LEDs - i love them but the camera hates them

[Europhyllia]

Has anybody figured out any grand ideas to take pics under LEDs? It seems like to the naked eye they don't seem all that bright but my photos are usually retina burning overexposed. I can get better results if I a) back off and be sure to include the window in the pic or b) turn off the center LED and take the pics with just the top LED bulb on. Then the colors and shadows are off though. And sometimes it would be nice to get close ups of stuff. I can't 'fix it' later on in Photoshop either because the completely burned out stuff is so bright that when I darken the photo it still has no detail. Help! Any camera settings that could help me take better pics under LED - especially the more challenging close ups? 21509

[350gt]

What kind of camera?

can you adjust the white balance on it? On my slr manual settings is where its at, no "auto" anything which leads to blown out pics....

[CoryDude]

Karin, that's the problem with LEDs. The multiple bulbs create different light waves. I've had success with under exposing by 1 or 2 steps. Does your white balance have a color filter or palette. I set my balance to filter in more red which tends to dull the over exposed white and blue areas.

[Europhyllia]

I knew you would have an answer Cory! Now I just need to find the manual and actually read it to know where the stuff is you are talking about. lol Thanks

[Europhyllia]

350 it's a Canon Rebel T1i

[hobogato]

if you cant find the manual, you should be able to get it in pdf format online from canon. i bet there are some youtube how to vids for your camera also.

[footballdude2k3]

Take a picture of white PVC in your tank, use that as the basis for white balance when you edit the picture and shoot in raw, not jpg

[CoryDude]

Be sure to bring your camera on the next totq and we can take a look at it. I remember Steven's led tank was my first led tank and it took me two trips over to his house to get the right look on his pics.

[Europhyllia]

Take a picture of white PVC in your tank, use that as the basis for white balance when you edit the picture and shoot in raw, not jpgthe color is not the problem. IT's a seahorse tank so it doesn't have blue bulbs. :) But it literally burns out some bright areas in close ups and even when you adjust it in Photoshop the ueber bright areas never show detail again. :( Okay CoryDude, I'll bring it along.

[technomex]

Is that a clamp on light you have there? It looks cool. That's exactly what I need for my cube.

[Europhyllia]

It is. Was supposed to clamp on the tank but my rim is too wide so I made a wooden rail that's attached to the wall to put the clamp lights on. Got it from OCReef