Aquarium Photography

[thisisgazza]

Hi Everyone,

I wonder if anyone has any advice on aquarium photography, and more specific, marine aquarium photography (corals, clownfish etc.).

One of the main problems i have, is lighting. Although the lighting in the aquarium is pretty bright, its doesn't seem to be the right spectrum for the camera. Images do come out quite dark and have to compensate with longer shutter speeds, ISO etc.
Im wondering whether its the lighting thats causing the overall problem. The light range is specifically 10,000-14,000K. Does anyone know if cameras struggle at this sort of range? Would supplementing this light with other colours, would that help me lower the ISO for a better cleaner image.

I would be very grateful for any experience on this kind of subject manner as i would like to improve my skills.

I have a Nikkon D7000, Tamron macro 90mm, Tamron 17-50mm

Thanks for the help

Andy

[ianpinion]

Hi Andy,

The lighting in the aquarium may seem bright, but it's nowhere near as bright as an external flashgun and the water absorbs and diffuses the light to such effect, it soon sucks all the power out of it. All the best shots I've seen taken of fish in tanks have used a remote flashgun suspended over the top of the tank and aimed downwards. This gives a really nice effect and it looks quite natural. You may need to get permission from the aquarium owners if this is one that is open to the public and it's always best practice to ask first anyway.

[wavemachine]

I have also seen people use a diffused flash or lamp either end of the tank with good results as well..