Best Way To Photograph Your Fish

[Tonyb111111]

agreeing, great thread

I must admit I was surprised that there didn't seem to much on the forum for taking pictures of our obsessions, and I'm sure most people want to take a good quality photo to show off there fish/tanks to everyone on the forum. Would be good if we could get a guide together for those of who aren't so good with the photography thing

 

[ZoddyZod]

lots of good tips in here....

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/19038-taking-great-fish-photos-how-to/

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

The picture gets sharper the more light you have, the lower ISO, and a smaller aperture. (Some P&S might not be able to vary it...)
The smaller aperture=more things in focus. You just take the image of the fish into GIMP (or photoshop, but gimp is free) and blur out the things you don't want.

I could do a vid about this

 

[Akasha72]

Yeah, there is very little on the forum about taking photo's and like you Tony, I thought there would be too. I've always been terrible with taking pictures and it doesn't help that I find today's modern digital camara's complicated. I just want to stick it on a setting, point at what I want a picture of and hey presto I'm David Bailey

The picture gets sharper the more light you have, the lower ISO, and a smaller aperture. (Some P&S might not be able to vary it...)
The smaller aperture=more things in focus. You just take the image of the fish into GIMP (or photoshop, but gimp is free) and blur out the things you don't want.

I could do a vid about this

eh? ... it's a bit like computers. Once someone starts talking about mega-bits and rams and all that my brain switches off

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Yeah, that's why I said that I can do a video about this if someone is interested!

 

[Akasha72]

Yeah, that's why I said that I can do a video about this if someone is interested!

I think that would be a great idea. It might make more sense to this numb-skull anyway

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Well than, I shall make one It's going to take a week or so, I am pretty fed up with work now... But I can promise on till next week!

 

[Akasha72]

excellant

 

[Ruskull]

Yeah, that's why I said that I can do a video about this if someone is interested!

Great idea. Keep it in simple terms though please, make like we're complete idiots.

What does "SLR" stand for? What is "DSLR?" What about "ISO?"

 

[Akasha72]

Yeah, that's why I said that I can do a video about this if someone is interested!

Great idea. Keep it in simple terms though please, make like we're complete idiots.

What does "SLR" stand for? What is "DSLR?" What about "ISO?"

good point. My friend taught me the computer stuff in what he called 'wardrobe terms' as in, this is the wardrobe(computer)- that's the door (a file for instance) and this is how you open it ... it was a good way to learn for me.

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Don't worry, I'll make it easily understandable! I have tought 10 people in my class to photography before, so this shouldn't be hard!

 

[Tonyb111111]

Don't worry, I'll make it easily understandable! I have tought 10 people in my class to photography before, so this shouldn't be hard!

This is a great idea, well done Tom. There are probably loads of us that need a bit of help to take a photo that were happy with. Look forward to the video.

 

[Tonyb111111]

well what kind of camera do you have? DSLR? point&shoot?


Oh I saw what you had... Let's assume a point and shoot.
Well, you have to gather all the lighting in the house and light your tank. Then put the lens of your camera on the glass, and take a picture. CLEAN THE GLASS BEFORE DOING THIS!! Because the glass is clean, the camera lens can focus on the fish inside. You just have to aim for the right moment.

Tip: Preset your focus by holding your hand about where this fish will swim in the tank. Focus on your hand (Press the shutter button down half way) and take out your hand than wait for the fish to come.

How to photograph fish - The pro mode! [DSLR]

Well, gather your expensive equipment. You are going to need a flash, a tripod and clean glass - and if you can - a macro lens.
Take of the lid of your tank, and clean the glass. Set the flash to full mode and point it down the water from above (You could need use tripod). Set your camera to the maximum shutter speed as far as it can sync with your flash. (You'll need wireless tethering to do this, or use a cord) Set your camera on the tripod, and focus on the fish, then shoot. You can use a large aperture which will blow out the background, but it will be hard to focus. (You can also use the prefocusing method above)

Well good luck to you all!! Ask questions if you didn't understand!

I have been mulling over getting DSLR for three years, so today I went out and bought one. Just waiting for the battery to finish charging and then I'll have a bash at getting some decent photos. Will post some if they are any good

 

[TomShootsPhoto]

Good! What brand and model do you have? I could help you with the settings!

 

[Tonyb111111]

Good! What brand and model do you have? I could help you with the settings!

I believe this is an entry level SLR, but I eventually went with a Canon EOS 1100D with twin lens, 18-55mm & 75-300mm. No external flash, just the built in one