mscichlid
Founder
What do you think of this photo? I know, I know it's not a cichlid.
phishphorphun
Members
It's not a cichlid. 
Seriously though. It's a very good photo.
1. The subject is perfectly exposed from head to tail. The shadow of the curled dorsal adds a bit of action to this near perfect profile.
2. Framing the subject in the center is not always the best crop. I prefer having more space in front of the fish so it looks like it is swimming into the capture. Also on that note. When a fish appears to look up, allowing more space above the subject than below is more interesting imo. I think you reversed this theory on this shot.
3. There is also some small distractions in the background that I think could have been cleaned up if this shot was considered for a contest entry. Appears to be tiny specs of water marks above the dorsal area. It shows on my new lcd monitor more so than on my crt.
4. Did I mention it wasn't a cichlid. My point here is that, while the photo is very good, the subject is less interesting than others you have available to shoot. That is strictly based on personal taste and fishkeeping interest by this observer. However, when submitting a photo for a contest, you have to provide the voters a subject that will hold their interest longer. So consideration to attract more voters is key in a photo contest.
Technically this is excellent. Composition is good. Subject is fair. Scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best) I voted a 7.
Seriously though. It's a very good photo.
1. The subject is perfectly exposed from head to tail. The shadow of the curled dorsal adds a bit of action to this near perfect profile.
2. Framing the subject in the center is not always the best crop. I prefer having more space in front of the fish so it looks like it is swimming into the capture. Also on that note. When a fish appears to look up, allowing more space above the subject than below is more interesting imo. I think you reversed this theory on this shot.
3. There is also some small distractions in the background that I think could have been cleaned up if this shot was considered for a contest entry. Appears to be tiny specs of water marks above the dorsal area. It shows on my new lcd monitor more so than on my crt.
4. Did I mention it wasn't a cichlid. My point here is that, while the photo is very good, the subject is less interesting than others you have available to shoot. That is strictly based on personal taste and fishkeeping interest by this observer. However, when submitting a photo for a contest, you have to provide the voters a subject that will hold their interest longer. So consideration to attract more voters is key in a photo contest.
Technically this is excellent. Composition is good. Subject is fair. Scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best) I voted a 7.
Cristy
Members
It looks fantastic on my crt, but on my laptop I can see water spots all over the photo.
I agree with Bobby that you usually want to provide more space in the direction in which the subject is looking. However, knowing that this is a surface feeding/dwelling fish I think cropping it above center speaks more to the nature of the subject.
I agree with Bobby that you usually want to provide more space in the direction in which the subject is looking. However, knowing that this is a surface feeding/dwelling fish I think cropping it above center speaks more to the nature of the subject.
mscichlid
Founder
Thanks, I appreciate it. It will make me take the time and work harder at it.
