I’ll be visiting the Monterey Aquarium soon, and i’d like some tips about how to work my SLR in the dark light. Flash or no flash? How do I avoid glare on the glass? How can I take clear pictures of say–a jellyfish? I understand the art of photography, but I don’t yet understand the science. Please let me know specifically what settings to use. Please describe what the setting would look like on my camera so I know what you’re talking about. Thanks a lot!
i had a similar problem when i recently went to an aquarium… using a DSLR is easier than an SLR… and added to that, the glare on the glass, people in the way, the curve in the glass…
i managed to get some good shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinwalker/sets/72157623643654411/
if you want to check the settings..
most aquariums will not allow a flash… so you have to set the ISO quite high, but you get a fair amount of noise… but that is the trade you have to make…
3 Responses to “Photography tips for shooting in an aquarium?”
i had a similar problem when i recently went to an aquarium… using a DSLR is easier than an SLR… and added to that, the glare on the glass, people in the way, the curve in the glass…
i managed to get some good shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/m.....643654411/
if you want to check the settings..
most aquariums will not allow a flash… so you have to set the ISO quite high, but you get a fair amount of noise… but that is the trade you have to make…
References :
A tripod is essential. In dark light, any amount of camera shake is ten times more disastrous to your photograph.
Don’t use Flash, it will cause glare on the glass and most likely scare the fishies half to death!
Like these guys have said, up the ISO/ASA film speed to 400 or above – this allows for better photographs in limited light.
There’s never a specific or specific setting for photography, its so dependant on available light etc – so the most important thing you can do is just keep experimenting, and take a little notepad with you so you can write down what exposures you used for each shot and state what the light was like – then in future, if you are in a similar situation, you can get your notes out and use it as a reference.
Hope your trip is fun!
References :
http://moonscript.wordpress.com
Since you are using an SLR (not a DSLR) you will want to use fast film (ISO 400 or even faster). This is to give you as fast a shutter speed as possible. ISO 800 would probably be a good compromise between shutter speed and grain. If the fish are moving slowly you may get away with 1/50 of a second. But ideally you want it to be faster than that (maybe 1/80 second and faster — or 1/150 of a second and above if the fish are moving quickly). The faster the better. The other way to increase the shutter speed is to open up the aperture. Remember that lower f-stop value = wider aperture. Working in Aperture Priority (Av) mode helps.
Polarizing filter:
Using a polarizing filter will help reduce reflections from the glass.. but you can get away without using one.
White balance:
This will be more difficult to get right since you are using a film camera. So you will need to try different rolls of film with different white balance. I suggest starting with film for indoor or incandescent lighting to start with — to give you warmer and richer colors.
*** edit.. sorry I think I made a mistake. I think that film for outdoor sunny lighting will give the warmest and richest colours. You’ll just have to experiment!
focus:
Use manual focus.
Flash:
Best without especially if you are photographing through glass. Since you don’t want to create harsh reflections in the glass. But if you are photographing above the tank directly into the water you could try a couple of exerimental shots with flash. And especially if you have a detatchable flash you can try holding it above the tank and direct the camera from a lower position (maybe through the glass). It may or may not work but it is worth a try. But I have a feeling that for flash you would want to submerge it, and shoot from a different angle — which is probably not an option! Also use of flash may be prohibited so as not to disturb the animals. So normally you are better off without using flash.
lens:
Ideally use a zoom lens with a wide angle at the widest. Or just use a wide angle lens and get close to the animals. *A macro lens would also be very useful.
film:
For the best results use good quality film.
Shooting mode:
Like I said it is probably best to use Aperture priority mode.
Using a tripod is ideal and will eliminate most of the effects of camera shake. If you are not using a tripod then hold the camera as steady as possible againsts your face. You can also experiment with holding the lens directly against the glass. Doing this will also help elimate reflections.
The main thing will be to experiment and learn from experience. Good luck and have fun!
References :
I found this which has some more tips
http://aquarium.bluemoon.net/t.....raphy.html