Taking Koi Pictures
Taking koi pictures is a very rewarding hobby but it isn't the easiest form of nature photography. Many factors go into a successful koi photograph and some basic techniques will make life a lot easier for the budding koi photographer. As with all photography the key issues for koi photography are 1) your equipment and 2) your technique.
First and foremost you will need good quality camera equipment. Avoid small format cameras such as 110 or instant Polaroid models. The better your negatives are in size and quality, the better your koi pictures will be. On the other hand large format cameras which do provide better results may be bulky and impractical to use. 35mm cameras may be a good compromise for hobbyist photographers.
Almost all of the best Japanese Koi photographers make use of large format cameras like Mamiya or Bronica. So if you can handle them then use them for your koi pictures. Unfortunately, they may be out of the price range of many people and you won't have a team of helpers setting up a good photo-op either!
Zoom lenses are a very good idea for taking koi pictures as they allow you to get close up to your photographic subjects. Try to stick to a simple lens of perhaps 75mmm zoom. This will give you flexibility and ease of use. Autofocus cameras are very helpful but they do have certain limitations when taking koi pictures. Koi are fast moving and convex in shape so the bets lens may not help you there! Not to mention the fact that autofocus lenses may be hampered by the red pigments in the fish's curved body. To avoid problems use the fish's eye, scales or dorsal bone to focus your camera.
Koi pictures can be difficult to take as they move so quickly. Power winders may make getting the perfect shot easier.
Compatible flash guns may be crucial for your koi pictures if you want to run off three frames per second. Make sure you buy the right flash for the job and that it's compatible with the rest of your equipment. High performance rapid shoot capability flash guns are also rather pricey. Invest in some rechargeable batteries or special power packs to make sure that all your camera equipment is powered up and ready to go.
Now, let's discuss a few techniques. Your lighting is critical when you take koi pictures. Koi fish may look great during the day, but they make terrible photographic subjects in daylight. If you want to take pictures during the day do so by using controlled flash photography.
Glare is a problem when taking koi pictures. Using polarizing filters will work for surface glare when you are shooting in bright conditions but daytime photography will require the use of artificial shading.
You will also need to make sure that the water level in the tank is not too low or too high. Ponds that are too shallow mean that the water surface is very easily disturbed and too much water means that the water will be distended. If you have sufficient water in the pond to cover the extended dorsal by three inches you will probably be ok. The best angle to take koi pictures at is 45 degrees.
Your koi pictures should never be taken at the expense of the welfare of your fish. Always make sure that the fish have enough water in their tanks to prevent them trying to jump out, check the water quality constantly and make sure your fish are kept safe from harmful debris or chemicals.
