Lighting for aquariums

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Deleted

Senior Member
Hi

I need to improve my aquarium fish shots & am finding lighting an issue. The below shot was taken in a display tank with 2 strong LED light units. Even then, I'm dealing with only f8 for DoF - I'd like a few more stops. I cannot use flash for fish - they do not have eyelids & it would startle them.

Is there a way I can use flash with modelling lights only? Can I do this with Nikon Speedlights or would I need full studio units?

1/125 at f8 ISO 640
View attachment 121698
 
D

Deleted

Senior Member
STM said:
Honestly, I have used flash (from above) and never really had a problem with startling the fish.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I am intending to get the R1C1 kit, so I could have a go with those units with diffusers.

Why did you only use flash from above? I ask because the show tank for the Betta fish shots is 10 litres, so lighting could be positioned on the sides.
 
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WayneF

Senior Member
Gorf said:
Is there a way I can use flash with modelling lights only? Can I do this with Nikon Speedlights or would I need full studio units?
Click to expand...

Sure, you can use the modeling lights on studio lights. Just don't trigger the flash (pull the sync cord, or remove the triggers). Or the inexpensive clamp on work reflectors ($10 class, hardware departments) would be the same thing. 150 watt incandescents won't be bright though.. modeling lights at f/8, 1/200, IS0 100 at three feet is likely a black picture.

So called modeling lights on speedlights is just many low power flashes, like HSS. It would be much less bright than any full flash.
 
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J-see

Senior Member
Can't you just put a light-source directly above the aquarium and light it like that? I did that a couple ago while shooting my watery compositions and it works perfect. Everything inside is clearly lit and there's no reflection bothering the lens.

I shot 100 ISO 1/2000s no flash but then again, there was nothing else obstructing the light from above.
 
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D

Deleted

Senior Member
J-see said:
Can't you just put a light-source directly above the aquarium and light it like that? I did that a couple ago while shooting my watery compositions and it works perfect. Everything inside is clearly lit and there's no reflection bothering the lens.

I shot 100 ISO 1/2000s no flash but then again, there was nothing else obstructing the light from above.
Click to expand...

Do you mean a flash? In the above shot, there are already 2 aquarium LED units up there.
 
D

Deleted

Senior Member
WayneF said:
Sure, you can use the modeling lights on studio lights. Just don't trigger the flash (pull the sync cord, or remove the triggers). Or the inexpensive clamp on work reflectors ($10 class, hardware departments) would be the same thing. 150 watt incandescents won't be bright though.. modeling lights at f/8, 1/200, IS0 100 at three feet is likely a black picture.

So called modeling lights on speedlights is just many low power flashes, like HSS. It would be much less bright than any full flash.
Click to expand...

Thanks Wayne, I may try reflectors.
 
J

J-see

Senior Member
Gorf said:
Do you mean a flash? In the above shot, there are already 2 aquarium LED units up there.
Click to expand...

I used one LED around 300Lm I think. That won't be enough for your aquarium but you can use a TL-lamp I think. You only need to make sure you cover the sides to avoid any light into your direction.
 
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Deezey

Senior Member
What's the par level in the tank? Shoot in a dark room with high light from above.

What fixtures are you running for the size of the tank?

Flash from above won't bother a fish. Its natural to them(moving cloud cover, lightning) Light from the sides will stress them and could cause their colors to wash out.
 
D

Deleted

Senior Member
Deezey said:
What's the par level in the tank? Shoot in a dark room with high light from above.

What fixtures are you running for the size of the tank?

Flash from above won't bother a fish. Its natural to them(moving cloud cover, lightning) Light from the sides will stress them and could cause their colors to wash out.
Click to expand...

We have been using a 10 litre bare tank (with heater) to photograph the fish. Netting each fish out from it's normal tank into the show tank for about 30 mins for the shots. A mirror at the side to encourage "flaring". The lighting for the show tank is 2x Eheim lamps at 1300 Lux each.
 
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skene

Senior Member
What I find that worked for me is to try getting any type of diffuser that will soften the light when using flash.

These worked well for me when shooting aquarium shots.

gary-fong-puffer-pop-up-flash-diffuser-4.jpg
 
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