Snaps through water

[Zeb]

I understand about the focal point in a camera and how it works but with my digital camera I can't change between manual and automatic focus - any tips on taking snaps through water? Its only very shallow about an inch or two at small frogs and nothing is coming out.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Zeb

I understand about the focal point in a camera and how it works but with my digital camera I can't change between manual and automatic focus - any tips on taking snaps through water? Its only very shallow about an inch or two at small frogs and nothing is coming out.

Are you sure you're not too close to it?

Also it could be the reflections that are fooling the auto-focus.

If you can't use a polorizing filter on the front, try cutting out the reflections by putting something dark to reflect back. Either this or cut a hole in some black card, push the camera lens through this, and shoot. Also try shooting at different angles to the water. This is because it's the pale reflections - sky etc, that stand out.

[MalcolmX]

you need a polariser which must be the cicular type and shoot at an angle to the water about 45 degrees from memory

[jezlee]

Originally Posted by Alan

Are you sure you're not too close to it?

Also it could be the reflections that are fooling the auto-focus.

If you can't use a polorizing filter on the front, try cutting out the reflections by putting something dark to reflect back. Either this or cut a hole in some black card, push the camera lens through this, and shoot. Also try shooting at different angles to the water. This is because it's the pale reflections - sky etc, that stand out.

You're a mine of information, aren't you?

Some of it quite useful, too ....

[Alan]

Originally Posted by MALCOLMX

you need a polariser which must be the cicular type and shoot at an angle to the water about 45 degrees from memory

Just a thought - will the auto-focus cope with the 2 stop cut-down in light using polorizer?

[Alan]

Originally Posted by jezlee

You're a mine of information, aren't you?

Some of it quite useful, too ....

Well ever now'n-again I go and get a brainstorm!

........but it doesn't last long

[nightshade]

That is one reason I made the narrow tanks,it was easier to photograph pond creatures,
their movement was restricted and you just put the tank where you want and place whatever backgrounds you needed behind your subject/s
The Cambridge Scientific film units use the same technique I believe

[Alan]

Originally Posted by nightshade

That is one reason I made the narrow tanks,it was easier to photograph pond creatures,
their movement was restricted and you just put the tank where you want and place whatever backgrounds you needed behind your subject/s
The Cambridge Scientific film units use the same technique I believe

Yes it's a good method if you can devote time to it. Small temporary mammal tanks also offer good photo opportunities.

........and before anyone says anything, they're used without the water!

[nightshade]

I took my tanks everywhere with me they could be as small as postcard size
and transported in a polystyrene (ceiling tile) sheath fish tank makers often did them for nowt out of offcuts,glaziers ditto they were usually fascinated when I explained their use

[Alan]

Originally Posted by nightshade

I took my tanks everywhere with me they could be as small as postcard size
and transported in a polystyrene (ceiling tile) sheath fish tank makers often did them for nowt out of offcuts,glaziers ditto they were usually fascinated when I explained their use

I'd be very interested if you had any pics we could see nightshade? Of the tanks or the creatures shot in them.