C. leptosoma

[Mikers]

I've entered this photograph in a contest on another site (Cichlid-Forum) and it doesn't seem to be doing too well, at all (I think it's in last place right now).

I personally liked the photograph, so if you could tell me what could improve, I'd greatly appreciate it.

http://aquatic-photography.com/gallery/files/2004-C2.jpg

Thanks,

Mike

[jhoetzl]

While you pretty much nailed the focus which is good, the composition (crop?) and the OOF fish in the background is distracting to me, especially the way the pelvic fins almost perfectly align with the OOF fish.

If you like that angle, I'd at least get the full dorsal fin in there. For whatever reason, I just don't like the fish looking down.

Keep shooting and don't be discouraged by some contest!

[paradise]

Mike, a couple of comments. First, dont let ANY contest really razzle you, it's people that are voting and we are not perfect :). Second, any site where the type of fish matters more than the quality, ignore any scores given. Third, any contest that has a 500 pixels max width (so details dont matter, which means quality does not), dont pay attention to the results.

Did I make my feelings on that certain contest clear yet? :) :) if not, I can do a few more points, like, Fourth: Any contest where constructive critisism is not welcome, dont pay attention to.

[jhoetzl]

Mike, a couple of comments. First, dont let ANY contest really razzle you, it's people that are voting and we are not perfect :). Second, any site where the type of fish matters more than the quality, ignore any scores given. Third, any contest that has a 500 pixels max width (so details dont matter, which means quality does not), dont pay attention to the results.

Did I make my feelings on that certain contest clear yet? :) :) if not, I can do a few more points, like, Fourth: Any contest where constructive critisism is not welcome, dont pay attention to.

Wow, 500 pixels?! No feedback? I vote them for a razzie (http://www.razzies.com/default.asp) of internet photo contests.

[glaive]

I personally found that c-f contests suffer from popularity and framing. If you fish was center frame and a front you'd be close to winning, even with the other fish in the background. On the suggestions, every one has already covered them. The picture may not be perfect, however do not be discouraged you seem to have a handle on what I find to be the most difficult part.

[phishphorphun]

Since we should be critiquing the photo...and not the contest it was entered in, opinions of the contest format are irrellavent.

(Just joking, a little. Many of us here have had success at the CF contest, but let's not go there. It's a fish forum and not a photography forum.)

With that out of the way.

As already mentioned, the background fish is very distracting. If you are attempting to provide a group shot of a particular species, try to avoid overlapping them. While you achieved the necessary dof to separate the distracting bg fish, it still allows the eye to be confused with the overall composition...IMO.

Nice focus and exposure on the main subject.:exclaim: These guys are hard to stop. I have them too.:-D