Best TIPS and ADVICE for taking good pictures of aquarium, coral and fish!

[revhtree]

As we continue on with this week's Aquarium Photography and Video theme let's start a topic that hopefully will benefit those who are learning to take better photos!

What are some TIPS and ADVICE you would share with someone who wants to learn to take better aquarium photos? SHARE AT LEAST ONE THING!

We also have some amazing articles on aquarium photography here!

Aquarium Photography

www.reef2reef.com

image via article by @maroun.c here

 

[revhtree]

One of the main things is to use a TRIPOD!

 

[Cool tangs]

Would love to know the best Samsung camera pro settings, I have the lenses although because I have standard float glass maybe that makes it harder as well

 

[ReefStash]

For cellphone pics I like to record video at 24fps (tip I picked up from NYC reefer) and you have got to have an orange filter similar to this: https://amzn.to/3N0c3ZW

Also make sure you use a microfiber cloth to clean your lenses each time and check your settings. Most cellphones allow for 4k and UHD recording.

Here’s an example of the difference with and without an orange lens:

Without an orange lens:

With an orange lens:

 

[tbrown]

For cellphone pics I like to record video at 24fps (tip I picked up from NYC reefer) and you have got to have an orange filter similar to this: https://amzn.to/3N0c3ZW

Also make sure you use a microfiber cloth to clean your lenses each time and check your settings. Most cellphones allow for 4k and UHD recording.

Here’s an example of the difference with and without an orange lens:

Without an orange lens:

With an orange lens:

The backlighting on your tank still gets me everytime!

 

[Alexraptor]

If you want to take high quality photo's, then ALWAYS keep your camera lens parallel to the aquarium glass. Never try to take a picture of a subject from an angle, as the resulting optics 'will' distort the image.

Bonus tip: When using a DSLR, I have found that a perfectly basic round lens hood on my macro lens can be very helpful in making sure the camera is aligned, by keeping it flush against the glass. This also screens out flares/reflections from surrounding light sources.

 

[ReefStash]

The backlighting on your tank still gets me everytime!

Thank you bro! It’s not for everyone but it completes the tank look for me. 100+!

 

[DeniseAndy]

I voted average because when I use my husband's equipment and take the time, I can get some decent photos. However, I am not that good with just taking photos.

Forgot to share: Have a macro lens and tripod.

 

[AlexG]

I am still rather new to photography but I have been learning.

• Take your time as you might need to take 100s of photos before you get the "shot"
• Take aquarium side pictures perpendicular or straight on to your aquarium glass or acrylic when possible. When you take pictures from an angle to glass or acrylic it will create distortions in the image.
• Top Down shots turn the pumps off, use a viewing box, or use a porthole for camera lens
• Don't be afraid of manual camera mode. Take some time to learn F-Stop, Shutter Speed, ISO, white balance to see how they change your photos. Then experiment with these settings with test photos to find what you like.
• For fish auto focus works well for fast moving fish or free hand pictures but for corals a tripod and manual focus makes all the difference.
• Lighting - I don't use a flash but I do use flashlights and light rings. The first photo below I was holding a flashlight above the stereonepthea. You can create some cool effects with lighting
• Basic photo editing - GIMP is a great free editor
• You don't need a professional level camera to take good pictures. I worked up to a high end camera but I still take great pictures with my phone
• Remember to have fun taking pictures

Tripod Picture at night through the glass holding a flashlight above the coral

Top down shot through an avastmarine portal with 90mm macro lens - manual focus

Top down shot through an avastmarine portal with 90mm macro lens - manual focus

Top down shot through an avastmarine portal with 90mm macro lens - manual focus

Cell Phone picture

Cell Phone picture

 

[NowGlazeIT]

For cellphone pics I like to record video at 24fps (tip I picked up from NYC reefer) and you have got to have an orange filter similar to this: https://amzn.to/3N0c3ZW

Also make sure you use a microfiber cloth to clean your lenses each time and check your settings. Most cellphones allow for 4k and UHD recording.

Here’s an example of the difference with and without an orange lens:

Without an orange lens:

With an orange lens:

Wow what a difference that lens makes

 

[NowGlazeIT]

I am still rather new to photography but I have been learning.

• Take your time as you might need to take 100s of photos before you get the "shot"
• Take aquarium side pictures perpendicular or straight on to your aquarium glass or acrylic when possible. When you take pictures from an angle to glass or acrylic it will create distortions in the image.
• Top Down shots turn the pumps off, use a viewing box, or use a porthole for camera lens
• Don't be afraid of manual camera mode. Take some time to learn F-Stop, Shutter Speed, ISO, white balance to see how they change your photos. Then experiment with these settings with test photos to find what you like.
• For fish auto focus works well for fast moving fish or free hand pictures but for corals a tripod and manual focus makes all the difference.
• Lighting - I don't use a flash but I do use flashlights and light rings. The first photo below I was holding a flashlight above the stereonepthea. You can create some cool effects with lighting
• Basic photo editing - GIMP is a great free editor
• You don't need a professional level camera to take good pictures. I worked up to a high end camera but I still take great pictures with my phone
• Remember to have fun taking pictures

Tripod Picture at night through the glass holding a flashlight above the coral

Top down shot through an avastmarine portal with 90mm macro lens - manual focus

Top down shot through an avastmarine portal with 90mm macro lens - manual focus

Top down shot through an avastmarine portal with 90mm macro lens - manual focus

Cell Phone picture

Cell Phone picture

Excellent tips thank you

 

[dvgyfresh]

I’m average at best , I would say lenses for camera and holding phone against glass

 

[Anemone_Fanatic]

This is what my photos look like on average, so I think you can guess what I voted...

 

[ReefStash]

Wow what a difference that lens makes

Yes! In regards to good photography it's still just a cellphone pic and doesn't compare to those that are professional by any means but it gets you a huge boost on having decent pics and video of your tanks to share just by having an orange lens.

 

[Diogenes7]

In some phones, like the pixel phones, you can use nightmode to get some decent pictures, where it's not overly blue and the colors are more true to life.

 

[revhtree]

Thanks for the tips so far! Keep them coming!

 

[Mr Cypher]

bought the lense kit for my phone from polyp labs..... so what I do now is I get everything set up then pray that everything cooperates and ill let you know when that happens lol

 

[Jubei2006]

Would love to know the best Samsung camera pro settings, I have the lenses although because I have standard float glass maybe that makes it harder as well

Change the white balance. All the blue in our reef tanks wash the colors out of the fish and corals to a degree.

 

[revhtree]

We also have some amazing articles on aquarium photography here!

Aquarium Photography

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Brian E]

In some phones, like the pixel phones, you can use nightmode to get some decent pictures, where it's not overly blue and the colors are more true to life.

I was struggling getting good colors on my Pixel for some time now. Just tried night mode and it works great!