Lionfish (Pterois) are territorial, slow-moving and therefore a great fish to train underwater macro shootings. However, it’s also probably one of the most ‘overly-photographed’ fish for the very same reason. So how to take a slightly different shot than ‘fish on top of reef’?

(1) Get close. But be careful. Particularly with venomous folks like a lionfish – The first shot was taken with a 100mm macro lens with an achromat staked on top of the macro-port. One flash from left to illuminate the scene. Some argue that for a macro-shot the flash should be mounted in the vertical axis straight above the lens. Depending on the subject, I disagree. Like in the first picture above, I prefer to model with light. Creating shadows on one side creates the contrast and therefore the ‘depth’ I wanted for the shot.

(2) Be ready for the special moment. For example, when a fish stretches its mouth or interacts with other creatures. The second photo was taken after a few minutes of waiting calmly near the lionfish.

(3) Check out cleaning stations. These are a great place for shoot outs, if you have enough time.  I have found some of the most exciting scenes at these. However, you usually need something between ten to twenty minutes hovering or pivoting there, before the fish relax and literally ‘open up’ like in the third shot above. Done with a 100mm Macro and one flash.

Where it was shot? At Marsa Shagra, Egypt.