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Camera tips

2K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  mattyphilly 
#1 ·
I thought I would start this thread to help other members get better pictures of their fishy friends. Please post tips and tricks you have used to get clearer better quality pictures here.

One thing I have found is when using the close up option on my Kodak is to use the flash. It gets rid of the green coloration I so often see in close up pictures and I get clearer more focused pictures.
 
#2 ·
A good way of getting that clearer tank picture is to use a fast shutter speed, put the camera on a tripod and use a timer.

Also, put out the lights in the room, TVs etc as this will help avoid any strange reflections in the tank.
 
#4 ·
I know it's cheating, but I put my camera in the tank... makes for interesting pics, and easy close ups!

That aside I've found that quite often the fish are spooked by the prescence of the camera, either in or out the tank, so it's sometimes handy to put food near where you are taking the pic to attract/distract them...

Kate mentioned using a timer, I do too, but my camera has an interval setting, so I can set it to take a picture every 2-10 seconds for up to 15 minutes, as it's digital I often balance it on a log let it snap away while I'm not near the tank and the fish have time to get used to the camera being there. You get a lot of duff shots but occasionally a real goodun, especially if you combine it with leaving food in (or just out of) shot. Being digital, delete the rubbish ones and enter the good ones in the monthly photo contest... Not sure if thats what you meant Kate?

The other problem I have is with fast moving fish and autofocus, as by the time the camera has got itself in gear the fish is somewhere else! It's even worse if I try to focus it myself (I've just got a little digital jobbie, sadly not an SLR) I've found for nippy fish, focus the camera on something in the tank that the fish swim by often, or again use food, and wait till the fish are used to you being there and come past the frame, in focus. Then SNAP, you got one. Can lead to tired arms waiting and keeping still...

I agree that flash really helps, although beware reflections, either from glass or shiny fish, i've lost count of how many "fish of god" pics i've got from an ill placed flash!

Macro is brilliant, just play with it and see what you can get!

Hope that helps!
 
#6 ·
if u use shutter speed priority, the camera will push the iso and u'll get grain. best is to set the dial to manual and add lots of light. also use a lens with a small f/ number.....then u can use faster shutter speeds. How many K's is ure white balance?
 
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