Looking for tips on how to make this image better

[nickb]

I think that looks better. I looked at the EXIF information file but couldn't find the ISO used by the camera. However, the EXIF says that you used a manual exposure with a shutter speed of 1/320 (at f5.6). I suspect that you under-exposed the image and the camera went to a high ISO to try and compensate (explaining some of the higher grain). Check out the light exposure using a spot metering option after setting the ISO to 400. This will lead to a slower shutter speed (maybe around 1/60). But, the photo will be less dark and the grain will be less. You might also want to anesthetize the fish to keep it one place

 

[BlueCorn]

I that camera unless you have a specific need you should try to stay below f/16. Diffraction will actually start occurring around f/13.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

You did a fantastic job getting your shutter speed up. 1/320 with a focal range of 100mm could be considered overkill (if you need exposure in other areas i.e. the picture is too dark). I would simply retard the shutter speed to make a brighter image.
As a *general rule* without a tripod or IS, shoot for a shutter speed of 1/mm. If your lens is set for 100mm, try to get 1/100 shutter speed. If your lens is set to 250mm, shoot for a 1/250 shutter speed minimum. With experience you will be able to gauge what you can and can't get a way with concerning shutter speed and focal range.

You say the image is darker and grainier. Your shutter speed was 1/320 and focal range of 110mm.

Lets slow down that shutter speed to say...1/250. The image will brighten up, and there is always less grain in light areas vs. dark.

2 birds with one stone. Nice framing on the 2nd image as well.

 

[Genetics]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! I set f/5.6, exp 1/100, with 100mM. The image is a bit blurry still but I think if I cut off the water flow for a few minutes that will fix it. I'll try that tomorrow (tank lights are off).

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

You will also need to learn Photoshop and edit your images, especially if you shoot RAW format. Most of the beautiful photographs on display in these forums have been "airbrushed" heavier than Katie Couric.

 

[Genetics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13498813#post13498813 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TitusvileSurfer
You will also need to learn Photoshop and edit your images, especially if you shoot RAW format. Most of the beautiful photographs on display in these forums have been "airbrushed" heavier than Katie Couric.

:lol:

 

[Blazer88]

The blurriness looks like you are shooting through the glass at an angle. It doesn't take much of an angle to distort the image. As for the DOF, I don't necessarily care things in the for/background are in focus but rather the subject. If I can't get what I need in focus with something F/13 or under, I'll back up. And yes, learn photoshop/post processing. While it can't turn a bad picture into a good one, it can turn a good one into a great one.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Depending on how good you are at Photoshop, you can turn ANY picture into a great one.

A photo-quality image could be drawn entirely from scratch.

 

[Genetics]

 

[grubbie]

Man I really like this photo. Why don't you try cropping it so just a little bit of the black background is showing.

 

[Genetics]

It's getting better. I need to figure out the best way of processing photos in photoshop. I messed up on a few areas that aren't apparent unless you look at it for awhile.

 

[Letmegrow]

Are you pressing the "shoot" button with your finger to take the pic ?

You should use the timer function if not a remote trigger.

It looks like the camera is shaking still.

 

[Genetics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13508449#post13508449 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Letmegrow
Are you pressing the "shoot" button with your finger to take the pic ?

You should use the timer function if not a remote trigger.

It looks like the camera is shaking still.

Yeah, I am. I will change that here is a bit with a remote. Also, I realized that I left a pump on yesterday while doing this and may explain why the polyps are all distorted.

 

[Genetics]

Changed it up a bit to get a little better depth.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Your fish sure does love that spot.

 

[Genetics]

Yes he does. The only time he doesn't seems to be when the pumps are off...

 

[heyfredyourhat]

def. needs a frame/border, maybe try and move the fish down a bit and catch the top of the acro...I like to use the blur and sharpen tools in photoshop, u can blur everything around the fish and sharpen the fish...gives it a bit more pop

 

[Genetics]

Yeah my photoshop skills are lacking. I wish I knew a few more tricks.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13518631#post13518631 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by heyfredyourhat
def. needs a frame/border, maybe try and move the fish down a bit and catch the top of the acro...I like to use the blur and sharpen tools in photoshop, u can blur everything around the fish and sharpen the fish...gives it a bit more pop

You aren't talking about the little triangle sharpening tool are you?

 

[latazyo]

nathaniel the pic is coming along nicely composition wise

still some technical skill to gain, but it's really developing into a great pic

its cool that your fish is so cooperative