How do I get decent pics with 20K bulbs?????

[jlinzmaier]

I'm no photogropher. Don't even have a tripod. What I really need advice on is how to overcome the blue intensity of 20K bulbs on my photos. Trying to photoshop out the overall blue color significantly distorts the other colors.

My prior bulbs were quite white and it wasn't an issue. Now that I switched to the radiums it's nearly impossible to get pics that don't make everthing look like it's a shade of blue. I have a Kodak DX 7630 (6.1MP). It's a fairly decent camera for a wide variety of picture taking but definately wasn't designed for extremely close up pics and/or pics under 20K lighting!! I can't afford a new camera right now, just wondering if anyone has tips on how to overcome the 20K blue to bring out the natural coloration of corals in my pics. It's kind of weird becuase if I take a pic from far away (across the room) the color is normal and appears as it does when I'm looking at the tank. The closer I get the more the blue takes over. (The flash doesn't do any justice either, that just makes everything look more brown)

Jeremy

 

[cubsare1]

not sure if this will help or not
http://www.melevsreef.com/take_great_pictures.html

 

[mark_mo]

Hey - thanks for the website cubsare! We just purchased a pretty nice canon and have sort of been playing with the settings to figure out what works best - that website is great! Now I don't have to consult my "photography for dummies" book.
Thanks

 

[jlinzmaier]

Yes, thanks again for the website. There's some very helpful info there. Unfortunately my camera doesn't have much capability for white balance compensation and I think I'll be investing in a new one.

Really appreciate your help.

Jeremy

 

[RCS]

Simplified:

1. Get yourself a tripod.
2. Set the shot and leave it on auto (it will need a longer exposure time).
3. Most decent photo editing programs can white balance for you.

If your photo editing software isn't up to the task, try downloading and using GIMP.

 

[jlinzmaier]

Thanks Fred. I monkeyed around with a few different programs I have and found HP image zone to have adequate capabilities to help minimize the 20K effect. Some of the editing gets pretty complicated and I think it takes a bit of playing around to really learn how to get the effect you want.

I think the tripod will be my next investment. Using the tripod with a timer should significantly improve my photos.

Appreciate your help.

Jeremy