Aquascape Photographer needed.

[Rupert]

Aquascape Photographer needed.

In about 7 days my tank is 90 days old and I would like to get a series of photos of it. I have got quite a few with my wife’s point & click Casio Exilim, however I want to do something better than that, such as a full frontal shot that captures the nuances of the aquascape.

I am in the process of writing my last in a series of articles on setting up a Custom & establishing planted tank and these pictures will represent the final piece of work. Here is the link if you want to read more:

http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...t=12267&page=4

If time is money then tell me, if you want to see the tank first and its environment, then tell me, even better if you can recommend actions to enhance presentation. If you are interested post here or PM me.

Thanks Rupert

[loupgarou]

since you're in bt merah, I can probably help you out (I'm at redhill lane). can you manage sunday evening after 8:30pm (this week or next week).

general tank preperation.

a) remove filter pipes and air tubes from the tank *OPTIONAL*
b) clean the tank glass. interior and exterior.
c) 100% water change. see if you can manage this without agitating the substrate. I can do this fairly well with my tank/hose setup, so the water is crystal.
d) no water movement, no lights until 1 hour before the tank shoot. otherwise you may have photosysthesis lots of bubbles to deal with.

--
let me know if you have hoods or something and what's on top of your tank, maybe a photo of your environment will help (as well as the space in front of the tank/behind the photographer)

[benny]

I'm available to help if you need me.

Chris and I can make an initial assesment at your place before we decide how best to shoot your aquascape for you on the actual day.

Cheers,

[Rupert]

Thanks Chris & Benny, an initial assessment might be a good idea just let me know when, then the date can be confirmed, but the following Sunday 3rd is ok for the photo shoot. I live opposite IKEA if that is ok?

Thank you very much

Rupert

Here is a picture of the entire tank, there is about 10 feet of unobstructed distance in front of the tank, but I if move some furniture that would become 12 feet with a wall beginning to jut in the way, but possible to get more distance if this is not a photographic obstacle.

There is one light unit MH 300w and FL 60. The MH’s are intense, almost too much so when I take pictures, I have found the 60w FL with a night setting takes better pictures, but then I borrow my wife’s little camera and have little to no choice in what it can do.

The hood overlaps the tank glass by 1.5 inches, I can turn it upside down with a little effort and then it overlaps by 5 mls enabling the water to be seen if it is seen as more desirable?

a) remove filter pipes and air tubes from the tank *OPTIONAL*
• I will most likely remove the filter pipes or at least remove 2 of the four [have 2 canister filters running]. I have 2 glass lillie pipes and they will be the ones that stay in if any stay in.

b) clean the tank glass. interior and exterior.
• Will give the inside glass a good scrape the day before then a gentle cleaning inside & outside on the day.
• I might also have a look at the fish in the tank and put the young and immature guppies in a separate container for a while.
• I will do a snail hunt during the week as well.

c) 100% water change. see if you can manage this without agitating the substrate. I can do this fairly well with my tank/hose setup, so the water is crystal.
• I haven’t done 100% before, 75% only once and will see it goes. I presume that this is best done in the late afternoon so if there is any agitation then it will settle down?

d) no water movement, no lights until 1 hour before the tank shoot. otherwise you may have photosysthesis lots of bubbles to deal with.
• I have no problems with lighting causing bubbles, so should be ok there
• You recommend that the canister filters are turned off for 1 hour before, this shall be done, but rarely ever turn them off.

[loupgarou]

is the hood open? ie: can I place flashes on top?

meanwhile, you either have the canister filters on or off during the shot, the problem is you have to turn them off when you do your water change, once you turn them on, dirt will be dislodge from the pipes and the water is dirty again. so the suggestion is to turn them off before water change (then the loose dirt will fall off once the water level drops during water change, and don't turn them on until the shoot is over.

[benny]

Rupert,

If you like, I may be able to have a quick look at the setup after the Lim Chu Kang excursion.

I suppose you are looking at those aquascape presentation for contest submission instead of a normal record shot. I must warn you that a full scale shoot may take a few hours. Setting up and tuning the light to perfection is tricky. After that, the actual shoot probably take only 30 mins or so. So I hope your family will not find the evening activity too intrusive.

Cheers,

[gregorsamsa]

Hey,

Just curious, was is the optimal distance between the tank and the photographer?

Rupert has got 10-12 feet. What if the distance was halved?

[loupgarou]

depends on lens used. I shoot at 22m, I'm usually less than 2 meters away from the tank. itself for my 5ft.

the best of course is to have a distance so long (like 100+ meters) so that you can shoot with a 100mm macro lens. (edge to edge flatness), or 50/60mm macro lens.

[gregorsamsa]

thats a big wow for me. cos i know those lenses dont come cheap man

[Rupert]

Hello Chris, It is an open hood, with bracing only at each end. I am not sure if this is sufficient to place the flashes?

I have been in the habit of cleaning the pipes on a regular basis with only one at the moment that I would consider dirty. I might just clean all of them this weekend so there is no dirt in any of them. Was thinking of Baxter Filter paper in one canister to get more suspended items out of the water, although my wood shrimp would disapprove at this.

Thanks Benny coming over after the Lim Chu Kang excursion is a great Idea, and then we can talk about the various options / considerations. I wasn’t thinking of a competition as I think my setup is a bit short of maturity, but rather some decent pictures that I can feel proud about. Time isn’t important Chris & yourself might make some suggestions that take some time to implement.

[benny]

Water polishing is not a problem. We have diatom filters at our disposal to ensure the water is CRYSTAL CLEAR. Just add another hour for water polishing to the final set up for actual photography.

Cheers,

[learner]

you got enuff flashes?

[loupgarou]

heh. I think between me and him, got maybe 10+ flashes..

you want to toss in another 3 izit..


actually benny, for large tanks may take longer for diatom filter.. my own tank takes at least 5 hours I think..

[Goondoo]

heh. I think between me and him, got maybe 10+ flashes..

you want to toss in another 3 izit..


actually benny, for large tanks may take longer for diatom filter.. my own tank takes at least 5 hours I think..

How about....
you need someone to hold the flash?

[Rupert]

A BIG thanks to Benny & Chris [Loupgarou], words are not sufficient, here is the picture that I was looking for:

I didn’t appreciate the work to get a good picture, so will write up the details over the next day or so.

[Just]

very nice ..... very well taken.