Help with photographing toads/fish

[shelly]

I have a couple of toads in my pond at the moment, but i can't seem to be able to get any decent shots of them in the daytime.

i tried to photograph them yesterday afternoon when they were in the ledges of my pond, but the water kept reflecting and the pic turned out a bit blurry.

Then last night they were out of the pond on the pebbles around the pond area, i took some photos but had to use the flash because it was 9pm, photos turned out fine but i just want to get a more natural looking photo in the daytime if i can.

I have the same problem with trying to photograph my goldfish in my pond

Can anyone give me any advice on settings to use etc?

I have a canon 400d camera. Lens i have are the 18mm-55mm lens and also a 55mm-250mm efs lens

thanks
Michelle x

[chris-p]

Hi Michelle

Try using (if you've got one) a circular polariser. That'll cut down a lot (if not all) of the reflections from the water.

[shelly]

Thanks for the reply chris

Any idea of how much do the circular polarisers cost?

[chris-p]

They vary quite a lot. Cheap ones can be had for less than £10 (try 7 Day Shop for cheap ones) and they go up to £100-ish!

It will vary by thread size but I'd suggest a cheap one to start with, at least you can see if it works!

[shelly]

awesome, thanks for your help i shall have to look into it

Loving your pictures on your website, their amazing

Here's the toad i've been on about, took this photo using my digital compact camera tonight, i know its not the best photo in the world but nevermind haha

[shelly]

This is how my pictures are turning out when i try and photograph the toad in the pond. I should have posted this in the first place but only just uploaded my pictures haha

[chris-p]

The second one is ripe for a circular polariser. You can completely remove reflections from water (or enhance them if that's what you're after...)

[OldBoy]

When photographing toads in water wait until the sun is at it highest point, around midday as the light will be going straight down into the pond. Just position yourself until you can see the bottom of the pond then take the photo. If the sun is at an angle, then most of the light is reflected as in your photo. Of course a polariser is best but we don't always have one with us.

Example:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/...d7ba2552_b.jpg

[matt wilson]

this is what a circular polarizer can do .Took this last year.

[shelly]

Originally Posted by chris-p

The second one is ripe for a circular polariser. You can completely remove reflections from water (or enhance them if that's what you're after...)

awesome

Thanks for your help

x