Shooting an Aquarium...

[Bishop Gideon]

We're looking at taking the kids to Shedd Aquarium this weekend... and I've been designated the photographer to document the occasion...

Well... Anyone have any advice for shooting through glass and in low lighting? Unfortunetly I just got my camera for Christmas, so I haven't had time to buy any lens... (well, except one which was a late Christmas gift from my wife... But I digress)... So I'm stuck with the lens that came with the camera.

Any advice? (other than buy another lens quickly)...

Oh, and flashes and tripods aren't allowed... sooooo... I'm assuming based on what lighting was last time I went (20+years ago) that I'm going to need to up the ISo form 100... and... ummm... that's where I get lost... what next? Anyone?

[CoolToolGuy]

Be very aware of the reflections off of the glass - shoot at an angle if necessary.

My 2 cents.

Have Fun,

[whereismykit]

Not sure if this site will help you with the Shedd Aquarium. I found this link http://hem.bredband.net/maxstr/aquarium_photo.htm seems like some good tips. I do know you are suppose to angle the camera. Wish I could be more help to you.

[Bishop Gideon]

Thanks guys!

I guess the number 1 tip is shoot at an angle...

Now I just have to practice setting the f stop and such... to see if I can figure out how to get a good shot in low light...

[whereismykit]

I can't really help you with that one. Maybe some guys from Chicago can help. Its been awhile since I've been to the Shedd. I can't wait till the Aquarium opens here in Atlanta. Its not suppose to be as big as the Shed but its suppose to be close to it.

[neil_r]

This may be obvious but I was in Monterey Bay Aquarium in November (pictures @ http://www.neil-rice.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=35 (http://www.neil-rice.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=35) ) and I was amazed at the number of people trying to take pictures through glass using flash. Not only will all the light simply bounce back, there was also a constant loop on the PA stating thet the use of "flash photography" was not allowed :confused:


ps Dont forget to post the results

N

[blinking8s]

LOL @ neil_r that is so true...

slight angle..and no flash...take a tripod

[rpcm]

I went down to Plymouth(UK) Aquarium last February and took some half decent photos of the fish without using the flash, which was a no no. Use a fairly high ISo and try and shoot using RAW so that you can adjust afterwards.
Take loads of pictures as they move quickly and when you get home and see them on a big screen it is amazing how many are blured.

[JulianoL]

Bishop,

I second all Richard's tips. I recently went to Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans and took the same approach: High ISO, RAW and steady hands. :) As he said take a lot of picture, only a few will be good in the end. I posted in another threads some photo:
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54107
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54109
More here:
http://www.pbase.com/juliano/aquarium

Juliano

[jay24k]

Actually, from what I've done, you don't want to shoot at an angle. Because of the angle going through the glass, you will get a worse picture then a straight shot. However, if reflection of your flash is an issue, then you have to. I usually don't use a flash and have 0 problems however some aquariums might not be lit up as well. I would use a tripod if you can and the timer to remove shake as it will show up.

[Barb42]

I use a rubber lens hood and press it against the glass. It works great. i highly recommend trying it.

[jyrgen]

I use a rubber lens hood and press it against the glass. It works great. i highly recommend trying it.
I agree. This should be the best solution for reflections, with flash or without. Not having a rubber hood, I have also hold a (non-tulip-shaped) plastic hood against the glass (e.g. with 50/1.4). Does not get me better shutter speeds, which is why I can't post nice examples :( but definitely gets rid of reflections.

[Ajay213]

I use a rubber lens hood and press it against the glass. It works great. i highly recommend trying it.

That's the way I have always done it along with a high ISO and a W I D E fast lens will get good results with the aquarium lights on, I'd hesitate to use a flash though as it's probably going to stress out the fish.

Andrew

[Bishop Gideon]

Thanks for the advice everyone.. I posted some of the results yesterday...

Some of the shots turned out pretty good... I ended up using a high ISO because not only didn't they allow flashes, but they also didn't allow tripods... and I didn't want to try and argue with the about a monopod so I just left it at home.

There were actually security people walking around the aquairum telling people who tried to use flashes that a) they weren't allowed and b) please take it off your camera.

It was interesting... I have decided I need a faster lens though... there were just some shots that didn't come out because the lighting in the tank was pretty bad and the fish were moving WAY too fast... darn fish, don't they know enough to sit still when I say "Say cheese!"?

All in all a learning experience and a chacne to explain to my wife that I need a new lens... :)