First attempts with DSLR

[mpderksen]

Well, not really my first, but the first time I'm actually trying to figure out how to do it correctly... Lol
I am using a Rebel XSi, and a 100mm fixed lens. (I think it's 1:1.8, but I really don't know what that means). It's the lens I use for primarily portraits because of the DOF, rather than the kit lens. I did not shoot in RAW this time.
First, here are my WB options, and I don't know how to adjust them at all!

So my diamond goby was perched in his hole. The first shot was taken with both the blue and white LEDs on. The second was whites only. No photoshop other than cropping. They really do look like the same photo!

Here's my metadata

I did use a tripod, but not my remote trigger. To get it sharper, I would need that or increase my shutter speed above 1/15.
My question is first, how to adjust my WB for better color.

 

[mpderksen]

Not to ask too,any questions at the same time, but one of my challenges in not using the flash is getting enough light. I shoot in Aperture Priority mode most of the time. To set the DOF I like. In the pictures above, 5.6 seemed just right (this lens only has a focal distance of 18inches, so I can't really get close). My ISO is already 800, and I can only take it to 1000 max.
If I open the aperture a stop, I double the light, so I could go from 1/15 sec to 1/30, but I lose my DOF. I generally like to be at least 1/60.
Perhaps turn up the LEDs? What am I missing?

 

[IslandCrow]

Yeah, if you can't push your ISO above 1000, that can make it difficult. Fortunately, gobies are good at staying still for you, but I usually want to be up around 1/200 as a minimum for taking pictures of fish. If you really want to take good pictures of fish, I'd suggest looking into using flash. It sounds like you have a good understanding of the basics of photography at the very least, so it will take some practice, but shouldn't be rocket surgery for you. First, you'll need a flash that you can get off the camera (including off the hotshoe) if you don't have one already. Just your standard cable connector will work fine (I think I picked one up for $10). For a basic, single light approach, what worked well for me is to place a reflector just above and angled down into the tank and bounce the flash from behind. It gives you nice, even illumination, and as a bonus, provides a light source your camera's white balance can deal with much more easily than aquarium lighting. You can also use your strobes directly through the glass, just keep your lens close to the glass and the strobes far enough off axis not to get the light reflecting in your photo. Even more ideal is a second strobe for fill light. It takes some creativity and practice (unfortunately, I had to sell my aquarium before I really got good at it), but once you get it, it will render moot many of the other challenges we face with aquarium photography.

 

[mpderksen]

Gotcha. I have a Speedlight that angles up, but getting a cable to go off-shoe is cheap and easy.
Glad I wasn't crazy, thinking that 1/15 sec wasn't enough, or missed something basic about the settings.

 

[IslandCrow]

Yeah, even with a very bright light setup, I was usually shooting at ISO 1600 or even higher to get the SS I wanted if I wasn't using flash. Getting good shots with flash definitely involves some prep work, but it's well worth it. The light fall-off through water can also work to your advantage as it can really help isolate your subject. Just about every really good picture of an aquarium fish I've ever seen was taken with strobes.