*newbie pics*, any and all suggestions are welcome

[yingxuebailang]

Hi guys, I just found this forum today, its awesome. Exactly what I have been looking for. The reason I got into digital photography in the first place was because I just wanted to take some pictures to monitor the plant growth in my tank. After doing some research I bought a Canon Powershot S2 IS so I can do some macro shots. Then comes the tripod, the adapter, and the various lens..... and at first I thought aquascaping was an expensive hobby who knows it would lead to another:-( !!... But for now I am going to try and hold off from getting a DSLR until I really master my P&S first. I am really new to photography, the S2 is my first camera with manual settings before that I didn't even know what aperature is. Below are a few of my attempts at my tank. Any suggestion are welcome. Especially tips for taking better tank pictures. Thank You.

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/5394/b328732631io.th.jpg (http://img161.imageshack.us/my.php?image=b328732631io.jpg)
This is a pic of my whole tank, its not that good, I don't think I've ever got a really good full front shot before. I tried to use photoshop and I was able to dim the background to black and looks nicer but I wonder if there is any way to improve by adjusting the camera settings?

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/7113/shrimp23hh.th.jpg (http://img108.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shrimp23hh.jpg)
Macro shot without close up lens and tripod. I think the shrimp looks so angry because he doesn't like to be photographed. ;)

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/6796/img03756ws.th.jpg (http://img89.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img03756ws.jpg)
With Raynox 2.5x Close Up lens, I was too eager to use the new lens I got, couldn't wait for the right adapter to come. So that's why the edge is all black.. ughm.

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/3273/img01392ye.th.jpg (http://img161.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img01392ye.jpg)

I keep on having problems with reflection on the glass of the tank. Is this why I am suppose to take tank pictures while turning off all lights in the room??

[phishphorphun]

Welcome to APF Y..... (a first name would be easier:-D ).

A few quick full tank tips.

The idea is to have the fastest shutter speed and the most light possible to stop the motion of the fish. Using a flash for full tank shots is not the best way to go. Set your camera on the tripod so that when you frame the shot, you will be parallel with the tank. Try to avoid shooting on any angles for full tank shots.

Add as much light to the top of the tank as possible. Even if you have to borrow extra lamps from other tanks. Best time to shoot is at night with almost zero light. Always turn off all the lights in the room. The ambient light not only causes reflections, but creates havoc for the camera's auto focus and sensor.

Since the most light will stop the movement of the fish, your goal is to adjust the settings on the camera that will give you the fastest shutter speed and higher aperture (lower number) that will create an adequate exposure. If your camera has a "mode wheel" to select from, you can try selecting "S" mode first. In "S" mode you select a shutter speed and the camera automatically sets the aperture. Play with different shutter speeds until you get the best results.

When you do use the onboard flash for fish shots (not full tank), you must diffuse it. A very effective way to do this is to tape a layer or more of tissue paper over the flash lens. Just be careful not to have the paper or tape touch the flash, so to not scorch it.

There are many threads and articles for you to read on the different forums here. Take the time and read through them, and you will learn a lot.

Keep sharing your progress with us.

[alanhill]

In some ways a camera is like a musical instrument: it takes some practice to learn how to get a nice tune or a nice photo from a new one. You have made a good start, considering that an aquarium is not an easy subject. Bobby has given you some good advice, I will only add one thing - you may find it easier to take a moderate close-up of a plant rather than a whole tank shot or a magnified close-up of a small fish like your Oto. BTW nice to have another glassfish keeper here.
Keep practising!

Alan