Photography Project - Auckland

[alexyay]

Over the next few years I'm hoping to do a Native Fish photography project, taking photos of fish on-site (and perhaps around the country to help visually record differences based on location). However, as a bit of a city-kid, I wouldn't have a clue where to start.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for places to visit (specifically around Auckland) for finding Native fish? (invertebrates are good, too). 

 

The fish will be placed in a 60x40x30 Tank, with two slots in the front (adjustable). The intention is to have fish in there for no longer than 15 Minutes at a time. I will photograph test subjects (inanimate objects) first to get "the shot" right before using anything live. No drugs will be used, and the fish will not be killed. The tank will have a lid, a dim battery-powered light*, and an external flash unit sitting on top - this is usually set to around 1/16, rarely is the full 1/1 flash used. Please note that these photos may be used for commercial purposes.

I'm happy to do this at night - this reduces reflections, anyway. 

I'm more than happy to have someone with me if it's private property - I can't guarantee success in the photos (I've not tried this yet, so it depends on how good I am with the lighting, and whether the wild fish maintain their colour under short periods of stress) and I may be there for some time - because of the tank size, somewhere I can drive to is definitely preferred. 

 

It would be great to know the substrate that they are found on, so that I can prepare some washed substrate first. I'll be using their natural water, so water with low turbidity is preferred.

 

*I haven't actually gotten this yet, so if anyone has any suggestions for a battery-powered light, this would be great. I'm after something about 10-12" long, and it only has to be as bright as eg a T8 or low-end LED.

 

PS. I'm still after some of the following in order to help out for a Native Fishkeeping book:

Whiteworms
Mosquito larvae
Backswimmers
Earthworms
Peamussels
Latia

 

My website's gallery is down, but below are some pics I've taken:

Daphnia:

 

Ostracod:

 

Pangio anguillaris:

 

Pristella maxillaris:

 

For personal photography, I'm also keen on all kinds of other freshwater inverts such as Amphipods, other Ostracods, larger Copepods etc. Please no Hydra for now  I'm also working on photographing all of the tropical fish available in New Zealand, so if anyone (stores included - am happy to do a deal ) is interested feel free to contact me, and I'll let you know the conditions needed etc.

Edited December 12, 2015 by alexyay

[willyp123]

You're welcome to use some inanga of mine and my redfin bullies for photos, planning on getting some more bullies and smelt as well so you could grab some from me at some point too.

There's a couple of good streams nearby as well which im happy to trap/net/spotlight with you if you're keen or loan you the use of my equipment.

[JJWooble]

I found some mosquito larvae in my garden yesterday that you're welcome to have  can probably rustle up some earthworms too. 

More than welcome to take pics of any of my fish as always, have you gotten any of bumblebee gobies yet?

[alexyay]

You're welcome to use some inanga of mine and my redfin bullies for photos, planning on getting some more bullies and smelt as well so you could grab some from me at some point too.

There's a couple of good streams nearby as well which im happy to trap/net/spotlight with you if you're keen or loan you the use of my equipment.

That would be absolutely fantastic, thank you so much I'm currently a bit busy with some personal stuff but will let you know when I can start looking into doing this for realsies

 

@Jamie No BBGs yet, will spend a few good hours when you're away photographing them  The larvae and Earthworms would be awesome, thanks!