Camera setup for Aquarium shots

[scott1120]

We are taking the kids to the aquarium(Oklahoma) tomorrow. This will be my first outing with the D50, so I am looking for some general settings. Should I shoot Aperature priority? I am probably going to use only the 18-55 inside. Should I open it all the way? What would be a good starting ISO?

Thanks for any advice

[edpouso]

bring a circular polarizer if you want to shoot through the glass.
some parts of the CC aquarium are very dark
most likly the same in Oklahoma.
If you are shooting the kids start a 400iso 1/90 1/125 w/flash
use a meter and test your flash before you go

[DigiSLR]

I read somewhere that if you want to use a flash to shoot the fish behind the glass, place your lens hood directly on the tank glass. The flash should iluminate insode the tank, and you won't get any of the glare from the flash reflecting back at you.

[The Loft Studios]

Use an ISO that will safely allow you to hand hold the camera steady.....usually 1/60.
Also, set your WB for "FLOURESENT", most likely this is what will be lighting a majority of the building. Just remember to change the WB if you go into a predominately daylight lit room such as one that has huge bay windows or whereby daylight comes thru the top of the aquiarium.

If you plan to use flash, then forget the advice above and put your camera on ISO 400 and set the camera to Program and shoot away.....just remember to shoot at least at a 35 Degree angle toward any glass so as to not get glare from the flash.

There are other ways to use a combination of Flash and Ambient, but it would take too long to discuss, I would suggest reading a couple of pages in the Camera Manual regarding the use of Flash.....

[DavidsStudio]

Originally Posted by scott1120

We are taking the kids to the aquarium(Oklahoma) tomorrow. This will be my first outing with the D50, so I am looking for some general settings. Should I shoot Aperature priority? I am probably going to use only the 18-55 inside. Should I open it all the way? What would be a good starting ISO?

Thanks for any advice

A lot will depend on the lighting in the tank you are shooting into. You will have to boost the ISO in almost all cases. Very few of the underwater shots will work for you below ISO 400. The comment about the lens hood against the glass is best for a number of reasons. It cuts down on glare and it helps brace the camera for lower shutter speeds. Flash may be useful but don't rely on being able to use it. There will most likely be a number of exhibits were you will not be able to use it due to its effect on the marine life involed.

All that said, you can get good shots. This one was taken at Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX. They have a theater that has a glass wall that opens into the aquarium. You can walk right up to the glass and since the room is generally dark you don't get much reflection.

Enjoy the experience.

David

[mike78628]

Thanks for the lighting tips. I too hope to get some aquarium shots in the near future.