Special Lighting Techniques

[BeakerBob]

I have been using several lighting techniques to highlight the reef subject (fish, coral, invert, etc.) and eliminate the distracting background. Of course, this can be accomplished via photoshopping, but I try to do most of the work in the camera itself instead of manipulating the electronic file picture in post-processing.

Some techniques I have used can be done very easily:

Flash snoot: use a 1/2 cardboard roll from paper towels and tape it to the front of your flash. Cover any other parts of the flash so that no light leaks out except for what is going through the snoot. You may have to aim the snoot at your subject and the snoot will light up a much smaller area.

LED Flashlight: I use an LED flashlight on many occasions, especially at night, to light up my reef subject. The other tank lights are generally out for the night, but there is still a lot of action going on in the tank.

Off Camera flash: This technique is the best for shooting fish if your camera allows for it. Most DSLR's can use an off-camera flash. Mount the flash high on either the right or left side pointing downward towards the subject.

What lighting techniques have you used? Post them for discussion!

 

[Loki]

I usually turn off my blue T5's and only have white T5's on. It makes matching the white balance possible within the camera. For night shots I have used a led flashlight but have not had very good results. I think it's mainly because the flashlight I have is more of a spot light and doesn't light much area.

 

[Pkunk35]

Would love to hear more, I'm hoping to finally purchase a DSLR this year and take some decent pics. Or attempt to anyway!

 

[Poseidon]

I once dug out the studio flash heads and put them right up against the glass, until the wife got mad.... LOL

In all seriousness though, all that light made for some very DETAILED shots:

 

[BeakerBob]

Mike, that sidelighting really brings out the detail of the fish scales on the clown!