Getting More From Your Reef Tank Photos : Photoshop Processing Video

Since posting my original Quick Reef Tank Photography Guide, I’ve received quite a few questions about how people can improve their reef tank pictures. In many cases, I’ve found that what’s more important than taking better pictures is properly processing those photos.

This video was made with those people in mind.

This video is roughly 18 minutes long, and is in high-definition (720). The download, though, is quite small (about 22 Megs), so even with a 56k modem (if anyone uses such a thing anymore), it should be manageable.

DOWNLOAD NOW

This version is in WMV format, and is higher quality than the streamed version above.

UPDATES!

Two more videos are now available.

The second is the same basic processing as the first video, but much shorter and faster. To download the full resolution video, click here:

http://www.gorephoto.com/video/reefvid2.wmv The video is about 16M.


This video is about adjusting White Balance in Photoshop using a curves adjustment layer. It’s pretty short. To download the full resolution video, click here: http://www.gorephoto.com/video/reefvid3.wmv The video is about 7M.

Editor-in-Chief
  1. I picked up the 7D along with a Canon 50mm 1.4 two days ago and this camera setup is fantastic! I’m graduating from a G9 (which I liked) but it had serious limitations in low-light, backstage settings. I’m a musician so this is important to me. Anyway, the 7D feels like a rifle compared to the T2i and I plunked-down double the price because for me, it’s worth the extra cash if I can get double the fps and quicker focus while Sheryl Crow gives Elton John a noogie and I’m there to see/shoot it.

    I have another few days to decide if I’m going to keep it or exchange it for the T2i but after learning about the cost of lenses, UV filters, memory cards, accessories, it seems like I’m going to be happier I got the best thing for what I’m “shooting” to do. Your feedback is welcome as I certainly wouldn’t mind hearing the other side of the argument.

    1. With the 7D’s focusing system (which is far superior to that of the T2i in low light), you’ll have a much easier time working in dark clubs and halls. The 50 f1.4 is also an awesome lens (although I’m not sure it’s worth 3 or 4 times the price of a 50 f1.8 for everyone; it’s less than a one f-stop difference). If you’re shooting action, it’s the way to go. Obviously, the 50 f1.2 is out there (and the f1.0), but even at f1.4 the depth of field becomes too shallow to be very useful much of the time… the eye of your subject may be in focus, but tip of the nose won’t.

      One thing to think about for the future is that you’ll get more versatility out of a wide to mid zoom, and if you get an f2.8 with IS (something like the Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS), you’ll actually be able to hand hold more sharp shots than with the f1.4 (assuming a 3-4 stop equivalence from the image stabilization). However, that only helps if you can get your subject to be still for the duration of the exposure… and in a performance (or backstage), nobody’s going to cooperate that much for you :) It sounds like you made an excellent choice… I hope that you enjoy it!

      – Matt

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