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Saltwater Fish Photography Tips

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Saltwater Fish Tank

Saltwater fish photography and aquarium photography, in general, can often be more difficult than it first appears.  The aquarium photographer has to contend with the effects of water refraction and glass reflections, not to mention dealing with low lighting conditions.

As you might imagine, getting that elusive perfect shot of your reef tank is extremely more difficult than getting a perfect photograph of your family dog.

Even though Rover probably won’t cooperate and pose for you, at least you will have better lighting conditions, whether you shoot indoors or out in the back yard.

Getting your fish to pose is just as difficult, but even more of a problem is overcoming the hurdles of low light, reflection, and refraction. You can compensate with slower shutter speeds, wider apertures, and faster ISO settings, but each of these has to be done in accordance with the Exposure Triangle. (See the sidebar.)

But there is no reason it has to be that difficult. Using these tips, you can make the prospect of taking great fish tank pictures a lot easier.

Saltwater Fish Photography Techniques

Clean the Glass

Cleaning the glass of the tank should be the first step in saltwater fish photography, but it is often overlooked. As a result, skipping this one step is possibly responsible for more ruined photos than any other issue. There are so many OTHER obstacles to overcome, why make it even more difficult?

You can easily clean the glass of your tank in just a few minutes, resulting in much better pictures.

I like to clean the glass of my reef tank with microfiber cloth towels the day before I shoot pictures. This allows me to remove any smudges or algae on the glass which will result in more clarity of the pictures.

The reason I clean the tank the day before the shoot is to allow the tank inhabitants time to relax and get back to life as normal. It also allows any particulate matter to settle out of the water column.

Turn Off the Pumps

Before I set up my camera and begin shooting, I turn off the aquarium pumps. The idea is to stop water movement which causes corals to sway. Any movement while shooting with slow shutter speeds will cause blurriness, and this helps prevent that problem.

Of course, once the photo shoot is done, don’t forget to start the pumps up again.

Use a Digital Camera

When I first started my photography hobby, I shot 35 mm film. I wasted rolls and rolls of film in my quest of getting that one perfect shot. Those days are long gone now, and my digital camera allows me to focus on taking pictures without worrying about wasting money on film.

If I take a bad shot, it is easily deleted. This frees me up to focus on getting the best shot possible. No matter how many pictures it takes, each one is a learning experience that takes me closer to achieving perfect composure, exposure, and clarity.

Use a Tripod with a Remote Shutter Release

Tripods are commonly used for stationary subjects, such as landscape photography, or food photography. But they can be used to great effect in saltwater fish photography. Low light levels require slow shutter speeds, which increase the possibility of blurred exposures due to camera shake. The tripod stabilizes your camera, and the remote shutter release button will eliminate camera shake.

One technique I use is to loosen the clamps on the tripod, which allows me to move the camera freely on a horizontal and vertical axis, but the clamps are tight enough that the camera stays in position once I stop moving it.

Acquaint Your Fish with the Camera

Set your tripod up in front of the tank with your camera mounted on it. Then leave it there. Yep, just leave it. For as long as possible. Several days at a minimum.

This will get your fish accustomed to the presence of the camera, and when you begin moving it around and making weird noises with it, they will be more comfortable.

Saltwater Fish Photography Lighting Techniques

Lighting is hugely important in saltwater fish photography. This is one of the reasons why I recommend using a spotlight over the tank. This works as well as a flash, but without the flash’s glare or reflections. You can adjust the spotlight to make sure your subject is receiving the light necessary to get a good exposure. This means you can use a faster shutter speed or smaller aperture setting and still get perfect clarity.

Another benefit of using a spotlight over the tank is your fish will look natural. After all, in nature, the sunlight always comes from above the fish.

Also, you need to increase the lighting inside the aquarium to its brightest setting. This will eliminate unwanted shadows and it also gives your picture a better 3-D characteristic. You can also use side lighting to diffuse shadows – something I like to do on occasion.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few tips to get you started towards mastering saltwater fish photography. There are many articles available online which will give you all the detail you need to deal with the special obstacles you encounter in this specialized photography field. Search for them. Read them. Practice. And enjoy our hobby!

One good source of information is Reef Tank Photography Tips : A Quick Guide by Mathew Gore.

Secrets of Professional Aquarium Photographers

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Some secrets of professional aquarium photographers can eliminate glare from the aquarium glass.

Some secrets of professional aquarium photographers can eliminate glare from the aquarium glass. They can get a perfect shot – even in a public aquarium where you don’t have control over the lighting conditions.

Trying to capture a photograph of a particular fish can be difficult. Since some fish can move quickly – suddenly darting to and fro – it becomes difficult to get a clear focused picture.

Sure, you can use a flash which will allow the shutter speed to increase – resulting in a perfect still shot… but the glare from the flash has washed out your fish’s colors and is reflecting off the glass in the tank.

You can keep trying to fine-tune the exposure with your flash, or you can try using external lighting sources to illuminate your aquarium.

If you DON’T use a flash, you have underexposed pictures and blurry subjects. Or you can see reflections of yourself in the aquarium glass. Again – you have to adjust your camera’s ISO settings to compensate for low-light conditions.

If possible, turn off all lights in the room. All you want on is the lights in your aquarium. If you shoot at night, this will eliminate any stray reflections in the aquarium glass. This is when you put on that dark clothing.

Photography Master Class

Secrets of Professional Aquarium Photographers

  •  If you can – tape a white background to your aquarium, it will help your aquarium colors standout, and give your tank a subtle boost.
  • When you take a shot of the entire tank, position your camera in the front of the tank, midway up in the center. This position gives a better perspective and emphasizes depth of field.
  • Also shoot pictures from other angles. Keep experimenting with perspective.
  • If your smart phone or DSLR camera has HDR capability be sure to turn this on. HDR lightens darker parts of the image and it can often improve aquarium shots.
  • Some phones, and most DSLR cameras have the capability to shoot pics in RAW format. If possible, you want to use this format because it will allow for a higher level of correction and adjustment once you get to post processing. (via PhotoShop, for instance)

When you take photos of the aquarium, be sure to take lots of photos. No really. I mean LOTS. Digital cameras allow you to take an almost unlimited number of pictures.

After shooting them, you will then have many shots to choose from at different focal lengths and colors. Experiment with aperture settings, white balance, ISO and exposure to give yourself a good selection of shots from which to choose your favorite pictures.

Resources

Fishlore provides aquarium fish information for both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists. They present information in an easy-to-understand way so that more can enjoy our wonderful hobby! Their Aquarium Forum is very active, with both new hobbyists and old pros. This is a great resource if you have a question because there are lots of fishkeepers here at all times of the day or night to help you.

I wrote an article that might help – How To Remove Tank Reflection when Shooting Aquarium Photography

The main thing to remember is, don’t give up. Keep trying the different techniques of professional aquarium photography that we shared here and keep shooting until you get it right.

And most of all… have fun!

Photography Master Class

How To Remove Tank Reflection when Shooting Aquarium Photography

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I am frequently asked how to remove tank reflection in fish tank pictures, because fish photographers constantly encounter reflective surfaces. Whether using a flash, (not recommended) or shooting with available light, reflection in the aquarium glass is always something the fish photographer needs to consider.

There are a few techniques you can use that will reduce, if not completely remove tank reflection.

  1. Turn off the lights in the fish room. You want the aquarium to be the only illuminated object in the room. 
  2. Wear dark clothing, which will cut down on your reflection in the front glass of the tank.
  3. Use a “blind” to shoot your pictures. Cut out a circle in card board paper, then fit your camera into the circle. The blind should be large enough that your camera (and you) are not reflected in the glass.
  4. Use a rubber lens hood. These are flexible rubber hoods that fit over your lens. When pressed up against the aquarium, the lens hood completely eliminates all reflections from the glass. The rubber hood does not damage or mark the glass of the aquarium.
  5. Use a filter on your camera lens. If you don’t currently have a filter for your lens, then consider getting one of these to at least prevent dust and scratches from damaging the lens. Filters are available for UV, and light polarization – in addition to many others.

Remove Tank Reflection with a Rubber Hood

Luckily, reflection is easily prevented with the use of a soft rubber hood on your camera lens.

The soft rubber will not scratch your aquarium glass or acrylic, and the hood prevents reflections. It also ensures that your camera is held perpendicular to the glass surface, preventing refraction as well.

There are many soft rubber hoods for DSLR cameras, but the versatility of the Ultimate Lens Hood is hard to beat.

It fits all DSLR cameras and it is just as effective with my smartphone camera as it is with my Canon DSLR camera.

Ultimate Lens Hood

Remove Tank Reflection with a CPL Filter

CPL is an abbreviation for Circular Polarizing/Linear, or more commonly – just Circular Polarizing. 

CPL filters are rotatable, and they block different polarized light rays as you turn the filter. These polarized light rays cause unwanted glare and those reflections that are ruining your fish pics.

You use it by simply rotating the filter until you get the desired result. Sort of like sunglasses for your camera.

A polarizing filter reduces the amount of light entering the camera. A CPL filter can reduce up to 2 stops of light.

So, if you use it you may have to increase ISO by 2 stops, especially if you have already set the aperture and shutter values. Just something to be aware of, and adjust for.

UV Filter

The UV (Ultraviolet) filter is used primarily outdoors. It reduces haze on sunny days but has no effect on pictures taken indoors. If a camera lens is threaded to accommodate filters, a UV filter is often used mainly to protect the lens from scratches.

Ultraviolet light is an invisible band of radiation at the upper end of the visible light spectrum. The source of ultraviolet light is the sun.

The main reason I mention a UV filter here is because of their relatively inexpensive nature, they are perfect for protecting your expensive lenses. Think of them as lens insurance. You can easily remove them before a shoot if you need to, although that is not normally necessary.

Further Reading

In a previous article, I discussed the importance of Light Source Placement. Lighting is something to consider when trying to reduce tank reflection and glare.

Aquarium Photography Light Source Placement

Smile – Our “Best Camera for Aquarium Photography” Choice is Finally Revealed, and DSLR is Still the Champ

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best camera for aquarium photography reflex example

So, really… what is the best camera for aquarium photography? I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked that question. The truth is, it is difficult to select the “best” camera for shooting fish pictures.

The reason I say that, is because there are so many variables that make it almost impossible for any individual camera to excel in every situation.

Aquarium photography is not as easy as it first appears. In fact, it can be quite tricky. You are dealing with low light conditions and fast moving, unpredictable subjects. 

And to make it even more difficult, you are shooting through glass and water.

You can take a nice overall shot of the entire tank and it looks great! But when you try to get a closeup of your favorite fish, that’s when it gets tricky. Taking quality photographs of an individual fish is not easy.

Blurry images, under-exposed shots, reflections, washed-out colors, and poorly framed shots are more the norm than the exception.

No Flash for Me, Please

no flash in best camera for aquarium photography

Oh, by the way – this article is going to discuss cameras and equipment for taking fish pictures without the use of a flash.

A flash tends to wash out colors. Also, depending on the fish species, it can reflect off their scales. I will write another article about using a flash, but I really don’t like a flash for aquarium photography. I prefer using illumination from light strips and spotlights outside the tank.

The two main objectives in aquarium photography are:

  1. Sufficient light on the subject to allow a fast shutter speed, to freeze motion
  2. Sharp focus on the subject

The Best Camera for Aquarium Photography

I know… I just told you a minute ago that it was impossible to proclaim any one camera as the “best” for our aquarium photographic endeavors. However, I CAN proclaim a type of camera which is best suited for this task.

The best camera for aquarium photography is the one that enables you to adjust settings manually. The Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is your best choice for fish photography, for that reason.

DSLR Is The Way to Go

The “point-and-shoot” cameras are great, as is your iPhone or Samsung smartphone. You can take some awesome photographs using these cameras, but they do not begin to compare with the versatility of a DSLR camera.

If you want to learn about photography and how to shoot great aquarium photos, then you need to get a real camera with manual setting controls.

Yes, you can still use the auto-focus, or the auto-exposure, or any of the fancy bells and whistles that the new DSLR cameras have – but the point is, you can select any of them to be set manually at your pleasure. That is the real power of the versatile DSLR.

They are more expensive than the point-and-shoot cameras… but then, you’d expect them to be more expensive, right? Look at it as an investment in your hobby. (That works for me, but with my wife, not so much.)

Sensor Size

There are two sensor sizes that most DSLR cameras utilize:

  • 35mm full-frame (36 mm × 24 mm)
  • APS-C (25.1×16.7 mm)

The full-frame is roughly equivalent to a 35mm frame while the APS-C is slightly smaller. The larger the image sensor, the more pixels, and information can be captured. This means you get more detail and a sharper image.

Lenses

As I mentioned earlier, the ability to change lenses on your camera is a huge advantage, and the reason I think the DSLR camera is the best camera for aquarium photography.

When taking pictures of your fish room or an overall shot of your aquarium, you might use a “nifty fifty”, or 50 mm lens. But when you want a close-up of your prize Discus spawning, you can easily switch to a 100 mm macro lens and get amazing detail.

Quality Lenses Will Make Your Wife Faint

telephoto lens

Quality lenses are expensive. There’s no easy way to say it, so I’ll just spit it out. You can easily spend as much, or more, on a quality prime lens as you spent on the camera body.

But if you shop around, you can find good deals as well. Keep in mind, you can use third-party lenses on your Nikon, or Canon… you don’t HAVE to spend your kid’s college fund to buy that lens you have been dreaming of. The third-party lenses are fully compatible with your camera, just make sure you specify which brand and model camera you have. The savings can be considerable.

For instance, this Rokinon 50mm F1.4 Lens for Canon EF is much less expensive than the comparable Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens

If you are considering a macro lens, you will want one that can capture detail further back in your tank. I prefer the 105 mm, but 90 mm will work as well. These lenses will allow you to shoot fish that are further away from the front of the tank and still zoom in with amazing clarity.

Summary

While your smartphone does a great job taking snapshots, it is really not going to give you the professional level quality of aquarium photography that a DSLR camera will.

The same goes for point-and-shoot cameras. They have come a long way and they are getting better every day. But, until they allow you to switch lenses at will and adjust settings manually, a DSLR is definitely the best camera for aquarium photography. By the way, my favorite choice of camera is currently the awesome Canon EOS 6D Mark II – take a look, and you’ll see why.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article. It turned out a little long-winded… so if you actually made it to the end, then I am impressed! Take a few minutes and comment below. I’d love to hear what your favorite camera is.

Further Reading

I previously wrote an article about this, kinda…

Aquarium Camera Equipment and Gear Choice by Professional Photographers when Shooting Exotic Fish Pictures

Aquarium Fish Photography Techniques Explained

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Aquarium Fish PhotographyTips for shooting inside public aquariums

Aquarium fish photography can add a whole new dimension of satisfaction to our accomplishments as an aquarist. One thing that seems to be universal in our hobby is the desire to show off our discus tank, our thriving reef tank, or that new filtration system we just installed. So it shouldn’t be surprising that a lot of aquarists are also photographers.

This website is devoted to sharing tips and techniques for taking awesome photos of your fishy friends.

Keep reading to learn how the aquarium fish photography professionals take those amazing shots we all wish we could do.

With practice utilizing the correct techniques and obtaining the right gear, you can improve your photos by leaps and bounds. Soon you will be taking aquarium photographs like a professional!

Aquarium Fish Photography Tips

1) If you are serious about aquarium fish photography, listen up. This is the most important tip I can share with you: When you are shooting closeups, make sure your camera is square with the glass of the aquarium. In other words, don’t shoot at an angle through the glass, shoot your subject straight on.

The reason for this is refraction. Refraction is the deflection from a straight path by a light ray when passing at an angle from air into glass or water. The greater the angle of departure, the greater the refraction effect. Straight on, there is zero refraction.

2) Turn down the lights in the room before you try to photograph a fish tank. Also, wear dark clothing. This will help eliminate reflections of the room furniture, or you, in the glass of the aquarium.

3) The best aquarium fish photography professionals will tell you that patience is the best asset in your gear bag. Wait for your subject fish to swim into the ideal spot for your photo. You pick that spot beforehand and wait. Eventually, your fish will swim into the area you need. Don’t track him around the tank snapping away… this will result in a lot of wasted pics because the exposure won’t be ideal, the image will be blurry, or you didn’t frame the subject the way you wanted to.

4) Make sure the aquarium glass is clean and the water is clear before you set up for your photo session. If you are shooting pictures in a public aquarium, you can carry a soft microfiber cloth in your gear bag to wipe away the smudges on the glass from little kids getting close and personal with their favorite fish.

5) In a public aquarium, don’t hog the display taking pictures. Other people may be wanting to check it out, too. Be courteous. Snap a few shots, then step back and let others move up to the glass. Again, patience is an asset. You can check with the guides to find out when the slowest times are. Typically, early in the day. That would be the best time for aquarium fish photography activities, uninterrupted by crowds of people.

Resources

Fishlore provides aquarium fish information for both freshwater and saltwater hobbyists. They present information in an easy-to-understand way so that more can enjoy our wonderful hobby!

I also have another article that might interest you:

Best Aquarium Camera Settings

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