d40x shots(still learning)

[warr40]

Hey i took some shots with my d40x with stock 18-55mm lense
i need some help i dont think i'm getting the best pics i can.
i'm using a tripod and a time-delay shutter.

i really need some constructive criticism.
I want my pictures to really show how my tank looks.
In my pics the colors look off and theres no contrast between corals and rocks. No colors really POP.

 

[kitsapdan]

nice tank, good job

 

[crsswift70]

very nice.

 

[luisgo]

I have the same camera but I sold the 18-55mm at ebay and purchased the 18-70mm which is a better glass. Your lens is ok and your results can be better.

I think that maybe your lights are not helping. The brighter the better and the whiter the better. Yours look very blue. You can fix the color with post processing. I shot all my photos with auto color balance and fix the with post processing.

The first photo is ok but to much blue. Also the white pvc parts affects the esthetics of the photo. The fish is moving because the speed is 1/8 sec. Need to be faster. Something like 1/30 sec. Not less. ISO should be higher. You can go to 800. That will compensate for the higher speed.

On the blenny there is some movement.

The yellow tang is ok.

The zoas I think there is some distortion because the lens is not perpendicular to the glass but is ok.

The Hammer is really nice except for the color and the scratch in the glass.

You can improve your pics with post processing. I used Photoshop CS3 for the next photos.

Any questions let me know

Check my photos here:

http://www.prtc.net/~luisgon/luisgoreefcam.htm

 

[InLimbo87]

x2 on picking up the 18-70mm. I picked one up for right at 160 shipped on ebay and it is much better glass/quality than the 18-55...

 

[warr40]

wow the edited pic looks alot better.
how much cash do you think i can get for my stock lense

 

[luisgo]

I sold my 18-55mm at ebay for $69 and purchased the 18-70mm for $160. You have to remember that there are a lot of people selling their 18-55mm to upgrade the kit lens. For $91 you get a better lens.

 

[ZAZA71]

That scratch in the glass acually looks like the antena from his cleaner shrimp.

 

[ZAZA71]

That scratch in the glass acually looks like the antena from his cleaner shrimp.