PHOTOGRAPHING FISH 101 



tempted to use mud, unless you are fortunate enough 

 to find a clay that packs tightly and is not easily 

 disturbed. 



Surface fish should always be shown near the sur- 

 face, for it adds so much to the interest and even the 

 value of a photograph if the fish is seen in sur- 

 roundings that are natural. In arranging the plants 

 and rocks (the tongs mentioned in the outfit will 

 be found most useful in doing this), place most 

 of them between the glass partition and the back 

 of the aquarium. In this way they will not be 

 disturbed by the movements of the fish. A fish that 

 becomes excited will disarrange everything in a very 

 short time. It is therefore better to have only a few 

 plants between the glasses. 



One of the great difficulties met with in fish pho- 

 tography is the moisture which condenses on the sur- 

 face of the glass. When cold water is used and the 

 day is hot, the glass must be wiped and polished 

 every minute or two; for it is as well to remember 

 that unless the glass is absolutely clean and dry a good 

 photograph cannot be made. The slightest mark 

 on the surface of the glass shows with a distinctness 

 that is very discouraging, while the presence of a 

 little moisture makes everything behind it blurred 

 and ill-defined, just as though it were entirely out of 

 focus. It will be seen by this that too much care 

 cannot be taken in keeping the glass in proper con- 



