[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: 990 digital pic tips
I absolutely agree with Randy.I worked my way up from 35mm, to a CP 800(from
work) , to my own CP 990.
I'm still using the build in flash of the 990(no pesetas for slaves yet).I
shoot my fish when they come to the front of the aquarium.I use both "A"
mode -aperture priority auto and "M" mode.The camera sets the shutter speed,
you set the aperture in "A" mode.A large aperture setting also extends the
range of the build in flash.
In "M" mode you can set shutter speed and aperture.I use matrix or center
weighted metering for most of my shots.Also set the white balance to the
lights you use on your aquarium(fluorescent,incandescent etc.)
You do need a lot of patience.You have to study your fish's behavior to get
good shots.Your fish need to get used to that big guy holding a black thing
in front of them.The hardest fish's for me to take pix of are my Discus.They
used to run for cover when they saw my camera,or me:).
I parked the camera on a tripod in front of the tank for weeks for the
Discus to get used to it.
My apistos are used to the camera now.They basically go by their routine and
ignore me.
It takes a lot of practice.I probably shot
a thousand pictures that were junk.That's the beauty of digital:
instant results ,delete the bad ones.No money spend on wasted film.
I take my pix early in the morning in complete darkness around the tanks ,or
in the evening when everybody is hungry and eager to get his picture taken.
If you're really interested in digital aquarium photography you should read
Randy's articles on the subject:
http://characin.com/carey/index.html
http://www.megapixel.net/
Oh ,here's another tip: I uploaded the newest firmware version for the 990
at Nikons website for a speedier auto focus and other updates at:
http://www.nikontechusa.com/
Read the instructions carefully.You don't want to mess up your camera.
HTH
Max
>From: Randy Carey <carey@spacestar.net>
>Reply-To: apisto@listbox.com
>To: apisto@listbox.com
>Subject: 990 digital pic tips
>Date: Wed, 07 Feb 2001 17:14:38 -0600
>
>If you don't mind, I'll answer the Coolpix question. I've worked my way up
>fromt
>eh 900 to the 950 to the 990, and now I'm waiting to hear what features the
>2001
>model will have.
>
>The two best tips for good fish photography is to use a high f-stop (at
>least 8,
>preferably 11 or even 16) and you must use a flash (some people use two or
>more).
>
>The Coolpix 950 and the 990 have "aperture priority." Use it and set it as
>high
>as possible (usually 11). Use an off-camera flash and suppress the
>on-camera
>flash (in the menu settings). The camera's flash causes glass glare and it
>was
>never powered to pierce through glass and water anyway, so instead use an
>off-camera flash and hold it a ways from the camera. I bought a used Nikon
>flash
>(SB25) for about $200, and it is really nice. A remote flash is essential.
>
>Since my shots are of fish (small fish), and not of the full aquarium, I
>use the
>macro mode.
>
>Apisto's tend to be a little slow moving (compared to the other fish I
>shoot), so
>I can use the autofocus to lock onto a good focus. My best pics are with
>autofocus.
>
>You risk getting reflections off the glass unless you turn off all light in
>the
>room except the one over the tank. And if the water level is below the
>tank's
>top frame, light can bounce out and add your reflection onto the glass.
>
>The last tip is one that I read about from several photographers -- and
>Vinny
>includes it on his site -- one must be patient. You might need to sit for
>10,
>20, 30, even 60 minutes before you get that great shot. Professionals
>often wait
>longer, I'm told.
>
>As far as framing and composition -- you are using digital -- you can
>practice
>all you want and it only costs your time. I've had months in which I shot
>a
>thousand pics. I could not do that were I using film.
>
>--Randy
>
>
>Jan Bøgh wrote:
>
> > > Thanks John,
> > > I used a Nikon Coolpix 800 for the older pix and a Nikon CP 990 for
>the
> > > newer ones ( viejita, uaupesi and Discus ).I'll add some pix to the
>album
> > > ,check back once in a while.
> > > Max
> >
> > Hi Max
> >
> > I've seen your pictures and I am very impressed. I use a CP990 too and I
> > would like to ask You a few questions, but maybe email would be more
> > appropriate (the subject is perhabs a little offtopic). So If You are
> > willing to discus tank photographing a little, please send me Your mail
> > address.
> >
> > Regards
> > Jan Boegh
> >
> > jan at boegh dot net
> >
> >
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com.
> > For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help,
> > email apisto-request@listbox.com.
> > Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List
>Archives"!
>
>
>
>-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com.
>For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help,
>email apisto-request@listbox.com.
>Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List
>Archives"!
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the apistogramma mailing list, apisto@listbox.com.
For instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe or get help,
email apisto-request@listbox.com.
Search http://altavista.digital.com for "Apistogramma Mailing List Archives"!