Detailed users guide for taking GREAT macro images

Discussion in 'Aquarium Photography' started by maxalmon, Jan 15, 2009.

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  1. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

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    These are great tips for still objects, but what about shots if aquarium livestock? I can't get a decent photo of my fish since they never stay still.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2010
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  3. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Unless you have an slr, it's only a lot of luck getting you a good fish picture.

    You need a low f/stop in order to catch a picture at the speed the fish would be moving. Low f/stop - short exposure. high f/stop - long exposure.
     
  4. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

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    No SLR so I have to make due with what I have. If I set the f-stop as low as I can the shutter speed is around 1/25 when I take a picture.

    I can use the flash but that causes the coloring if the photo to be off.
     
  5. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    What camera do you use?

    For lighting, go with all tank lights on, no camera flash, & turn the lighting in the room off.
     
  6. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

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    I have a Panasonic DMC-F27.

    When I was trying to take pictures of fish, I had the camera on a tripod, used the timer, f-stop at 2.8, tank lights on, room lights off. Also cleaned lens, inside and outside of tank glass, etc. I tried using macro and without. I had more flexibility with shutter speed settings in manual mode but if I went too high with the setting (1/60 maybe) the photo was too dark.
     
  7. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Hey, I almost bought that same one.:) I settled on the Nikon Coolpix P90.

    You've done everything I can think of.

    I haven't been able to get any good shots of mine, but one. Keep trying I guess. Usually you take a million shots & a few will turn out good.
     
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  9. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

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    Glad I'm not the only one. I can get good pics of my turbo snail, so I guess that's something!!! ::)
     

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  10. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Because turbos move so fast. ::)haha j/k. I should try one again. mine died when I first started the hobby. lol
     
  11. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

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    I didn't want the Turbo but my daughter did. He did take care of my Aiptasia Anemone though.
     
  12. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    They are great algae eaters(or is it detritus?) though.