My Vertex Illumina Photos.

AGYDAL · Sep 22, 2011

'Big Green' was my first coral in this tank, I love that coral, so I bought him a friend.
<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4251.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4251.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4253.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4253.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

another adddition to my misfit coral collection...i hope he cheers up in my tank.
<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4103.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4255.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4255.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4223.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4223.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4228.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4228.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4254.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4254.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4380.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4380.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4379.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4379.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

this is from my other reef tank, but I think it's a cool picture.
<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4273.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4273.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

sorry this round of photos isn't too great, busy week, hopefully soon I can get a few nice FTS.

x947 · Sep 23, 2011

Tell us about your camera equipment ! any general techniques that you use for your shots ? aperture settings, tripod, etc ?

beautiful tank !

AGYDAL · Sep 23, 2011

sorry it's long winded, no I'm not procrastinating *guilty tone* yes, yes I am:

sorry it's long winded, no I'm not procrastinating *guilty tone* yes, yes I am:

x947 said:
Tell us about your camera equipment ! any general techniques that you use for your shots ? aperture settings, tripod, etc ?

beautiful tank !

Thank you!

I used a Nikon D7000 with the 18-105 VR kit lens with a set of Kenko Extension Tubes for all of these shots...I just can't figure out a way to justify the cost of the macro lens I want

and honestly for my macro just being hobby photography, I'd be silly to drop the cash on a lens even if I could justify it.

I shoot in RAW only, sometimes I white balance before I shoot. I'm still getting used to this camera under LED so I haven't found my sweet spot as far as setting suggestions...one thing I do love about the 7000, it has some basic photo edit tools on the camera, so I can edit between shots; i usually edit the photo while I have the subject there to color compare...though I feel my pictures are a bit dark (the colors are true though) but that's sorta my style.

I have a tripod but very rarely use it...you can make fun of me for this, but when I did need a tripod for these shots I used a chair with a few pillows in a laundry basket and a remote shutter release. I do use a tripod for exposure shots (star trails & lightning) with remote shutter release.

As far as my technique/suggestions...
ummmmm, I was a studio art student, until I got bored and changed my major (I went to a large university with an excellent art school and had a 4.0 when I switched majors)honestly I just got tired of hearing "you HAVE to do it this way" so many people get so nervous about the process, that nervousness shows in their end product...its art not brain surgery, mistakes aren't a big deal...some of my best work has been a result of an oops.

Here's some of my methodology behind my photo madness

1. I never plan to photo my tank, everytime I plan to photo my tank I'm never happy with the result , since I already have an idea of what I want my result to be.

2. I don't mash down the photo button...I just wait till the subject is in the general area I want it, then I slowly start to press the photo button, I like the click of the shutter to be somewhat of a suprise...a lot like shooting a gun, you want to avoid as much kick as possible.

3. I never center my subject. Google golden ratio composition.

4. Before you take your shot, squint enough to blur your vision...this is a easy way to see where the "weight/main focus" of photo is (if you googled golden ratio this should make sense)

5. If your photos don't look right ask someone under the age of 10 to look at your photos...I'M NOT JOKING! Kids are brutally honest without being malicious...also kids like interaction in photos versus adults just wanna cut to the chase.

sorry, this was a bit long winded I hope it helps...and like I said, they're just suggestions.

x947 · Sep 25, 2011

I have a D80 with an 18 to 135 lens (no VR) but I can't get a full tank shot I like . . . of course I'm cycling right now so I have no livestock but I can't get a picture of my aquascaping that I'm happy with. I have a tripod but need to get a remote shutter release. I have done a little reading on the "rule of thirds" and the golden ratio but I can't seem to get the "texture", depth of field, and lighting that I want. I can see a great picture in my mind, I just can't seem to understand what to do to get the camera to capture it. I play with my settings (I shoot manual alot to try different stuff) but it only seems like I make my pictures lighter or darker.

I don't really know much about the extension tubes. Are they expensive ? They just allow you to shoot in more of a "macro" mode, right ? Do you do any software manipulation of your images ?

Thanks for the info it was a great post. Love the pictures (and the dog - Pom, right ?).

Keep up the good work !

AGYDAL · Sep 26, 2011

x947-I just have processed photos with me at the moment, I'll post some visual examples of what I was talking about in the next day or two, for you.

till then, here's a few more.

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4499.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4499.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4501.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4501.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4487.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4487.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4459.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4459.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4483.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4483.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4482.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4482.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4471.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4471.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4502.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4502.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4450.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4450.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

AGYDAL · Sep 26, 2011

x947 · Sep 28, 2011

what are those yellow/orange buttons called ?

3rdimension · Sep 28, 2011

The colors on this one are insane!

AGYDAL said:
<a href=http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4180.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4180.jpg border=0 alt=></a>

3rdimension · Sep 28, 2011

What are those weird barb, horn like things coming out the sides of him? I've never seen that on a mandarin dragonet goby before.

AGYDAL said:
<a href=http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=_DSC3308.jpg target=_blank><img src=http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/_DSC3308.jpg border=0 alt=></a>

x947 · Sep 28, 2011

I wants me some of these for my tank . . .

KJM1283 · Sep 29, 2011

Very nice pictures!

AGYDAL · Sep 29, 2011

x947- it's a sun coral (though it's a NPS coral)...a really *expletive deleted* big sun coral :lolspin: I feed it PE mysis twice a week, i've been able to condition it, as soon as I turn off my return it knows it's feeding time...otherwise it just sorta opens at random times.

3rdimension-did you notice the little pod peeking out in the middle of the crazy colors photo?
The "horns" on the mandarin are him puffing sand out his gills...every so often he goes for a pod and gets a mouthful of sand instead.

KJM1283-Thanks!

AGYDAL · Oct 14, 2011

x947 said:
I have a D80 with an 18 to 135 lens (no VR) but I can't get a full tank shot I like . . . of course I'm cycling right now so I have no livestock but I can't get a picture of my aquascaping that I'm happy with. I have a tripod but need to get a remote shutter release. I have done a little reading on the "rule of thirds" and the golden ratio but I can't seem to get the "texture", depth of field, and lighting that I want. I can see a great picture in my mind, I just can't seem to understand what to do to get the camera to capture it. I play with my settings (I shoot manual alot to try different stuff) but it only seems like I make my pictures lighter or darker.

When taking a full tank shot, make sure your lens is perpendicular to the tank, otherwise your photo will be distorted...sometimes if im not 100% if I'm lined up with the center of my tank I will take a piece of string, tape the string to the center of the tank and then pull the string to my lens...kind of like using a chalk line minus a wall? I hope that makes sense? make sure to remove the string and wipe up the glass before taking the picture though

Shutter releases are nice, but not necessary, when shooting a non moving subject you can get nearly the same results with your self timer (especially if you're just cycling)...also, be careful of focusing on adding more gadgets before gaining a base understanding of your current equipment...gadgets are cool, but can be enough of a distraction to cause issues with your finished product

You're going to hate me for saying this but just keep playing with your camera...eventually something will 'Click" (no pun intended) and you'll have a beautiful result...that's how I got to the point I'm at...just be glad you're learning in digital format, my photo skills were learned during the days of 35mm film.

i'm half joking but...If you get too frustrated try :beer: it helped some of my art projects in college! don't drink too much though, excessive consumption can cause blurred focus

I don't really know much about the extension tubes. Are they expensive ? They just allow you to shoot in more of a "macro" mode, right ? Do you do any software manipulation of your images ?
Extension Tubes are spacers that you use between your camera body and your lens...I dont think that you get 1:1 ratio but it's close...for hobby type photography IMO they're better than spending a lot of $$ on a macro lens...ALL my macro shots where taken with extension tubes.

Thanks for the info it was a great post. Love the pictures (and the dog - Pom, right ?).
No Problem hope this post helped too! Yep, he's a pom...not the type of dog I ever thought I would have as a pet, he's really won me over, more like a stuffed animal than a dog.

Keep up the good work !
The cropping tool is really all I use as far as editing...other than my white balance adjust for the LED
Before:
<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4498.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4498.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

After:
<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4499.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4499.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

AGYDAL · Oct 14, 2011

<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4598.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4598.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I think it's a starfish of some sort? anyone know for sure please chime in.
<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4681.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4681.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

red chalice under daylight.
<a href="http://s1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/?action=view&current=DSC_4695.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/AGYDAL/the%20vertex/DSC_4695.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

My Vertex Illumina Photos.

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