betta photography enthusiasts

The sub forum dedicated to one of the most incredible fish in our hobby. Betta ask your questions in here!
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duskmist
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betta photography enthusiasts

Post by duskmist »

I've been experimenting with capturing the beauty of my betta through photography, and I'm curious if there are any resources specifically on "Betta Photography." I've been playing around with my iPLione camera and a pocket light to complement the tank's LED lights. The results are quite intriguing, especially when I venture away from traditional full-side-view shots. Some of the unconventional images I've taken have turned out more captivating than I expected. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Maybe we can share tips and learn from each other on how to best document these stunning little creatures through photography.
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coltin
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by coltin »

Light is indeed the key to capturing great photographs of our aquatic friends. I completely agree that the more light, the better the picture.

When I'm photographing my betta, I make sure to give the tank a thorough cleaning the day before, including the glass and the gravel. This helps reduce glare and ensures a clearer shot. I also wipe down the outside of the glass to prevent water drops from causing unwanted reflections.

To maximize the light, I open the curtains during the day, turn on the room lights, and use the aquarium light in conjunction with a flash on my camera. However, I've found that some cameras can adjust the shutter speed automatically when using a flash, which can sometimes result in blurry images. To avoid this, I aim for a shutter speed of at least 1/100, preferably 1/200 or 1/250.

In terms of aperture, I've found that setting it as high as possible helps capture more depth in the picture. I prefer using F-12 or above, as this ensures that all parts of the fish are in focus. Anything lower than F-10 can sometimes result in the fish being out of focus.

When it comes to ISO, I try to keep it as low as possible to minimize grain and pixilation. I usually stick to 64 or 100 ISO for daytime shots, as higher numbers can compromise the image quality.

When photographing my betta, I position the camera at a slight angle to the aquarium, just above the fish and facing slightly down. This helps prevent the flash from bouncing back onto the lens and causing unwanted reflections. I've also found that photographing the fish from the front towards the back brings out the best colors, thanks to the way the scales reflect light.

Ultimately, it's all about finding the right balance with the camera. With plenty of light, a fast shutter speed, and a high aperture number, you can capture stunning images of your aquatic friends. And don't be afraid to take plenty of shots – after all, practice makes perfect.
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duskmist
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by duskmist »

Coltin, thanks for the detailed response. I'll definitely save that for future reference. I'd love to see some examples of your best shots, along with the camera settings you used and what you think makes each image stand out.

For me, photographing my betta is about more than just taking pictures - it's a way to connect with him, enjoy the hobby, and share the beauty of these amazing fish with others. I find it's a great way to appreciate the intricate details and colors of my betta.

Thanks again for the advice - it's really helpful to get tips from someone with experience.
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flame
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by flame »

If your betta's being a bit too active for a still shot, I've found the 'live photo' feature to be a lifesaver. You can pick the best frame from the sequence and edit it into a great still image. I use a Windows device, but I'm pretty sure the iPLione has a similar feature - might be worth checking out.
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goldminer
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by goldminer »

I've been experimenting with my Nikon coolpix B 500 camera, and I find that setting it to easy mode really simplifies the process - the camera handles everything, which is great for me. I've been taking some photos of my fish, and I've been quite pleased with the results, although I do think I could improve with some of the tips I've been reading about here.
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duskmist
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by duskmist »

flame wrote: Fri Jan 24, 2025 4:40 pm If your betta's being a bit too active for a still shot, I've found the 'live photo' feature to be a lifesaver. You can pick the best frame from the sequence and edit it into a great still image. I use a Windows device, but I'm pretty sure the iPLione has a similar feature - might be worth checking out.
iPLione's also have a feature to take multiple shots in succession by holding down the activation button - and you can pick the best one.
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coltin
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by coltin »

When it comes to capturing images of our aquatic friends, it's essential to consider the challenges digital cameras face with contrasting colours. You see, cameras can get a bit flustered when dealing with dark or light hues, particularly black or white.

If you're photographing a white or bright yellow betta, try placing it in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, and against a neutral-coloured background, such as blue or green. Using a flash can also help. However, if you do decide to photograph your betta in full sunlight, you might be surprised by the interesting results.

On the other hand, if your betta is white and in front of a light-coloured background, the camera might struggle to pick up the subject. The same issue arises when photographing dark-coloured betta against dark backgrounds. It's almost as if the camera's sensors get confused.

To make matters more complicated, cameras can also have trouble with very light-coloured objects against very dark backgrounds. In such cases, the camera's sensors don't know which part to focus on. To overcome this, try photographing in a shaded area or use a flash.

And if you want to put your camera to the test, try photographing a black and white striped or checkered pattern outside in the sunlight.
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goldminer
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by goldminer »

I've been experimenting with my iPLione camera and a pocket light to capture the beauty of my betta, and I'd love to share some tips on how to take incredible photos with this device.

First, it's all about the light - the more, the better. I've found that wiping down the glass and doing a big water change and gravel clean the day before makes a huge difference. Open the curtains, turn on the room light, and use a flash on the camera to get the best results.

When it comes to camera settings, I've learned that a reasonable shutter speed of 1/100 or more is essential to capture a clear picture. I also like to set the aperture as high as possible, F-12 and above, to get more depth in the picture that's in focus.

The ISO should be set to the lowest number possible for the cleanest image with the least amount of grain or pixilation. I usually stick to 64 or 100, as higher numbers can make the image more pixilated.

When photographing your betta, try to have the camera on a slight angle to the aquarium and just above the fish, facing slightly down. This will prevent the flash from bouncing straight back onto the lens and causing a big white patch on the image.

It's also important to balance the camera settings - the more light you have, the easier it is for the camera to pick up and record the image. Fast shutter speeds and a high aperture number will increase the area that's in focus, while a low ISO number will help keep fine details sharp.

Lastly, don't be afraid to take lots and lots of pictures, and then review them on your computer to see what works best for you.
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duskmist
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by duskmist »

I've taken the course on How To Use iPLione Camera To Take Incredible Photos. It's been really helpful in improving my photography skills, I've noticed a big difference since I finished it.
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coltin
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Re: betta photography enthusiasts

Post by coltin »

I'm at a loss with these new-fangled terms - is an iPLione similar to an apLione, bpLione, cpLione, or epLione? Honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this modern lingo. Where's the simplicity of smoke signals when you need it?
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