[mattolsen]

So I just got a new camera, a samsung nx100, and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on shooting their vivariums when they're lit from above. Since the frogs move so quickly I feel like turning the lights off and shooting at a slow shutter speed won't work well. On the other hand when I shoot with the lights on I get all kinds of glare. I'm using a polarizer filter and a 20-50mm F3.5 lens. Since I'm still waiting on my adapter so I can use my canon macro lens I'm just looking to take a few good shots without it for now. Thanks in advance.

matt

 

[freaky_tah]

Do you have a front opening tank? Opening the door is the easiest way to remove glare. If not, take pictures at night and turn off any external lights other than the tank light. That will remove any glare from external light sources, just like you'd do for a fish tank. Make sure that glass is clean too!

 

[VicSkimmr]

We need example pics to be honest. I don't know what type of glare you're talking about. A good first step would be to make sure the glass is clean though.

If you're seeing reflections (total guess), I'd suggest dressing all in black, turning out the lights in the room and using a timer on the camera so you can step out of the way if need be.

 

[mattolsen]

They're vertical tanks, 10 and 20's to be specific. I was shooting with the tank door open, it's just that the lights are mounted above and the light seems to be a little too bright. Didn't know if I could light them some other way to shoot them. I'll give the suggested method a try.

 

[VicSkimmr]

Your camera should be compensating for the amount of light with a faster shutter speed. What mode do you have it set on?

 

[gardennub]

With clean glass you shouldnt be getting any glare. In fact since the lights are on the opposite side of the glass than you are taking pictures from, it should be preventing glare. Check to make sure the glare is not coming from nearby windows, ceiling lights, or lamps. If possible have the tank light as the only light source.

If the lights seem too bright try decreasing the shutter speed or closing the aperture more. If you know how, lower your ISO as well. This will give you more crisp shots. Im not a pro at photography but I have been learning for the past couple of years.

 

[VicSkimmr]

The odd thing is that most people have the opposite problem. I have to use a tripod if I want any chance at getting a decently crisp shot of my frogs due to the required slow shutter speed.

 

[gardennub]

Hmm...I have only ever taken a few shots of tanks but I actually had to put my shutter speed around 1/100th of a second, with an aperature of i think 6.8? You can still take good pictures with a steady hand at 1/60th of a second. Im talking about my tank that I just took pictures of recently. It was in a completely dark room with only the tank light on.