Happy Zoanthids
Zoanthid species
Zoanthid species
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Apr, 2017Views
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Awards
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Contest Finalist in Underwater Textures Photo Contest
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iverjohnson
March 13, 2018
Great macro capture! Consider joining the marine life challenge on my profile?
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This image was captured in my home office in Guerneville Ca. I have a saltwater reef aquarium next to my work station that provides many photo opportunities!Time
This was shot about 10 am. When I take breaks I swivel my chair ninety degrees, put my feet up on my desk, and enjoy the reef. This coral really caught my eye that morning.Lighting
The aquarium has an adjustable LED lighting system. It consists of 7 different colors that can be interdependently adjusted. I have the color set to simulate a natural reef at 10'. It also simulates sunrise, sunset, and moonlight with proper phases. I used only the aquarium and ambient light from the window and my offices 5K track lights. Sometimes I move corals or put them on a platform for better lighting however this coral was receiving great light and the background was excellent.Equipment
This was shot with a Canon 5D Mark III fitted with a Canon 100mm Macro lens. I used a tripod and a wired shutter release.Inspiration
I take a lot of close up and macro photos of corals for personal use, and to advertise Coral Reef Eco-Systems, my Reef Aquarium business. I also sell coral prints on Fine Art America. Most people are very wowed by this type of photography. Couple this with my excitement about corals and it's not hard to see how I'm inspired!Editing
Post processing consisted of the following. Small amount of cropping lens profile corrections and remove CA highlights -48 black clipping adjustment -71 saturation +5 Sharpening +114 Spot removalIn my camera bag
I usually carry a Canon 5D Mark IV and Canon 80D both have wifi which is very convenient. I can fit most of my current lenses in my Ape Case. These include Tokina 16-28mm/F2.8, Canon 100mm/F2.8 macro, Canon 70-200mm/F4.0, Canon 24-105mm/F4 and a Canon EF-S 17-55/F2.8. I also normally carry several flash heads as well as Lee Filters and remote triggers ect.Feedback
If possible I turn the aquarium pumps off and let all movement stop. Use a sturdy tripod, shutter release, or use the cameras timer. Always shoot perpendicular to the aquarium viewing surface. If the aquarium has low light add additional lighting. If needed you can use a black material to block reflections in the glass. I almost always can stop all coral movement which allows me to shoot in AP mode, ISO 100. If not I will go to manual mode and float the ISO.
