Advice on Photographing Fish

[macka]

Does anyone have any advice for shooting fish?

I would really like to replicate something like this:

http://www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=272494

But I can't work out how it was done so well without any relfections on the glass. I know a but of cloning has been done, but even so...

Any ideas?

[big pix]

the light comes from the side and a bit towards the back....... very easy....... and yes there would bet a bit of retouching done

[Glen]

With or without calling the RSPCA? Strikes me that the fish may not have enjoyed the shoot as much as the photographer

[jben_net]

I don't really have any advice for you on this one Macka but thanks for showing me a cool site. I've bookmarked it and will certainly be a regular visitor.

[macka]

With or without calling the RSPCA? Strikes me that the fish may not have enjoyed the shoot as much as the photographer

Glen, I wouldn't do it if I thought it would hurt them. Besides, they have to come out of the tank occasionally anyway to clean it properly, and I need to put them somewhere.

[birddog114]

macka,
The fish in that glass is not real! it's fake!!!!!

[macka]

I will not be discouraged, Birdy!

[Alpha_7]

This shot reminded me of another I saw yesterday posted on the whirlpool forums.

Linkage here.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/sir_bazz/pics/pentax/public/imgp0580touched.jpg

[macka]

Yes, I saw that too, Craig. It's pretty cool, but not really what I'm after. I kind of have my heart set on the wine glass idea, though I'm open to suggestions - it's for a logo (my logo) - so long as it doesn't hurt my fishies.

[Mj]

Best way... do a composite of two pictures one of the glass and one of the fish. That gives you plenty of time to try out different lighting to give you the affect you like and no fish need to be stressed in the process. Then take plenty of pics of your target fish all nice and comfy in their usual home, again taking plenty of time to sort out correct lighting and hopefully getting at least a couple with the fish posing as requested... then it's all comes down to PP till you find the perfect blend.... oh and you can always PP you're backgound in later too. I think you'll get a much better result by faking it rather than trying to do it for real.

[Alpha_7]

Yes, I saw that too, Craig. It's pretty cool, but not really what I'm after. I kind of have my heart set on the wine glass idea, though I'm open to suggestions - it's for a logo (my logo) - so long as it doesn't hurt my fishies.

Sorry Macka I was just getting a bit off topic, although the shot did have a fish in it...

MJ's suggestions of doing a composite of two shots I think is the way to go, I'd say it is much easier to get the two individual shots right then trying to get it all right in one go.

[gstark]

I don't think that image is what it seems to be.

I suspect the mj is close to the mark in his suggestions. Were the fish within the glass, or behind it in a tank, I suspect we'd be seeing some significant distortion in the shape of the fish caused by the optical properties of the wineglass.

Further, there is no evidence of any water in the wineglass: I'd expect to see a waterline somewhere, or if it's completely filled, there would be ripples on the surface caused by the fish swimming within it.

[macka]

Using multiple exposures is a good idea, thanks. I will definately give that a go.

I still remain unconvinced of this photo having being done in that manner, however. It won third prize in that DP Challenge, for which the rules state:

Your entry must come from a single photograph, taken during the specified challenge timeframe. You may not post-process your entry from or to include elements of multiple images, multiple exposures, clip art, computer-rendered images, or elements from other photographs (even those taken during the challenge week), and other similar items.

I understand DP Challenge check on winners' orignial images to confirm that these rules haven't been broken. Of course, I could be wrong.

[Alpha_7]

I have a suggestion on how it could of been done.

The fish could be actually a photo of a fish placed behind the wine glass.

As Gary said it looks amazingly distortion free, and I can't detect water in the glass unless it's full the the top. (There is a halo at the time that could be caused by a mincus maybe, but I suspect the glass is empty, and that the fish has been printed and placed behind it.

(Similar to how Potatis BlastOff was suspected to have been taken, before he revealed his trick).

[macka]

Interesting theory, Craig... Very interesting... Perhaps another method to try.

[Alpha_7]

Well I did a little more research and looking into the photographer, and well it appears to be genuine, but it does say some cloning of bubbles etc has taken place, which could be why we can't see/feel the water in the shot.

[Glen]

Macka, just teasing about the RSPCA, if done quickly it could be ok (though not pleasant) for the fish.

I would think it is real, by natural lighting with no flash. I would set the glass and background up, then set up camera on tripod. I think BP has nailed the lighting direction. Do a few test shots to confirm lack of reflections and clarity of water. Then apply fish and fill to brim with water. Shoot. Fish aren't fast moving (well fish that size in small glasses aren't) so slower shutter speed will probably be ok. As it is for your own use you could play with it afterwards to get it to your taste (the photo that is )

[Mj]

Well back from lunch and with a plate of food and a couple of wines (always helps to sharp my senses) I still doubt that this shot is fully geniune. There is none of the distortion expected from the tight round of the glass... and in such a small glass I'd expect a fish of that size to create some ripple on the water surface... assuming that there really is water in the glass, then the level is absolutely full and 'any' movement from the fish would cause the water to break over the side. btw... regardless of the method used it's a fun photo and that's really more important than how it was achieved in my view.

macka... I look forward to your attempts so you can show us the way !!!

[macka]

Well back from lunch and with a plate of food and a couple of wines

Gee, that sounds good. All I had was 2 minute noodles so I'm probably not at my best.

Agree that it's a fun photo and look forward to getting something like it by whatever method.

Thanks everyone for all the responses.