Anybody have any tips on taking pictures of my tank. I've been trying over & over, but this is the best I can do.
Thanks
Thanks
Pictures?
- Thread starter TonyN
- Start date
Do you have a macro mode on your camera? That's the best way to take pictures. It's specifically for focus on close-up subjects. There will be an icon that looks like a flower (at least on Canon and Fuji models) Also, (and I am assuming a digital cam here) use a tripod. When you are focusing on small objects close up like that, your hands are usually too shaking for a clear focus. It's hard enough to snap a moving object, twice as hard as what you are using to snap is moving too!
Um, whats wrong with the picture you took? The fish look lively, the plants appear crisp, and the water looks great. I don't see whats wrong with it. 
Well, I thought it looked kind of fuzzy, and I couldn't figure out how to make it bigger. It sure doesn't look as good as some of the beautiful pictures I've seen posted here.
Anyway, thanks for saying nice things.
Anyway, thanks for saying nice things.
Tracy - no I dont have a macro. Its a rather inexpensive Kodak DC3200 model.
I guess I need some better equipment to take good pictures.
I guess I need some better equipment to take good pictures.
Not necessarily. I also think it's a lovely shot. Have you read through your manual? There might be something similar to a macro mode, also the tripod thing. They're under $10 at walmart and well worth the investment.
The best bits of advice I have are to reiterate Traci's comment on a tripod being worth it, and to remember never to try to use a flash.
I get what I consider decent but not spectacular results with and without macro mode. (Some of my shots I want to get my whole tank in and those, of course, are not really macros mode shots.)
The faster you can get the exposure rate the better when dealing with smaller faster fish. (like Cardinal Tetras who don't like sitting still for pictures).
I get what I consider decent but not spectacular results with and without macro mode. (Some of my shots I want to get my whole tank in and those, of course, are not really macros mode shots.)
The faster you can get the exposure rate the better when dealing with smaller faster fish. (like Cardinal Tetras who don't like sitting still for pictures).
I assume you used flash? It looks like it in the pic...
If so,
Don't. It alters the appearance of the colors and doesn't give an accurate image of the tank. Wait until night time (or if you can get the house dark by closing the curtains/blinds/etc. Turn off all of the room lights and just leave the tank lights on.
Use a tripod if you can. Even a chair with books stacked on top of it will work. Or a table. Or a small step ladder. If you shake the camera when you take the picture, it increases your chances of getting a blurry picture.
Use the closeup mode and get close enough to the tank to just get the entire thing in the frame.
Take a LOT of pictures. Even the best tank pictures you've seen were probably 1 of 100 pictures taken. Then just weed through them.
Clean the glass (duh) inside and out before hand.
As for making it bigger...you didn't alter it to get it that small? Usually the image that the camera transfers to your computer is pretty large and it must be shrunk down...but I can't really help you there because that's the way mine does it automatically (kodak CX6330).
If so,
Don't. It alters the appearance of the colors and doesn't give an accurate image of the tank. Wait until night time (or if you can get the house dark by closing the curtains/blinds/etc. Turn off all of the room lights and just leave the tank lights on.
Use a tripod if you can. Even a chair with books stacked on top of it will work. Or a table. Or a small step ladder. If you shake the camera when you take the picture, it increases your chances of getting a blurry picture.
Use the closeup mode and get close enough to the tank to just get the entire thing in the frame.
Take a LOT of pictures. Even the best tank pictures you've seen were probably 1 of 100 pictures taken. Then just weed through them.
Clean the glass (duh) inside and out before hand.
As for making it bigger...you didn't alter it to get it that small? Usually the image that the camera transfers to your computer is pretty large and it must be shrunk down...but I can't really help you there because that's the way mine does it automatically (kodak CX6330).
Thanks everybody for all your responses. I will definitely look in Walmart for a tripod. I didn't know you could get them that cheap. As for the flash, I dont know if I can even disconnect the flash on my camera. It flashes automatically. I'm going to dig up the manual and see what I can do. I'll also look into the macro thing.
Thanks
Thanks
I have a Kodak EasyShare CX4300. I've taken a few "decent" photos with it, but I've yet to try it with the room black and with a tripod. The camera has a close-up mode and I can alter the exposure compensation (would this help?). +/- 2 is the maximum in .5 increments. How would I set exp. comp. to get best results?