Sharing know-how about UK gardening

Do...

Photograph Koi where there are no reflections on the water. Spend time walking around the pond to find the best place, which will depend on the time of day.

Use a high vantage point. Stand on the pond's edge, a bridge or steps for overhead shots of Koi.

Use a polarising filter to remove reflections, but be prepared for a much darker image in the viewfinder. A polarising filter cuts down the light reaching the film or sensor so you'll need a slower shutter speed or wider aperture to compensate. Slower shutter speeds increase the risk of unsharp photos. Wider apertures reduce the in-focus area to the front and rear of the object focused on, so you may not obtain a sharp image of the whole Koi.

Point the camera at a grey card to set the correct exposure.

If possible, use a shutter speed of 1/125 second or faster for hand-held shots, which should prevent blurring from camera shake.

Don't...

Risk a splashing or a ducking for you or your camera. Use the camera neck strap at all times. Always store camera accessories away from the pond, and move away from the pond's edge to change filters, films or lenses.

Photograph in bright sunshine unless you have to. Wait for shadowless light.

Rely on the camera's exposure meter to calculate the right settings.

Use very high ISO speed otherwise the photos will be very grainy.

Be mean with film. The only way to get good shots is to take plenty of pictures.