How to Capture Stunning Underwater Animal Photos at the Aquarium Using Just Your iPhone (Or Any Smartphone)

Taking a trip to the aquarium is always a blast. Seeing those colorful fish and weird sea creatures up close is just amazing, right? And if you’re like me, you want to capture those moments, but only have your phone on hand—say, an iPhone 17 Pro or something similar. Don’t sweat it. Phones these days are pretty capable, and with a few tricks, you can snap some really clear and cool photos of those underwater animals.

The first thing I do is get to know my phone’s camera. The iPhone 17 Pro, for example, has some awesome features like multiple lenses and Night Mode that help in low light. But honestly, most newer smartphones can do quite well if you learn a few basics. Play with focus and exposure—usually, just tapping on the screen where your fish is will help the camera figure out what to brighten or sharpen.

Angles are everything. Instead of just shooting straight-on, try lowering your phone a bit and shoot upward. It gives a fresh perspective and makes the fish look way cooler and bigger on screen. And don’t forget to turn on your gridlines in the camera settings. Using the “rule of thirds” really makes your photos look professional—just avoid putting your subject smack in the middle.

Lighting in aquariums can be tricky—those tanks aren’t always perfectly lit. A quick tip: try moving around a little so the glare or reflection from the glass isn’t in your shot. And if it looks too dark, that Night Mode (if your phone has it) is your best friend. It brightens things up without blurring the picture.

Holding your phone steady can be the hardest part, especially when you’re dealing with glass and water reflections. I find it super helpful to use a phone case with a built-in stand or plop my phone into a wallet stand or phone ring holder. This way, you can set it down, hit the timer, and not have to worry about shaky hands ruining the shot. Plus, it’s pretty fun to set up and get creative like that.

Patience is key. Fish don’t pose like people, so snapping a bunch of shots helps. Wait for interesting movements or cool moments—like an octopus waving an arm or a school of fish swirling in the light. And hey, don’t forget to jump in the frame yourself! Using a stand and timer allows you to get some cool selfies with those underwater buddies.

Here is a specific table of phone camera settings and steps, primarily for the iPhone 17 Pro, but also generally applicable to other smartphones:

So next time you’re wandering the aquarium halls with just your phone, remember—it’s not about having fancy gear. It’s about knowing a few tricks, moving a bit, and having fun capturing those magical underwater scenes. Happy snapping!

Here are some related articles:

• OPPO Reno13 5G: Where Creativity Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
• Explore the Wonders of Water with Thrilling Activities in Langkawi and Marine Marvels in the SEA Aquarium
• Will Another Moodboard Make Leads Book a Call With Your Design Firm? Think Again!