Photo Quick Tip - Squeeze Tanks

[John_White]

Trying to get decent photos of small, and often quick moving aquatic animals can be a challenge. One piece of equipment that makes photographing these aquatic animals much easier is the squeeze tank.


side view - Water is placed in the 'V' shaped pocket formed by the glass. After adding the water, it's best to let the squeeze tank sit for a while to allow any air bubbles to dissipate. Use just enough water to allow the animal to breath yet keep the level low enough to restrict movement.


front view - Photos are taken here. For lighting, subdued natural light works well but almost any lighting positioned directly above the subject works.


Lighting for the below photo was a flash aimed at a low, light colored ceiling and bounced on to the subject. The subject, a glass fish is sandwiched between the two sheets of glass that make the 'V' shaped pocket.


To give squeeze tank photos a more natural look the bottom of the squeeze tank can be lined with small pebbles or other natural substrate. The photo below is of a spotted salamander larvae.


Also, it's easy to create a natural looking background by simply placing objects behind the squeeze tank. The background rocks in the photo below are completely dry.


Another background technique is to place the fish in the squeeze tank and use part its aquarium as the background


A simple black background gives this mole salamander larvae a "text book" type look

[reptilemama]

Oooo, what a good idea! I never knew such a thing existed. Learn something new everyday!

[haroldo359]

wow. they sound collect all these photo tips and put 'em in a section of how-to-photography.

[faze]

props on this one john keep them coming!!

[Gecko-Guy]

yeah thats really cool, too bad i dont have any aquatic animals to put in one.

[thetupak]

Great tip John,do you have any tips on photografing snakes to make them look even cool than they are. my photo's just look lame

[Stormyva]

That is an incredible idea!

[natas]

Awesome idea, but the only issue I can see coming up is getting the animals out. Is that a pain?

[savannah_babe]

i dont see why it would be an issue if you had a net. it would be limited area where the fish could get out. ever seen those picture tanks? basically the same idea without the frame..but, you had some awesome tips to add! very good im glad we have you around..he he

[Breeeeezy]

wow! These posts with picture tips are some of the funnest to read! Thanks John.

[John_White]

Thanks all for the kind words!

Originally Posted by natas

Awesome idea, but the only issue I can see coming up is getting the animals out. Is that a pain?

To date removing an animal has not been an issue. The dimensions of the squeeze tank shown are approximately 8" wide by 12" high, so I simply pour the animal out of the tank. As SB suggest a stubborn animal could be removed by small net or flushing the tank with water.

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