i need macros

[[17]shawn[17]]

Hey everyone

I was just wondering if there is anyone who would like to share some high quality interesting bright macros of coral and or fish, I plan on printing off about 12 of them on photo paper and framing them in collage frames to hang on either side of my new tank.

[firstsalt]

like would my avatar work well here it is anyways i some other photos too
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/018.jpg
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab59/PDUSMC_photo/002.jpg

[RockinReef651]

Feel free to use any of these photos. I am still quite new to photography, but I think these came out pretty decently.

<a href="http://s804.photobucket.com/albums/yy329/gbottles/Reef%20Tank/?action=view&current=IMG_0815.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy329/gbottles/Reef%20Tank/IMG_0815.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s804.photobucket.com/albums/yy329/gbottles/Reef%20Tank/?action=view&current=IMG_0230-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy329/gbottles/Reef%20Tank/IMG_0230-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s804.photobucket.com/albums/yy329/gbottles/Reef%20Tank/?action=view&current=IMG_1319-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy329/gbottles/Reef%20Tank/IMG_1319-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[IslandCrow]

I know you're probably just looking for free photos, but honestly if you want some really nice pictures, I'd expect to spend a little money. . .or invest in the gear and knowledge to take your own, because most people who have done that are not going to be willing to just give their photos away. I know I'm always happy to share my photos on a website or forum, but aside from that, I expect to be paid (aquarium photography really isn't my specialty by the way).

So, if you want some first class photos, I'd give a place called Coral Morphologic a look. His main business is selling corals, and I think that's how the website is geared, but the guy takes some amazing underwater photos from natural reefs. I bought some of his work at MACNA a few years ago.

[luchie]

I am diggin your macro shots rockin reef. I have a fuji s7000 and can't seem to get that detail even with my new 52mm wide angle lens with macro. What settings do you use on your camera, if you don't mind my asking.

[RockinReef651]

Thanks luchie. I am using a Canon Powershot SX20 IS. For these shots I had it in scene mode on the normal macro setting with the aquarium light scene mode (like I said, I am still pretty new to this). I used manual focus, with a tripod with the lens about 1/4" from the glass and a 2 second auto timer (since I do not have remote exposure capability). F/ 2.8, exposure time 1/60th of a second.

HTH

[xtm]

I know you're probably just looking for free photos, but honestly if you want some really nice pictures, I'd expect to spend a little money. . .or invest in the gear and knowledge to take your own, because most people who have done that are not going to be willing to just give their photos away. I know I'm always happy to share my photos on a website or forum, but aside from that, I expect to be paid (aquarium photography really isn't my specialty by the way).

I agree 100%. Digital isn't free. You could've at least said please and thank you, not just "I need macros" like we pull them out of thin air or something. It would take most of us at least 2 hours to set up, adjust, shoot, post process, upload, and post. If you want a print, support the photographer and buy his/her print.

[firstsalt]

hmm yeah most of my pictures take about that long to process and upload

[Brett9917]

Haha, maybe mine only take 2hrs to do all that stuff. I just can't shoot and process the same day. Not sure why, but I just can't sit down and process/edit them the same day... I can upload them and look through them all, but that's it.

[RockinReef651]

Yes, it does take time to set things up, get the shots in, and then upload to computer, edit, and back them all up (especially as a person fairly new to photography). That being said, as a beginner, I would not feel justified asking someone to pay for my pictures. I saw this as more of an opportunity to allow people to see and even use what I consider practice material for myself. I benefit, maybe someone else does too, plus people have some pics to look at. win, win, win.

[IslandCrow]

My comment has more to do with quality. I know if I'm actually going to be hanging something up on my wall, I expect professional quality, and professionals tend to expect some degree of compensation for the time they've put into their art. Not just for that one piece, but the time and cost spent achieving that level. It certainly takes time to get that point, and I'm certainly not there myself when it comes to aquarium photography. That said, personally, I wouldn't want my "practice" shots hanging up on someone's wall. Those seldom make it even as far as my screen saver. Of course, that could be just me. Otherwise, I agree with you, RockinReef. I certainly wouldn't look to sell something that's not up to my own standards. Then again, selling pictures has far more to do with what other people feel is or is not valuable.

[IslandCrow]

Haha, maybe mine only take 2hrs to do all that stuff. I just can't shoot and process the same day. Not sure why, but I just can't sit down and process/edit them the same day... I can upload them and look through them all, but that's it.

I can empathize with you here. If I'm not on a time schedule, I usually end up waiting a day or two before I do any serious post processing. The act of taking the photograph and processing it are really two different mindsets for me. Some photos are pretty easy, and I'll knock them out right away, but between the lighting we use, the mere act of shooting through water, and the random particles that are almost always floating around; aquarium shots almost always require some cleaning up and tweaking.

[RockinReef651]

I do agree with you that arts value is truly in the eyes of the person interested. As an artist in many different areas I can, however, say that I would be perfectly happy with my "practice" work hanging on someone's wall. All artists in all formats have to have their beginning somewhere, and imho with the quality (and ease of use) of many of today's cameras, it is not that difficult for someone's "practice" shots to come out looking fairly decent. But again, I would not expect to be paid for these, nor would I ask to be (however the random donation to the "starving" artist is never unappreciated). On the other hand, professionals who have spent the time and the effort to become good and can take the shots that people want to pay money for, I fully agree they deserve to be paid, and well at that.