Hello All!

Travis - in case you're reading this - I really enjoyed the podcast on aquarium photography and I'm going to try out your tips concerning shooting corals vs. fish with the different f-stops that you recommended. I assume, though, for corals such as xenia, you might want to shoot it with similar settings to fish??

But, on to my real question....

My camera (Canon EOS 1D) allows me to not only set my white balance to the typical standard settings, but I can also choose in the kelvin range (2500-10000). I'm just wondering if you can recommend a range to start with for aquarium photography, specifically when using metal halides+T5's or just actinics alone.

Love your websites! You've got some spectacular photography! :-)

Hi Reefbaby!

Thanks for the nice words. :)

You are correct, xenia is an exception to the rule for sure... constant motion, shoot it like you would a fish, except I would still recommend using the tripod since it probably won't be swimming off on you. ;)

1D is an excellent camera... congrats on that! If I'm not mistaken, you have the option to shoot in RAW format with that camera. So my advice would be to shoot RAW, then edit the white balance setting in your RAW image converter (download the latest from Canon if you haven't yet). If you would prefer to shoot JPEG, then note the white balance you settled on in the RAW converter and dial that in to your camera.

Another way to do it would be to manually set the white balance using a piece of new PVC inside the tank for your test shot. Then, again, note the color temperature the camera gives you.

Overall, the temperature will be slightly different no matter what, which is why I always shoot RAW when possible, and would recommend you do the same. Nothing beats being able to adjust each shot's white balance individually.


Travis

Thanks Travis! Yeah, I played around a bit tonight taking different shots at different f-stops and ISO settings.

It's such a cool thing that by shooting in RAW that you can go back afterwards and change all the settings. It's such an awesome feature. Good things we got a 2GB stick! :-)

Another way to do it would be to manually set the white balance using a piece of new PVC inside the tank for your test shot. Then, again, note the color temperature the camera gives you.
So, with the new PVC tubing, would you take the test shot with AWB then and see what the camera chose for itself? Is that what you mean?

That would be one way to do it, but I assume the 1D has a "custom white balance" feature. Check your manual for instructions. :)

Thanks Travis! I appreciate it! Actually, the 1Ds (typo is previous post) does have a custom feature. So, I'll try to post some pictures at some time on the photo forum and you can give your expert critique! :-)

does that tip for taking pictures in raw, refer to the Nikon d50 also? thats my camera i have and i can shoot in raw..

does that tip for taking pictures in raw, refer to the Nikon d50 also? thats my camera i have and i can shoot in raw..


Yup. RAW if ya' got it. :)

Travis - I tried it out this weekend! Wow! It's so cool that you can post process everything afterwards if you've shot in RAW. Thanks for the great advice!