Practical Fishkeeping Photo Contest

[George Farmer]

Here's five of my ten entries for the UK Practical Fishkeeping 2006 photo contest - amateur category. All in chronological order.

All these photos were taken using a basic 'point and press' Olympus camera (no manual focus or white balance etc.); the first four using a 2MP camera, the last a 5.1MP.

I hope you like them. I had fun looking back and choosing my favourites.


Pearling Java fern


Dutch Style


Pearling Brazilian Water Ivy


Flower and Shrimp


Nature Style

 

[ITJ]

Great Shots! Good luck for the competition. I like the last one best - the contrast of the neons against the plants, and the bright tank against the black border.

Its remarkable that you get such sharpness and colour with what you call a "point and press" through the tank glass. Just out of interest, whats the specific make of the camera? I presume it was on a tripod?

I'm really into photography, and am currently establishing my first freshwater tank, so I can't wait to get some fish in there and get snapping, shame I missed the compo!

At least my ammonia reading is starting to decline after two weeks of fishless cycling now!

Ian

Ian's Photos

 

[Mbuna Dave]

I love the third pic of the water ivy,absolutely stunning mate.Best of luck.

 

[George Farmer]

Thanks.

The 2MP was an Olympus D-230 and the 5.1MP a D-410.

Only the last shot was taken using a mini-tripod and ironing board using the self-timer.

 

[nelly3164]

hi, great photos. was there any flash used in the photos?. i have a kodak z740 5mp which i have not really used yet, but looking at your photos i am going to concentrate on using it to get the best shots of my malawis i can.

 

[andyk]

Exellent photo's mate, shame all the hard work has gone......
Cant believe you didnt trust a reefer to look after a few plants!
Who says you cant slowly acclimatise plants to a salt tank.

 

[lljdma06]

The Dutch style is That's just gorgeous, gf.

But, I agree with fishkiller, I really like the ivy shot. Beautiful. That would make a fantastic wall paper.

 

[Synirr]

Hawt, that's all I can say

 

[mitchie]

I love all the pictures, but as far as choosing a picture to have the best chance, I'd go for the flower/cardinal/shrimp picture. It's unique and combines so many aspects of a thriving aquarium in a small picture.

 

[onemisterchristian]

Oh good lord! I am green with envy. Pun fully intended. Someday....yes, someday.

 

[Captain Retardo]

WOW!

i am trying to be a photographer, but i suck, i just started taking pics a week ago.

 

[mrjames]

amazing photos, would love to see a couple of discus in there. james B)

 

[*Lucifer*]

omg, all the pics are beautifuly, i like the shrimp on the flower the best its is just amazing

Lucifer x

 

[George Farmer]

Thank you everyone.

I like all these photos; each has its own individual appeal for me. As this is a photo contest though I believe the Water Ivy is the best shot in terms of technical prowess, I am no expert though so who knows what the judges will think.

Nelly – I do not use the flash. I just rely on the aquarium lighting and a darkened room. It is worth experimenting with all the camera settings to find out what looks best for you. Use a tripod or improvise (I have used an ironing board or baby high chair to take most of these!) to get the best clarity. I even use the self-timer now so I don’t have to touch the camera at all and risk moving it.

Andy – You reef chaps are crazy! It must be all that purple algae you guys love .

 

[jimbooo]

i'll get my coat.........

fantastic shots mate. i must admit your dutch style picture was the reason i started this journey into the planted tank world. it used to be your sig pic right?

the rest are all beautiful. if you've sent them in on a CD then i'm sure you'll have sucess. theyre just stunning. they wee all over mine IMO.


it's a shame you had to strip the tank down. it really was a beauty.

i almost hope you dont get an offer of a reader visit, that would finish you off after taking it all apart.