I Have A Question About Taking Pics Of Fish

[squiremaster]

as you probably can see in some of the pics I have posted of Pebbles, they look kind of blurry. so I was wondering if it was okay to use flash in taking pics of fish?
P.S I would also like your technique a pic of it and to know what camera you used.

 

[griddlebone]

lol im pretty sure alot of people use flash, though I never use it. I just turn the lights out in the room and only leave the tank light on. I never liked the effect flash had on the pictures and i had 4 years in highschool art class half photography and they tried to never use flash and only use lighting from other sources. it has worked for me so far lol

 

[ct_hulhu]

I seldom use the flash on my fishies. I don't know if occasional flash photography can hurt their eyes, but I would think a lot of it probably could. If your camera has a low-light setting you can use that but it will probably turn out grainy. On my digicam I can set the shutter speed to allow longer exposure time, but unless the fish is remaining absolutely still then it's going to blur.

Do you have a tripod? The use of a tripod or simply turning on the timer and setting the camera on something still helps tremendously.

This was not bad for a dimly lit tank in a completely dark bathroom though! (This was Albert's temp tank when I first brought him home from Wal-Mart)

"twilight" mode on my Sony DSC-W55, basically just really long exposure time.

Another non-flash pic, taken with the same camera. I believe I just had this on auto with the flash off, macro on.

 

[OpalineAqua]

I put my camera on the setting that is usually represented by a flower symbol on my camera, turn all lights off but the tank light, and turn the flash off. I don't think it would hurt them if a flash was used but I know I'd get a little freaked out if I was walking around peacefully and suddenly there was a blinding flash of light. I know not all cameras have that setting on them, but most digitals do.

 

[CKutz]

if you go in the members photos section, there is a pinned article about taking pictures of your fish.

I use no flash, a higher iso (sometimes this makes it a little grainy though..), macro on. Then focus on a plant or stones or something that is about the distance away your fish will be..keep the button held down so it keeps that focus point, then find your fish, and adjust the position of the camera till they are in focus, hold steady and press the button the rest of the way down.

as far as i know the flash doesn't really bother them that much..might startle some fish though..you can use flash but it usually glares on the glass, so you have to take the picture at an angle or something.

 

[Janene]

I find when taking with a flash it will cast shadows around the tank behind the fish, but if you angle it right it will be a very clear picture of the fish.

Without the flash is more difficult as it blurs easier...I tend to try to use as much natural light as possible (without causing a glare or reflection) and wait for the fish to stop swimming around.

 

[squiremaster]

I might get a camera for my Birthday coming up and this id what it looks like. would this help in any way?
check it out
here is some info

 

[squiremaster]

anyone?

 

[squiremaster]

Hello?

 

[CKutz]

most of us are fish people, not camera people

i would say so..it has macro focus as close as 2 cm, and it has that anti blur thing..i don't really know much about cameras though

I always go to cnet.com and read their reviews of cameras. because of them i picked a canon powershot sd1100 for a compact camera, and i haven't been dissapointed at all. the camera you want probably surpasses mine though, it's a whole different camera class.

 

[electric yellow]

Hey squiremaster,

I use a Sony Cybershot and they are great for close ups. I use the second macro setting WITH NO flash. I think my screen reads Macro - for extreme close ups. Awesome camera. I have used the flash sometimes but i find that by taking photos by day time you just need the tank light on and the macro on. I find it when i start to zoom in that it gets fuzzy. My boys are use to the camera now so they dont run away anymore.


having a good quality camera makes a lot of difference, BUT you dont need an expensive one to be able to take good photos.

Some examples of great photos from my camera..

My engagement ring..(non macro used)

Ramjet when i first got him before his attack..great quality photo this one.

A Sigur Ros concert three rows from stage..

 

[Truck]

there should be no need for a new camera, you just need to get to know your current one better

 

[electric yellow]

^^^
Thoroughly agree. I still dont know all the ins and outs of mine. Its like getting a new phone and trying to figure it out...

Squire: i personally dont see the blurry side to your photos.

 

[squiremaster]

well if you look at them when there 4'' by 6'', then they are really blury.

 

[squiremaster]

I saw that camera on cnet and the rating is very good on it