Western Clown Anemonefish from Anilao, The Philippines

Starting in on some of the images I took while in Anilao, The Philippines in early August.

Here are some classic Clown Anemonefish (in this case the Western Species - Amphiprion ocellaris). This species of Clown Anemonefish is often called the False Clownfish as Amphiprion percula is normally considerd the 'true' Clownfish. It is sometimes impossible to tell these two species apart, and normally identification is based on location rather than visual identifiers.

These fish are challenging to light due to the bright contrasts in the body colors and often around the eyes. My current method (which seems to be working ok) is to correctly light the white banding and then let the other colors in the fish and anemone fall where they may.

Enjoy,

M

M- great shots of clowns! I love 'em and took a bunch in Truk earlier in year.. Mostly Clark and Tomato clowns... I like that third shot..looks like he is coming up to lens to say hello!

Are you using the Inon or Ike strobes for those shots?

Michael