How to Take Pictures of Coral

Aquarium enthusiasts often like to share their work with others in the community. From newly-hatched fry to a rare coral aquisition, you cannot adequately show the quality and detail of the subject without the proper photographic technique. The low light of an aquarium coupled with the fast-moving subjects in the aquarium make subjects like coral especially difficult to photograph. Using some basic photographic techniques, you can ensure a well-composed, in-focus image of your coral.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital camera
  • F/2.8 or better lens
  • Lens hood
  • Tripod
  • Aquarium
  • Coral
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a fast lens for your camera of f/2.8 or better. This means the lens' shutter can open very wide and quickly, letting more light in and capturing low-light or fast-moving subjects.

    • 2

      Attach a compatible lens hood to the end of your lens. This will prevent excess light from entering the lens and allow you to come in direct contact with the aquarium glass.

    • 3

      Set the camera's ISO setting to at least 800. The ISO setting refers to the light sensitivity of film stock or, in the case of a digital camera, the sensor. You can shoot at a higher setting but it will produce progressively more "noise," or graininess, in the image as you increase the ISO.

    • 4

      Set the camera's flash setting to "Off." This will prevent any reflected glare from the flash and will not unduly stress the animals in your aquarium.

    • 5

      Set the camera to "Rapid Fire" shooting. This will allow you to take several photos per second, avoiding blur from your natural movement and giving you several exposures to choose from each time you shoot.

    • 6

      Set the lens to manual focus. This will allow you to set a specific focus for more-or-less stationary subjects like coral.

    • 7

      Set the camera shoot setting to "Aperture Priority" or "Av" on most cameras. This will allow you to set the aperture, with the camera automatically setting the shutter speed.

    • 8

      Attach the camera to a tripod to prevent excess movement while photographing.

    • 9

      Turn on the aquarium lights.

    • 10

      Place the tripod in front of the aquarium and press the camera lens against the glass in front of the coral so that the hood makes even contact with the glass.

    • 11

      Press the shutter button and take a few photos.

    • 12

      Review the images. If they appear too dark, you may wish to decrease the aperture further or decrease the shutter speed. If they appear too bright, you may wish to increase the aperture or the shutter speed.

    • 13

      Change your position and, if possible, shoot several sides of the coral. This will produce the widest range of images to choose from when the time comes to select and edit the images.