composition of this shot is good as well as the depth of field. I was trying to get all the fish in the shot but alas this is not always possible. The shot was taken Hand held as close as possible to the aquarium EXIF data is as follows:
Canon EOS REBEL T3
Fstop 5.6
ISO-800
Exposure 1/100
Focal Length 55mm
No flash compulsory

Thank you all in advance for your critique and guidance, I am truly excited to hear what I could do better in the areas I asked about.

[Weird Girl]

I would love to have fish like these! I have a 55 gallon saltwater tank. Anyway, I have not been extremely successful photographing them so I don't have much advice personally. It's definitely blurry so you need a tripod or to rest on something. I would assume fast shutter speed to due fish don't stand still. Maybe a whiter light to sit on top of the tank to help with the dark blue. Would love to see some more shots! Is this your own personal tank?

[Caribbeanguy]

Yes this is my personal tank it is my other hobby, The shot was taken when the lights were dimming for a dusk to dawn effect. I just picked up a cheap tripod just to get my feet wet in this arena, so I will give that a shot and post some more, thanks for your critique. I will look at trying your advice maybe take another shot when the full spectrum of lights are on so to avoid the blueish tint.

Not sure on the rules but can I post a follow up photo to this after the 24 hour has past? Again thanks for your critique.

[Phillydog1958]

Originally Posted by Caribbeanguy

I am new to using this camera and Photography as a whole. I would like to know if the composition of this shot is good as well as the depth of field. I was trying to get all the fish in the shot but alas this is not always possible. The shot was taken Hand held as close as possible to the aquarium EXIF data is as follows:
Canon EOS REBEL T3
Fstop 5.6
ISO-800
Exposure 1/100
Focal Length 55mm
No flash compulsory

Thank you all in advance for your critique and guidance, I am truly excited to hear what I could do better in the areas I asked about.

That's a sweet shot. Also, you might want to try using an off camera flash mounted above your fish. It's amazing how that technique illuminates your fish in an isolating manner. I'm a freshwater hobbyist.

[Caribbeanguy]

Thanks for that tip I can surely try that as well. How high should it be above the tank? Again thanks as I am Learning as I go.

[Jubi]

I think that because the background and foreground are so blue with no real cut off, you should lower your aperture to get the background in clear focus.

[Caribbeanguy]

Thanks I will try that and see how it goes, I am really liking this new hobby of mine, Thanks for all your help guys.

[Phillydog1958]

Originally Posted by Caribbeanguy

Thanks for that tip I can surely try that as well. How high should it be above the tank? Again thanks as I am Learning as I go.

Place your flash directly on top of your tank's glass lid, face down. Good luck!

[Caribbeanguy]

Phillydog1958 there is no glass top on this tank because it is a reef, Can I possibly increase the ambient light above the tank? Or Somehow suspend the flash above the tank as close as possible? Again thanks

[Weird Girl]

UGH I am so jelous! I have only had my 55 gallon for about a year and just bought a 90 to do a more aggressive tank. Haven't moved to coral yet but anywho... Depending on where your powerheads are, maybe you could create a slight current toward the top of the tank, throw in a tiny bit of floating food to get the fish to come up, bounce your flash off the ceiling into the tank (instead of flashing directly into it) and you might be able to catch some cool lighting in the current made by the powerhead... I don't know, it sounds amazing in my head and I want to try it on my own now... Good luck and I can't wait to see more! Photography and saltwater aquariums are my hobbies as well- of course, the most expensive hobbies I have had yet... LOL