Freshwater

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Part IV: Breeding and Other Fun Stuff
SLRs are capable of taking synchronized electronic flash pictures, which
can help you capture the action of fast-moving pets.
You can purchase a wide variety of cool attachments such as filters to
help you make interesting shots and create different types of scenes.
A 35mm SLR makes you look like a pro if you get a cool camera strap and
have a bunch of accessories crammed into a stylish bag.
However, the most important thing is to get the shot. Start with a camera that
is equipped with automatic exposure so you don’t miss shots fumbling with
numerous settings. Many SLRs, including digital SLRs, have a fully automatic
feature, but some cameras are so complex that by the time you set up everything
for your shot, your fishy subject has spawned several times and is
about to collect Social Security. (If someone is watching as you, simply wipe
imaginary sweat off your forehead, fiddle with all the camera buttons, and
look relieved when the shot is over.)
Another good reason to begin with an SLR is that you can start with a 35 mm
camera body and a standard 50 mm lens and then gradually add to the unit
as your interests and experience expand. Inexpensive instamatic cameras
usually have a fixed lens, and the quality of the picture compared to that of
an SLR is the difference between a Rembrant and our son’s attempt at fingerpainting
his bedroom walls.
Throwaway cameras are not great for fish photography either. With this type
of camera, you shoot the film, take the camera in to develop the photos, and
they throw the camera away. This type of camera doesn’t take the best quality
photos and is very limited to point and shoot type scenes.
Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod to help eliminate blurred pictures
caused by camera shake. You can find cheap tabletop plastic tripods at camera
shops that will work fine. If you don’t have a tripod, support the camera on a
table or firm surface.
The film
The simple fact is, if you want good-quality photos, you must purchase the
highest quality film on the market. In our opinion, Kodak is the best film
made and produces the truest color.
Cutting costs with inexpensive or low-grade film costs you much more in the
long run (buying tons of film to get a good-looking shot on bad film) than if
you had just spent a few extra pennies on a better quality roll. Ask any professional
photographer, and she’ll tell you the same thing. When you are first
starting out, you can save money by purchasing rolls of film with more exposures
(36 instead of 12 exposures).