hard to get good fish pics

[DukeDog]

I'm still try'n
Jeff

[chiapet]

If you are not already using a tripod....try that.

Also,
if you camera has configurable settings (i.e. manual mode) try adjusting the shutter speed, etc.

[TS]

Yup, it's hard. You need a faster shutter speed. Try bumping up the ISO, but not too far or the pics will suffer from noise (graininess). Also, you can switch to aperture-priority mode if your cam has it and shoot with the lowest aperture number possible. That might give you a faster shutter speed.

T

[intelijens]

dukedog, i have the same problem, i've even used a tripod and really tweeked my manual camera mode settings(nikon coolpix 5700)...i think the best accessory for this task is a corded speed light so you can bump that shutter speed way up, but not lose the visibility of the fish. i noticed when i speed up the shutter speed the picture gets really dark. let me know what you find out about this, thanks!

[TS]

The best accessory for fish photos is definitely an external flash. Matter of fact, it’s the only accessory I can think of that would make a difference. The pics get darker the faster the shutter speed goes because the shutters are no longer open long enough to get a good exposure… in other words, you’re underexposing the photos.

[DukeDog]

Thanks for the help guys . I will try those things . I have a nikon 880 . Unfortanatley I've never played with it other than auto and macro settings . But I will now
Jeff

[FastUno]

Try this method:
-Place some tissue paper over the internal flash, so that it diffuses more evenly. Yes having external flash or modifying lighting is the ONLY way to improve fish pics...I have seen this too
-RGB, full manual mode
-Shutter at 1/125 (for minimal blurriness)
-Adjust your aperture to fit your lighness/darkness fancy

Keep this in mind:
-The further you are from the tank, the bigger your aperture should be (lower numbers) & vice versa
-The closer the fish is to the front of the glass the smaller the aperture & vv
-Lighter fish = smaller aperture & vv
-Lighter environmental settings give off more light bounce. So the lighter the settings the smaller the aperture & vv

-to be in macro mode on your cam helps big time...captures more detail
-The clearer/cleaner your water is the better your pics
-Fish at the front of tank (closer to front glass) will yield crisper & cleaner shots (i.e. given the right angle shot)
-If not shooting flush with front glass, then shoot at down angle (10-45 deg) to avoid flash back
-Better to take a pic with your cam/lens flush with glass of tank. In my case I have a bow front & is impossible...so I almost always take a few inches from glass.
-Using a tripod always helps, except when you are trying to chase a fast fish, then it only hinders you. Shooting at 1/125 or higher will allow you freedom of quick movement & less blurry pics

Damn....didn't know I could write that much! Hope this helps? I know how frustrating it was when I first started...still learning though. I could use further advice if anyone is willing to give them.

Also, can you guys link to your fav fish pic/photographer so we can interrogate him as to his methods.

[TS]

Hey, I just happen to have started out with a Coolpix 880. Great little camera, but it does have its limitations.

Posted below are samples of my progression of my fish shots from when I first got the camera to when I upgraded to the 10D. It's definitely possible to take some nice fish shots with the 880, the most important thing I learned was patience- wait until the damned fish slows down.

As far as finding my favorite fish photographer, you won't have to look too far, he's a mod here and I know he'll be happy to help.

T

[TS]

Continued...

[DukeDog]

TS those are some great shots .
Maybe there is hope for me
I'll try those methods you guys suggested also
Jeff

[FastUno]

Sorry didn't post any shots, so here goes.....

[FastUno]

Yea, TS great shots! Love the color & variety in your shots. I can't wait for my tank to further progress so I can get some more color!

[TS]

Thanks guys. I don't want to bust out the 10D shots and put them to shame... just wanted to show what I managed to do with the 880.

Travis

[intelijens]

wassup travis staut,
you helped me out a while back on some photos and some tips, really appreciate it, the photo's are coming along really well now. thanks for posting some tips on shooting moving objects, that's my current snag.

[chiapet]

FastUno,
What settings did you use???

The GSM & LTA together are fantastic. I love the texture!

[FastUno]

Oh, thanks. I normally shoot full manual shutter at 1/125 or 1/180 & adjust aperture accordingly.
Internal flash of the 10D, with a 100mm macro or a 28-80 sigma.

Hey TS, come on post some 10D shots, I need some more inspiration!

I got a better shot of the GSM & Condy.

[TS]

OK, here are a few recent 10D ones..

[TS]

[FastUno]

Damn spectacular! The frames give it that extra edge. How do you make the frames, do you have to adjust to each pic, or is there some auto fit the pic function? What do you use PS?

Tomato Clownfish

Royal Gramma

Scopas Tang

[TS]

The colored ones are a photoshop action you can buy at www.fredmiranda.com the black ones I made myself.

Great shots. It's amazing the colors of the Scopas tangs when you flash them, huh?

T

[ReefM@ster]

Purple Tang