Learning to use a DSLR

[mannyhernz]

So i just acquired a canon t4i with a standard lens, i will use this thread to post pics that i take of my coral while i learn any new techniques from anyone that knows photography. experts please chime in and help or give some pointers.

 

[dbl]

Looks like a great start. Are the shots above right out of the camera or was there some post processing done?

 

[mannyhernz]

Looks like a great start. Are the shots above right out of the camera or was there some post processing done?

I did some post processing with the temperature in lightroom on some, they were too blue.

 

[dbl]

I did some post processing with the temperature in lightroom on some, they were too blue.

Very nicely done.

 

[mannyhernz]

Very nicely done.

Thanks, working on it still

 

[dbl]

Thanks, working on it still

Are you shooting in RAW or trying to adjust the .jpeg's?

 

[mannyhernz]

Are you shooting in RAW or trying to adjust the .jpeg's?

Shooting in raw

 

[dbl]

Shooting in raw

Sounds like you've got this under control...lol.

 

[mannyhernz]

Sounds like you've got this under control...lol.

Tryin' theres still lots to learn

 

[SuncrestReef]

So i just acquired a canon t4i with a standard lens, i will use this thread to post pics that i take of my coral while i learn any new techniques from anyone that knows photography. experts please chime in and help or give some pointers.

One thing you can do to get more depth of field (to get more of the subject in focus) is to adjust the aperture to a high number. This shrinks the lens opening which reduces the amount of light entering so it requires a longer exposure, but it will allow you to get this whole coral in focus. The longer exposure will require a tripod to keep the camera steady, and you might need to turn off the flow pumps so the polyps aren't moving, but the results can be worth it.

Here's an example shot at f/36 with a 3 second exposure. Notice the front and back of the coral are both in focus:

 

[mannyhernz]

One thing you can do to get more depth of field (to get more of the subject in focus) is to adjust the aperture to a high number. This shrinks the lens opening which reduces the amount of light entering so it requires a longer exposure, but it will allow you to get this whole coral in focus. The longer exposure will require a tripod to keep the camera steady, and you might need to turn off the flow pumps so the polyps aren't moving, but the results can be worth it.

Here's an example shot at f/36 with a 3 second exposure. Notice the front and back of the coral are both in focus:

I will try that...thanks for the tip!!

 

[Reef Dork]

One thing you can do to get more depth of field (to get more of the subject in focus) is to adjust the aperture to a high number. This shrinks the lens opening which reduces the amount of light entering so it requires a longer exposure, but it will allow you to get this whole coral in focus. The longer exposure will require a tripod to keep the camera steady, and you might need to turn off the flow pumps so the polyps aren't moving, but the results can be worth it.

Here's an example shot at f/36 with a 3 second exposure. Notice the front and back of the coral are both in focus:

Do you have the pumps off for an exposure like that?

 

[SuncrestReef]

Do you have the pumps off for an exposure like that?

Yes, I turn on my feed mode that shuts off the powerheads and slows the return pump. Otherwise the polyp movement would blur the photo.

 

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

Colors are excellent! Nicely done. Whatever you're using for lighting and post processing is working, don't change it! :)

Looks like your shutter speed is a little too slow to counter the flow going on in your tank. Either turn up ISO (if you camera can hang with it) or turn off your powerheads to compensate. It's worth noting that on all lenses (esp cheaper lenses), working at either extreme for aperture will absolutely drastically affect sharpness of your image. If that's something you're after, you may want to consider experimenting with different focal lengths and distances from your subject to get the whole thing in focus vs. taking aperture to extremes.

Also, if you shoot at odd angles against the glass (i.e., camera lens is pointed at 45 deg angle from the glass), your focal plane will be skewed or altered and you will find odd distortion and focus issues in your images. It's best to try to shoot straight-on to avoid these issues (of course sometimes that can't be helped).

Great shots :)

 

[mannyhernz]

Colors are excellent! Nicely done. Whatever you're using for lighting and post processing is working, don't change it! :)

Looks like your shutter speed is a little too slow to counter the flow going on in your tank. Either turn up ISO (if you camera can hang with it) or turn off your powerheads to compensate. It's worth noting that on all lenses (esp cheaper lenses), working at either extreme for aperture will absolutely drastically affect sharpness of your image. If that's something you're after, you may want to consider experimenting with different focal lengths and distances from your subject to get the whole thing in focus vs. taking aperture to extremes.

Also, if you shoot at odd angles against the glass (i.e., camera lens is pointed at 45 deg angle from the glass), your focal plane will be skewed or altered and you will find odd distortion and focus issues in your images. It's best to try to shoot straight-on to avoid these issues (of course sometimes that can't be helped).

Great shots :)

Ahhh i did take a couple of pics at a slight angle.
Thanks for the input, im taking these pics under radion xr30pro full light spectrum. Basically im trying to capture actual coral color..im purchasing a tripod to help with aperture?..thanks everyone for the input, just what im looking for.

 

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

Yes a tripod is a must! It's odd; we have powerful lights in the reef tank but cameras still struggle ;) Good luck!

 

[mannyhernz]

still trying'...
showing the growth on my blasto..

 

[mannyhernz]

some more pics...still trying to get the hang of it..i see some pictures come out ok other not so much...

 

[Ranjib]

Are you using stock lense? Flow/pumps are off? Photos look little hazy to me, what ISO ?

 

[mannyhernz]

Are you using stock lense? Flow/pumps are off? Photos look little hazy to me, what ISO ?

Stock lens
Pumps off
Iso 800..