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Category: Indoor/Low-Light Photography

Photography Question 

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Photographing in an Aquarium


I need tips for photographing at an indoor aquarium. I use the Canon Digital Rebel user-75-300mm zoom. Should flash be used? How high an ISO rating? How to avoid reflections from glass? Thanks.


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December 03, 2005

 
- Carolyn M. Fletcher

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Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery 		  Use at least 400 ISO. And, to avoid reflection, get as close to the glass as you can (right ON it, if possible). They say you can use flash if you're right up on the glass, but I never have.


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December 04, 2005

 

Margie M. Heldt 		 
 
 
I took photos in an indoor aquarium with my older Sony DSC 85 digital. I had it on auto with the flash off. The only thing I did was to point the camera to focus at a distant point and then I brought it over and took the photo through the glass ... no reflections at all.
I will put up a sample for you to see ... if it doesn't appear, I have the same one in my gallery ... and you can see it there.
Margie


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December 04, 2005

 

Candy Newbury 		  Using a circular polarizing filter will also cut down on the glare. This works best if you shoot at a slight angle. I frequently use flash at a local zoo with pets behind the glass and never get reflections with the polarizer.


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December 06, 2005

 

Mary N C. Taitt 		  Flash really brings out the colors and makes them look really fluorescent. You can use it if you tip the camera just slightly or use a remote flash against the glass.


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December 06, 2005

 

Paul Michko 		  If you purchase a rubber lens hood at your local photo store, it works as a good buffer so you can go right up to the glass. No reflections, because no side light can get in. You can then use flash, if you wish, without any stray reflection.


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December 06, 2005

 

anonymous A. 		 
 
 
The lighting inside the tanks makes a difference, too, but I have had no trouble shooting through glass so long as you follow the tips on getting as close as possible (those folding rubber lens hoods Paul mentioned are excellent for this); but the best thing of all is to get inside the tanks with a waterproof camera!


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December 06, 2005

 

Carol Kalinowski 		 
 
 
You want as much light as possible above the tank.Add an extra strip light or two.
If you have on-board flash,fold a paper towel in half and hold loosely over the flash.Angle down slightly and get as close as possible to the glass.
I'm adding a few images that I have taken in this manner using an oly c-765 uz with flash.


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December 13, 2005

 

Carol Kalinowski 		 
 
 
If it allows me to upload the images this time :/


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December 13, 2005

 

Debbie K. Faulkner 		  focus and get lens as close to glass and tip camera up. Took pictures at Rippleys Aquarium great pictures No glare..


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December 13, 2005

 

Carol Kalinowski 		  Debbie,I've found that aiming at an upward angle ,more often then not,produces some nasty white glare and/or reflections if you're using an on-board flash. Do you have any examples you can show of yours?


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December 13, 2005

 
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