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North Carolina has three state aquariums. Two of them are in the Outer Banks area covered by OuterBanksGuidebook.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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