Question on photographing an indoor aquarium

9 years 3 months ago #425357 by Nathan D
When photographing an aquarium will a polarized filter reduce glare when shooting indoors through a glass or plexiglass fish tank?  

We are heading to one and I'm trying to figure out what to bring.  


Photo Comments
,
9 years 3 months ago #425372 by JeremyS
A polarizer would make sense to me, however that's just my uneducated guess. You'll probably also want to shoot in MF because the camera may just focus on the glass. 


,
9 years 3 months ago #425380 by garyrhook
Cutting it a bit close, aren't we?

The glass will have reflections; a polarizer will help minimize them, yes. However, it will also cost you light.

Most aquariums have light in/on the water, and dark viewing areas. That will help optimize your situation. I don't know that manual focus will be required; depends upon the situation. But you will likely want manual mode, or at least aperture so you can control the ISO and how much light gets into the camera.


Photo Comments
,
9 years 3 months ago #425418 by Alan Nunez
It depends on is the aquarium is flat or curved. This can be a really tricky one. Can you control the lighting and environment around the tank? 

If you can use large black panels/sheets to control the reflections you will probably be able to get a better shot.


,
9 years 3 months ago #425508 by Flash Steven

Alan Nunez wrote: It depends on is the aquarium is flat or curved. This can be a really tricky one. Can you control the lighting and environment around the tank? 

If you can use large black panels/sheets to control the reflections you will probably be able to get a better shot.



I don't think that would be a too mobile friendly option in a public venue  ;) .  Aside from that, a good idea. 

Canon 7D w/grip, Canon 40D, Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS L Canon MPE 65mm f2.8 macro; Sigma 70-300mm f2.8; Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro; Sigma 8-16mm f4.5-5.6
Photo Comments
,
9 years 3 months ago #425518 by Screamin Scott
Put your lens right up on the glass & reflections will be minimized... Some exhibits ban the use of flash, so be careful

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
,
9 years 3 months ago #425552 by Ira Weber
Polarized filter will work just fine, keep in mind you will lose approximately 2 stops of light.  So having a tripod most likely will come in handy


Photo Comments
,
9 years 3 months ago #425716 by Overread
Make sure you check ahead of time, most aquariums won't permit use of tripods.  In many cases there just isn't enough room and can be a hazard for other guest.  Not to mention for your gear too!  


Photo Comments
,
9 years 3 months ago #426070 by Kevin W. E.

Overread wrote: Make sure you check ahead of time, most aquariums won't permit use of tripods.  In many cases there just isn't enough room and can be a hazard for other guest.  Not to mention for your gear too!  


Many places will allow a monopod. So that may be a solution.


,
9 years 3 months ago - 9 years 3 months ago #426263 by Alan Nunez

Flash Steven wrote:

Alan Nunez wrote: It depends on is the aquarium is flat or curved. This can be a really tricky one. Can you control the lighting and environment around the tank? 

If you can use large black panels/sheets to control the reflections you will probably be able to get a better shot.



I don't think that would be a too mobile friendly option in a public venue  ;) .  Aside from that, a good idea. 


It depends on the shoot...I have photographed at a public aquarium but they closed the section during the shoot.


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Upgrade your kit in 2024 with the best intermediate camera on the market! The question is, what camera fits the bill? We’ve got three top options for you to choose from in this buyer’s guide.

May 15, 2024

The best photography jobs right now are a mix of tried-and-true gigs like wedding photography and new jobs highlighting AI’s capabilities, travel, and videography.

May 15, 2024

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

Cinematic photography is an interesting genre that combines photographic and videographic skills along with effective storytelling techniques. The result? Highly impactful images!

May 09, 2024

Newborn photography requires skill, the right gear, and a lot of patience. This beginner’s guide discusses critical topics that will help you be more prepared for before, during, and after the shoot.

May 08, 2024

To fill the frame means to expand the footprint of the subject in your shot. Get in close, zoom in, crop the image, or use other techniques to bring the subject to the forefront.

May 06, 2024