What do you do to get good pictures
- Thread starter ca2or
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I'm not going to address each image individually because it would take too much time, but I'll offer a couple of general comments. It's much easier to critique images if you just post what you consider to be your best shot from a session.
The most critical issue is that your images are all out of focus. It also looks like the white balance is a bit on the blue side, particularly in the first couple of shots. Because of the OOF issue, it's difficult to tell, but it also looks like you need more depth of field in most of the shots.
In terms of composition, IMO you're doing the right thing by exploring different views. With subjects such as ricordia, go ahead and fill the frame with the subject. Leaving background in the frame doesn't contribute anything to the shot and, most of the time, detracts from the subject.
To get sharp shots, turn off all flow, put the camera on a tripod, use a remote release or the camera's timer, use mirror lock-up if you have it, and keep the face of the camera lens parallel with the glass.
Gary
The most critical issue is that your images are all out of focus. It also looks like the white balance is a bit on the blue side, particularly in the first couple of shots. Because of the OOF issue, it's difficult to tell, but it also looks like you need more depth of field in most of the shots.
In terms of composition, IMO you're doing the right thing by exploring different views. With subjects such as ricordia, go ahead and fill the frame with the subject. Leaving background in the frame doesn't contribute anything to the shot and, most of the time, detracts from the subject.
To get sharp shots, turn off all flow, put the camera on a tripod, use a remote release or the camera's timer, use mirror lock-up if you have it, and keep the face of the camera lens parallel with the glass.
Gary
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Sikryd
hmm...Sweet!
That is my #1 thing I try to do - is IN FOCUS pictures. Regardless of color, saturation, exposure, ect. Those can all be post editted. Focus can't be.
I am using a point n shoot with no tripod, so that is my biggest struggle.
If I can get in focus picture, I am usually close enough on exposure to get a decent picture.
OP
OP
ca2or
Valuable Member
One of these days I'll move up to getting a camera that can shoot in RAW, and a tripod.
Then I might be a prooooofessionaaaallll.lol
I wish I could shoot in RAW....I hear it's great. I too am using a P&S camera....Canon Powershot SX20IS
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yes. do you have an "Av" setting on the mode dial? that would be your "aperture priority" setting, which allows you to set the aperture and everything else is adjusted automatically by the camera.
maybe shoot for an f-stop of 4 to 10 or so.
maybe shoot for an f-stop of 4 to 10 or so.
According to the specifications, your camera has a manual mode, which should allow you to control the aperture and shutter. As you make the aperture smaller (higher f/ number=more depth of field) you have to slow down the shutter speed to compensate or your images will be darker. Your aperture-priority (AV) mode will do that for you but the camera's light meter is often fooled in reef tanks. Try manual mode so you can control both shutter and aperture.
You are correct, you cannot shoot in the RAW format, so you'll have to learn to do a custom white balance.
I'm assuming you're using a solid tripod? If not, you need to start with solid camera support. Sharp focus with this type of photography is not possible without good camera support.
Gary
You are correct, you cannot shoot in the RAW format, so you'll have to learn to do a custom white balance.
I'm assuming you're using a solid tripod? If not, you need to start with solid camera support. Sharp focus with this type of photography is not possible without good camera support.
Gary
ReefMatt
New Member
I just had a chance to check back on this thread... looks like I missed all the fun
It also looks as though everything has already been said that needs to be said. Since your photos (which are cool looking, btw) are uniformly out of focus, I'd normally chalk it up to camera movement, as others have suggested. That can only be remedied with a tripod AND cable release or auto-timer. It's important to use both.
The other possibility, since you're shooting through glass, is that your camera wasn't parallel with the glass. The distortion can quickly throw the entire image out of focus when you're working this close, although it's usually worse in the two directions that you're most out-of-parallel with.
I suppose it's also possible that you were inside of your camera's minimum focusing distance... but most cameras have warnings for such things.
- Matthew
It also looks as though everything has already been said that needs to be said. Since your photos (which are cool looking, btw) are uniformly out of focus, I'd normally chalk it up to camera movement, as others have suggested. That can only be remedied with a tripod AND cable release or auto-timer. It's important to use both.
The other possibility, since you're shooting through glass, is that your camera wasn't parallel with the glass. The distortion can quickly throw the entire image out of focus when you're working this close, although it's usually worse in the two directions that you're most out-of-parallel with.
I suppose it's also possible that you were inside of your camera's minimum focusing distance... but most cameras have warnings for such things.
- Matthew
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OP
ca2or
Valuable Member
Right now I have no tri-pod but I am working on getting one. I started to mess with the manual mode today and very quickly realized....this is going to take some time. But I will keep shooting and messing around to get it right.
I just had a chance to check back on this thread... looks like I missed all the fun
It also looks as though everything has already been said that needs to be said. Since your photos (which are cool looking, btw) are uniformly out of focus, I'd normally chalk it up to camera movement, as others have suggested. That can only be remedied with a tripod AND cable release or auto-timer. It's important to use both.
The other possibility, since you're shooting through glass, is that your camera wasn't parallel with the glass. The distortion can quickly throw the entire image out of focus when you're working this close, although it's usually worse in the two directions that you're most out-of-parallel with.
I suppose it's also possible that you were inside of your camera's minimum focusing distance... but most cameras have warnings for such things.
- Matthew
I did notice today that when I am snapping Ricordia shots I am not totally parallel to the glass. I will have to work on that for sure.
I wanted to say thank you again for everyone who has chimed in. You guys have been a blessing to a novice trying to learn what appears to be a very detail oriented hobby.
Since you don't have a tripod, use a stool or some other device that holds the camera still, then use the camera's timer to trip the shutter. The object is to NOT have your hands touching the camera when the shutter is activated. If you're touching the camera, you'll move the camera when you push the shutter button and the result will be at least some blur in the photo. A stool with a bunch of books to "raise and lower" the camera will get the job done for a lot of shots.
Gary
Gary
mr_X
Active Member
ReefMatt
New Member
ca2or, I think that you can expect the use of a tripod (or other stabilization as suggested) will solve your sharpness problems. If you're shooting through that aquariscope, it may need to be stabilized too... not sure how much of a difference it would make.
mr.X, those are some nice shots. Was the camera submerged when you took them?
- Matt
mr.X, those are some nice shots. Was the camera submerged when you took them?
- Matt
ReefMatt
New Member
If you are increasing the aperture number (ie, going from f8 to f11), that means that you're letting in less light, which means you need to either a) raise the ISO or b) slow down your shutter speed (1/250th sec to 1/125 sec)
- Matt
- Matt
I
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I shot these with manual(M) mode and the super macro setting freehand. Auto white balance, full size(I shoot M1 now) on an SX20IS. I'm still learning the camera as well, but this is my second wbdslr.
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