There’s something magical about stepping into an aquarium. The deep blues, the slow sway of marine life, and the vibrant colors create a dreamlike setting that feels worlds away from everyday life. For travelers and photographers alike, aquariums offer a unique opportunity to capture the beauty of the ocean—without ever getting wet. However, photographing inside an aquarium comes with its own set of challenges. Between reflective glass, low lighting, and constantly moving subjects, it can be tricky to get that perfect shot.
That said, with the right techniques, you can turn your aquarium visit into a collection of stunning, frame-worthy images. Whether you’re capturing delicate jellyfish, colorful reef fish, or a memorable selfie in front of a massive tank, here’s how to elevate your aquarium photography—Lenses and Latitudes style.
1. How to Avoid Glare on Aquarium Glass
One of the biggest obstacles when photographing at an aquarium is glare. Overhead lights, reflections from nearby displays, and even your own reflection can quickly ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to minimize this.
First, get as close to the glass as possible. The closer your lens is to the surface, the less opportunity there is for reflections to sneak in. If you’re using a phone or camera, gently place the lens directly against the glass (just be mindful not to scratch it).
Next, position yourself at an angle rather than shooting straight on. Slightly shifting your angle can help eliminate reflections from lights behind you. Additionally, wearing darker clothing can reduce the chance of your reflection appearing in the image.
If you want to take it a step further, use your hand or body to block unwanted light sources. Even something as simple as shading the lens can dramatically improve clarity.
2. How to Photograph Moving Fish
Fish rarely sit still—and that’s part of their beauty. Capturing their movement in a way that feels intentional rather than blurry is key to great aquarium photography.
Start by increasing your shutter speed (if you’re using a camera with manual settings). A faster shutter speed helps freeze motion and keeps your subject sharp. If you’re using a smartphone, try using burst mode or live photo features to capture multiple frames at once—this increases your chances of getting a crisp shot.
Patience is everything here. Instead of chasing fish with your camera, pause and observe their patterns. Many fish swim in loops or repeat paths, so once you notice their rhythm, you can anticipate the moment and be ready to capture it.
Focus on contrast as well. Look for fish that stand out against darker or simpler backgrounds. This helps your subject pop and keeps the image from feeling cluttered.
3. How to Take Selfies in Front of Large Aquarium Tanks
Aquarium selfies are one of the best ways to capture the experience, especially when standing in front of massive tanks filled with marine life. However, balancing lighting and composition can be tricky.
First, position yourself so the tank acts as your backdrop—not a distraction. Stand a few feet away from the glass to give the scene depth, and avoid standing directly under harsh overhead lights.
Lighting is key. Since aquariums are typically dim, your face may appear shadowed compared to the bright tank behind you. To fix this, turn slightly toward a softer light source or adjust your camera exposure so both you and the background are visible.
Composition matters too. Instead of centering everything, try placing yourself slightly off to one side and let the aquarium fill the rest of the frame. This creates a more dynamic, travel-inspired image.
Finally, take multiple shots. With moving fish and shifting light, even small adjustments can make a big difference.
4. Embrace the Mood and Movement
Aquariums aren’t meant to feel perfectly lit or static—and your photos shouldn’t either. Lean into the deep blues, the soft glow, and the sense of motion. Whether it’s the graceful drift of jellyfish or the quick dart of reef fish, these moments tell the story of the space.
Rather than trying to control every element, focus on capturing the feeling. After all, the best travel photos don’t just show a place—they help you remember what it felt like to be there.
Final Thoughts
Photographing an aquarium is a blend of patience, creativity, and a little technical know-how. By minimizing glare, anticipating movement, and thoughtfully composing your shots, you can create images that feel just as immersive as the experience itself.
At Lenses and Latitudes, it’s all about seeing the world and framing the adventure—and aquariums offer a beautiful reminder that some of the most captivating travel moments happen in the quiet, unexpected places.
So next time you visit an aquarium, take your time, observe the details, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You might just walk away with some of your favorite photos yet.
For more photography tips, check out our Monday Morning Motivation series for posts like this: Every Great Photographer Started with One Click – Lenses and Latitudes
