Capturing the Glow: Tips for Photographing and Filming Bioluminescence at Home

Bioluminescent dinoflagellates offer a stunning visual experience, but capturing their ethereal glow can be challenging. It requires a blend of low light and action photography skills. Here's how to get started:

Setting the Stage:

• Environment: Choose a dark room to accentuate the bioluminescence. Turn off any flashes to avoid overpowering the natural light of the dinos.
• Camera Settings: Opt for a low f/stop to let in more light, keeping in mind this narrows your focus. Use a higher ISO for better light sensitivity, but be cautious of graininess in your images.
• Teamwork: Having an extra pair of hands can make the process smoother, especially when you need to swirl the dinoflagellates.

Remember: The first swirl of the night is typically the brightest. You might need several attempts over multiple nights to perfect your shots. Give the dinoflagellates a rest after swirling to replenish their light-emitting molecules.

DSLR Photography and Videography:

• Sony FX3 and a7siii Series: Ideal for their broad ISO range and effective noise compression. Pair these cameras with fast lenses that are f/2.8 or lower (some good options are Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 or the more affordable Canon 50mm f/1.8)
• Lighting: Consider using dim, indirect lights to avoid a completely dark frame before the bioluminescence appears.

Setting Suggestions for DSLR:

• ISO: Start around 6400-12600, adjusting as needed.
• f/stop: Begin with f/1.2, going up to f/2.8 for clarity.
• Shutter Speed: Experiment starting from 1/60.
• Frames per Second: Choose higher frame rates for slow-motion effects. Lower frame rates will let in more light. Try 24, 30 and 60fps to start. Note, the Sony FX3 can shoot 120fps in 4K.

For iPhone/Android Devices:

• Night Mode: Use the automatic night mode or adjust exposure settings manually.
• Apps: Explore photography apps to enhance your phone’s camera capabilities.

Canon EOS Mark III for Photography:

• A great choice for its resolution and ISO range, with similar lens and setting suggestions as for DSLR videography.

Pro Tip: Experimentation is key! The gear we recommend is based on our experience, but your equipment might yield different, perhaps even better results. Explore and see what works best for your setup.

Embrace these techniques, and you'll be able to beautifully capture the alluring dance of bioluminescence from the comfort of your home. These images and videos will be perfect for showing off to your friends or sharing on social media.