7 replies to this topic

[brookie13]

Hi All,

 

I tried my hand at macro photography using a photo tank. This was my first attempt and I'm really excited about the possibilities that this method of photography allows. I followed the guidelines set forth in the American Currents article "Photography and Post-processing Techniques for Native Fishes" by Smith and Bissette. I also followed the guidelines from Garcia-Melo et al. in their paper, "Photafish system: An affordable device for fish photography in the wild", which appeared in Zootaxa. Both of these articles were immensely helpful.

 

Anyway, my sampling took place in a small tributary to the Trinity River, in southeastern Texas, in San Jacinto County. I used a combination of dip netting and fly fishing to collect my samples, although the darter and shiner where both caught using the dip net (several species of Lepomis were caught using the fly rod, but I am still trying to edit the photos).

 

I don't know what species of darter or shiner I captured. My guesses are either a Dusky Darter or Blackside Darter (leaning more towards Dusky). For the shiner I am guessing Emerald Shiner or Mimic Shiner. Any help would be appreciated. Also, any critiques for the photos would also be greatly appreciated, I'm still tweaking it and figuring out how best to capture images.

 

I threw in the crawdad photo just for fun. I don't have any idea what species it is.

Attached Images

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

[L Link]

Nice shots!! Love that second darter shot especially.

I unfortunately have zero experience with any of those species, and so can't be of much help with IDs. 

[brookie13]

Thanks very much. Excited to give it another go soon. 

[Robert Lamb]

Once again, awesome pictures. I'm definitely leaning towards dusky on the darter

[brookie13]

Once again, awesome pictures. I'm definitely leaning towards dusky on the darter

Awesome! thanks.

[Fleendar the Magnificent]

Incredible pics! How do you do it? Fish aren't exactly the most willing of subjects to be photographed....

[brookie13]

Incredible pics! How do you do it? Fish aren't exactly the most willing of subjects to be photographed....

Thanks very much!  I followed the guidelines set forth in the American Currents article "Photography and Post-processing Techniques for Native Fishes" by Smith and Bissette. I also followed the guidelines from Garcia-Melo et al. in their paper, "Photafish system: An affordable device for fish photography in the wild", which appeared in Zootaxa. Both of these articles were immensely helpful.

 

I bought a 2 gallon tank at Petco and used acrylic push plates to get the fish in the proper orientation. I also hauled in my own clean water and a folding table. It took some effort and multiple trips, even with a buddy helping. Next time I need to figure out a more portable system.

[Josh Blaylock]

Awesome Macro shots.