getting good shots of aquariums?

[ravncat]

Originally Posted by digirebelva

Put the lens as close to the glass as u can to cut down on reflections from the lights hitting the glass

This - Get a lens hood, and press the lens hood right up to the glass, that will help make sure that you are also square on to the glass as well as eliminate reflections.

[Doug Sundseth]

You might consider hand-holding the flash to one side as you shoot with the other hand (either cabled or radio-controlled). If that doesn't give you enough separation, you can try using a "strobe-on-a-rope" (or "flash on a stick"), which I've used for grip-and-grin photography with decent results.

More controllable than a disenchanted VAL*, anyway.

* Voice Activated Lightstand

[praline3001]

Originally Posted by Doug Sundseth

You might consider hand-holding the flash to one side as you shoot with the other hand (either cabled or radio-controlled). If that doesn't give you enough separation, you can try using a "strobe-on-a-rope" (or "flash on a stick"), which I've used for grip-and-grin photography with decent results.

More controllable than a disenchanted VAL*, anyway.

* Voice Activated Lightstand

I bet you can walk and chew gum too at the same time
I am known for many many things ~ grace and poise is not one of them!


I need 4 arms and 6 legs to do everything I have to do to take a shot LOL

I don't think I would be able to hold the flash like that while taking the photo ... both me and the camera would end up face first into the floor!!!

How about backlit + Top + Bottom + side lighting?

Those would be great for a home aquarium but a bit harder to pull off in a public one.

[andrewdt]

Most aquariums that I visit have started putting strict "no flash" policies in place. I feel that your 1/100 is not fast enough for the fish or your hand as you describe the shake you have. I pretty much underexpose any aquarium shots to make sure I am shooting at min 1/200 if possible, and know that I have work to do in post to bring them up.

The exception to this is when I go wide and stand back (when it is quiet), you will see here I was down at 1/60 in the aquarium on a monopod (they really are a help). This is a homemade job - it is a single leg from an old tripod from the 70's with simple screw thread on top - I use this in some public places as it folds up to 12cm long (5in) and is really thin, so it can fit in my pocket without freaking people out. Its not perfect but is stable enough to go slower without too much hassle.

[praline3001]

andrew ~ that is an amazing shot!

I have been researching and shopping for a good monopod. I am so picky about stuff though lol

I am getting a bit more comfortable with photoshop's camera RAW as well. I can really see the advantage of shooting a little darker but getting a more stable photo with maybe a little less grain to boot?

I try not to get too hard on myself, I have only just started taking my photography serious this past month. I have always taken photos but this is way more involved!! Its just going to take time and practice and many many screw ups like this seadragon

[cyber3d]

ONe thing I've heard is good for shaky hands is to have your shoulder strap long enough to wrap around your wrist to keep it taught. Keeping the strap tight sometimes helps to stabilize the camera against your face.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by praline3001

One of my biggest issues is my hand shaking. I have always had a shaky hand and it has become a real problem now with my photography. I am working on the issue and trying to find ways to minimize this.

One of the things that worked best for me early on was tucking my elbows as much into my side as possible. Try that. Be conscious of it. Gently press the shutter and if you really need that little extra bit of stability, gently press the shutter at the end of a nice controlled breath. (feels like I'm teaching firearm techniques again haha!)

[praline3001]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

One of the things that worked best for me early on was tucking my elbows as much into my side as possible. Try that. Be conscious of it. Gently press the shutter and if you really need that little extra bit of stability, gently press the shutter at the end of a nice controlled breath. (feels like I'm teaching firearm techniques again haha!)

I have tried and do all of those things. Since I was a kid I have always had really shaky hands. Its not a nervous twitch but something I was born with. My oldest son has the same thing so I guess its genetic!

Just be glad I like photography and not surgery

I did go ahead and order me a monopod that is really light weight. It folds to 20 inches and is only 1 pound. It even has a little handle grip and quick release plate. I am going to carry it everywhere with me. I don't see this little thing taking up too much room or it getting too many eye rolls and complaints from the family.

To take the level of clear, crisp shot I want I don't think my hands are going to be able to handle it without this monopod.... even at shutter speeds of 1/200.