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North
Carolina has three state aquariums. Two of them are in
the Outer Banks area covered by CarolinaOuterBanks.com.
Both charge an admission fee. Each aquarium is designed
and arranged differently, with unique features and themes,
so if you visit both, there will be little or no duplication.
Good Advise For Snapshots In The Aquariums:
When you visit, you're going to
want to take some photos. But there are some problems
to be overcome for good useful snapshots. First, the extremely
thick glass or lexan of the tanks sometimes makes getting
a sharp image tricky and difficult. Some cameras with
auto-focus will not focus properly on glass or shiny surfaces,
so be aware of that. Secondly, it is much too dark inside
for cameras without a flash, so you will definitely need
your flash. But therein lies the third problem. Whenever
you take a flash photo of anything in a glass/lexan tank,
or behind a glass, lexan or plexiglas barrier, while facing
square into the tank or barrier, the flash will glare
in the shiny surface and wash out your subject. Basically
the flash bounces right back into your camera, like looking
into the sun.
The
WRONG way above, and
the RIGHT way below. |
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Here is a simple trick to minimize
or even eliminate that problem, and get much better photos.
Face the glass/shiny surface at a 20-30 degree angle when
you take your photos. The flash glare will bounce off
at the same angle, but in the opposite direction, and
you will get little or no hot spot in your photos. Now
you can take some photos home that you'll be proud of.
If you want to be really professional,
pay attention to what you see on the glass. Most people
look right through the glass at their subject without
paying attention to the glare or reflections that are
ON the glass. These come from bright objects, such as
lights from other displays, or light coming through a
door from another room. Even the reflections of other
people can spoil your shot. If this happens, you can usually
change your position a little to get a more advantageous
angle, where the glare or reflection is less noticeable,
or even gone. Doing so will make for better photos also.
Now it is time to see the photos
we have for you. This is essentially just a picture tour
showing some of the interesting creatures you will find
in both facilities. |
The
North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, is located
in Manteo, just off US Hwy. 64/264 Business. This location
has a large "outdoor" exhibit area that is really indoors,
somewhat like a giant greenhouse. The entire roof is one
giant skylight. Alligators are on display here, as well
as otters, which understandably are a great favorite among
the visitors.
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The
touching pool below is
a real favorite with kids.
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The
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, is located
just off NC Hwy. 58 in Salter Path, between Emerald Isle
and Atlantic Beach on Bogue Banks. This location has a
nature trail just outside the back door, which leads along
a boardwalk, providing access to a marsh area off Bogue
Sound. The Great Egret photos below were taken there.
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