Flash and shadow issue

[tjudy]

I usually shoot a lot of dwarf cichlids, and the flash system I use works great for them. I have some Larger fish in larger tanks, however, and I am not happy withe shadow effect and the high reflection on scales.

I am using a Nikon CP4500 with an external flash on a tripod that I offset so I do not get glare/flashback.

Here is an example of the shadow effect I do not like:

http://home.centurytel.net/TedDebJudy/FishImages/december%20het%20male%202.jpg

You can see the shadows on the light background. I think they detract from the over all image. Also, the shine on the scales in unnatural.

This shot is better:

http://home.centurytel.net/TedDebJudy/FishImages/decmeber%20het%20pair.jpg

The compensation for less shine was less light. The fish are not as bright. There is still a shadow of the uplift tube in the background that I do not like though.

Just for comparison, the system works great for closeup dwarf cichlid shots. here is a female Pelvicachromis roloffi:

http://home.centurytel.net/TedDebJudy/FishImages/closeup%20roloffi%20002.jpg

Ted, why dont you just NOT USE Flash?? Seriously, without joking, I dont on a lot of my pics. I can tell you are serious about this picture taking. So I would suggest investing in a High Power JBJ Formosa, OR Coralife Freshlife Light system ( I have one of each and love them both, though would buy a Coralife if had to buy another one). My 4 foot Formosa has 2xwhite daylight and 2xblue actinic bulbs, 65w each, which floods the tank and lets me do anything I want to w/out flash. My Coralife is only 2feet long, so it has only 2x white daylight and so it's only 130 w. I put both of them on top of my 110g TALL (keep in mind it's tall so it's much harder to get the light to flood) and get about 400w of light. Never need flash with those conditions, and I use low ISO, which a 500 shutter, and 3.5 fstop. I am pretty sure that is similar to what Aaron (verse) uses. 'xcept he's much better :DD

[tjudy]

I have tried the no flash route with a little success. I probably just cannot get enough light. Another problem is the manual for my Nikon rivals War and Peace on length, and I have not yet bee able to turn on the macro without having the automatic shutter speed on as well.

I will post some of my attempts at no-flash for you. My ISP is crappy this morning though...

[Finz]

tjudy, here is a series I did a while back illustrating what happens with flash use comparing angle/on-camera/external/and use of a diffuser. The diffuser in this case was a opaque tupperware bowl.

http://home.comcast.net/~jimkphoto/1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~jimkphoto/2.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~jimkphoto/3.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~jimkphoto/4.jpg

hope this helps. The main purpose of the diffuser when shooting this close up is to soften shadows.

[sugar]

I also try to switch of the flash. You need a fast lens to be able to do that.

sugar