My Reef Photography Portfolio

[Reefer Dan]

Hello All,

I am in the process of trying to jumpstart some photography social media (and potentially a website); one big component of my photography & passion is my reef tank. I am a big fan of more 'naturalistic' style, with a special place in my heart for macro photography.

As such I wanted a specific place to post some of my reef-tank related photography and create an "online photography portfolio" (despite the compression decreasing quality of photos). I hope you enjoy some of these as I build it out over time. I am open to any feedback, comments, questions, etc.

I will update this thread with more pictures (and probably links when I get the social media/website, if I get it all figured out) for those that are interested in seeing or following along.

Happy reefing friends!

*note: I have refined my logo, so you may see some differences in those on the photos initially.

 

[Reefer Dan]

Kicking this off with some of my favorite recent photos I've taken. This is an African Biscuit Starfish-- I have to say these things are even more beautiful when you zoom in.

*Note: click on the pictures, it usually results in slightly higher quality pictures than just scrolling ;).

 

[Imrahilwjz]

Kicking this off with some of my favorite recent photos I've taken. This is an African Biscuit Starfish-- I have to say these things are even more beautiful when you zoom in.

*Note: click on the pictures, it usually results in slightly higher quality pictures than just scrolling ;).

Wow!!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Count me in! I can't wait to see more of your photos!

 

[Reefer Dan]

No

Wow!!

Count me in! I can't wait to see more of your photos!

I appreciate the comments and support. :beaming-face-with-smiling-eyes:

Here is my favorite shot to date, this one was a tough one! I shot this one at my local aquarium, the exhibit was nearly pitch black and it took a lot of work to get this, but 100% worth it. (Old logo)

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Ok, now I have got to ask. What are you using to take photos that are so up close with such incredible detail?

 

[Reefer Dan]

Ok, now I have got to ask. What are you using to take photos that are so up close with such incredible detail?

I’m using a canon R8 (one day I aspire to upgrade to the R5mii). The lens I use for most of my reef pics is the RF 100 mm macro lens. On some real close up shots like the starfish, I added a raynox 2.5 on top of it to increase magnification (it takes a pretty big depth of field hit though)

 

[Reefer Dan]

Created/repurposed my social media, still slowly building a website. Social media is hard for me, but figured I’d give it a try.

In case you are interested, follow here:
Threads
Instagram
TikTok

These will not just be reef photography, but include other things also (this R2R thread will be all reef photos).

 

[Reefer Dan]

Who’s ready for a fish pic? I had a vision for this one and I wanted to push myself. Please check it out, I’m loving it!

 

[Reefer Dan]

A couple more fish pics to add--everyone needs a clownfish pic ;). I loved how the sunburst anthias photo turned out with the reflection in the glass.

 

[IPT]

Super clean, very nice. I just upgraded my ancient EF100 Macro for the new RF and I am amazed with the new lens. In part it might be simply that it has IS but the extra magnification is sweet too.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

A couple more fish pics to add--everyone needs a clownfish pic ;). I loved how the sunburst anthias photo turned out with the reflection in the glass.

I love the clown photo!

 

[Reefer Dan]

Cool.

Thanks!

Super clean, very nice. I just upgraded my ancient EF100 Macro for the new RF and I am amazed with the new lens. In part it might be simply that it has IS but the extra magnification is sweet too.

Definitely is one of my favorite lenses, enjoy it, it’s awesome!

I love the clown photo!

Thanks. I figure everyone needs a good clown photo.

I need to take more pictures of my reef tank soon, but I think I’m learning that I like the black background photos a little more as they look more clean/professional, so we will hopefully see more of that going forward.

 

[bubbgee]

Thanks!

Definitely is one of my favorite lenses, enjoy it, it’s awesome!

Thanks. I figure everyone needs a good clown photo.

I need to take more pictures of my reef tank soon, but I think I’m learning that I like the black background photos a little more as they look more clean/professional, so we will hopefully see more of that going forward.

Hi! Loving your photos. Did you clear out the background into black post processing or you really somehow placed a black background? lol

 

[maroun.c]

Top notch shots!
well done and thanks for sharing.

 

[Reefer Dan]

Hi! Loving your photos. Did you clear out the background into black post processing or you really somehow placed a black background? lol

thanks! So excellent question, there are two major ways that I’m aware of (aside from a physical black background)— post processing & “black boxing” where you set your camera so the background is dark but you use a flash. I’ve done both of these methods.

Top notch shots!
well done and thanks for sharing.

Thank you, I appreciate the nice words!

 

[Reefer Dan]

I took a few pictures of my fish and got around to editing this one. Here is my whitetail bristletooth tang. I don't know about others, but mine does not like the camera so I was stoked when I finally got this picture (I've had it for a couple years now).

I have a few other fish pics I want to get around to editing and will update this thread when I do.

P.S. I started a Facebook page for me to display my pictures, if you are interested in not just reef, but other photography take a look (so far plants, animals, etc.) Facebook page

 

[Nordy]

Wow, now I need another hobby to make the reefing hobby more amazing. I truly loved the first photo of the starfish with the macro lens. Priceless, really captivated my vision and imagination. I hope your aspirations to do well in photography become a rewarding endeavor for your future and passionate eye in photography. Come to my house and bring your camera

 

[Nordy]

Wrasses, most photogenic fish in my opinion, amazing personalities and colors that are outta this world!

 

[winzig]

Beautiful