Telephoto Lens

Use a telephoto lens for your aquarium

Got fish in your aquarium?  If you do, believe it or not, this is the perfect place to take beautiful pictures of the fish using a telephoto lens. 

So just how do I do it?

First you will need a 35mm slr camera or a Digital SLR camera so that you can attach the proper lenses. You will also require the proper digital camera accessories or 35mm slr camera accessories.  Good  you have these, now set your photography equipment up.  For the photo shot to be successful, make sure the tripod and the camera, as well as the light are located at the aquarium tank's top. Do not immediately start taking pictures.  Give the fish time to get familiar with the equipment first.  This will help them relax and will ensure the shots taken of them will look natural and candid.  

Usually, the best 35mm film to use when taking shots of moving subjects – in this case, the fish – is an ISO 400 film.  This type of film will take shots of quick moving subjects without the blur and ensure the best photo.  This is also the best type of 35mm film use for an environment that is low on lighting yet fast in movement.

So what telephoto lens should be used?

For this project, taking pictures of aquarium fish, a lens with a measurement anywhere between 28mm and 80mm will normally work best. For really close up shots, use a tube that can be extended. 

This is where the Digital SLR camera will work better than the 35mm slr camera, because you can view the photo first. You will need to try out different types of lenses and measurements to make sure that the desired effect you want to achieve is ultimately accomplished.  Just a little experimenting is the key.  The type and length of the lens that works well outdoors will not always work as well when used inside a fish tank. 

Be aware of the sensitivities of the shadows

When using telephoto lens in the aquarium, observe any shadows that crop up in the background while you are taking your shots.  Wait for that perfect moment until there is a fish that appears to contrast against the background and away from any shadows.  This will ensure that your subject will appear clear in the final and developed picture.

Check the lighting

The lighting in the tank you are going to take pictures of should be good. The best location for the lighting is at the top of the tank. As with any electrical components, you need to be careful when lighting is used in or around water, because it can be dangerous. Make sure that the placement of the lighting is safe and secure. You want to prevent any type of electric shock as this could prove to be fatal, both to the fishes as well as to the photographer.  Don't leave the lights on to long cause it could heat up the water and cause damage to the fish.

It is not advisable to use your camera flash when taking pictures of aquarium fish.  The flash will cause a glare and could give off a reflection or produce a shiny, glaring spot in the picture that could distract, if not ruin, the shot.

Focus is the key word

Concentrate on focusing on the moving fish as it darts and swims across the water.  This is the time when you can determine the specific type of measurements, lenses, aperture opening as well as shutter speed that will be required.  Here is a good little tip, when the fish is swimming towards you, try to increase the depth of field in your camera.  This creates a much more focused and clear shot.  

The secrets to great photography

There are many ways to take great pictures.  However, this want happen in just a few seconds, hours, days, weeks or even months, but probably take years to achieve.  A lot of practise, but most of all, a lot of patience is needed to get that perfect shot, and to learn those photography techniques and a photography skills. 

Use common sense when using  telephoto lens or any other digital camera accessories or 35mm slr camera accessories when taking photographs. Learn though the use of the equipment and reading.  The good results you will get is worth the effort.      

All in all, photography is an art form and medium. No matter if your using a telephoto lens or not it is used to express an emotion, idea or message.   For the photography hobbyist, taking with a pictures with a telephoto lens is a way to experiment and explore, while a serious photographer could just as well use photography to convey a concept that no other medium could best express.  Your photos don't just capture a moment, but an idea whose time has come.