Well, it seems that my win has created a bit of a controversy here...
Apparently, I have a penchant for stirring the pot even when I don't actually plan to.
Regarding Biffchan's comments, I completely understand where he is coming from, but I disagree that possessing a camera with underwater capabilites will automatically turn you into a proficient underwater photographer, which can be inferred from his post. In fact, it has taken me literally hundreds of unsuccessful shots to come up with a few that would qualify as good pics. Professional photographers know very well what I am talking about. Many dozens of rolls of film are wasted before they get that ONE great shot that will earn them accolades, magazine covers, prizes and bragging rights. Sometimes it is a matter of luck, because you get only one chance at a great shot. Just last Saturday, my buddy Randofish snapped this great shot of my sturgeon breaking the surface:
How cool is that?!
I personally think that underwater photography is the way to go, especially in a catch and release fishery. As long as the fish stays in the water, one can try and take a number of shots without stressing out the fish. Those who have underwater cameras know how frustrating it can be to get a good shot. I know a number of guys out there with the same camera as mine and they have yet to come up with a half-decent picture. There are many more variables involved than in a conventional shot. Water clarity, reflection, magnification, etc...all have to be taken into account. It requires a lot of practice and missed shots before you start getting them right. The quality of the equipment you use gives you an extra edge only if you know how to use it. High end quality gear itself does not garantee success. If it were so, any flyfisherman using Sage rods and Islander reels should catch more and bigger fish than others not so well-equipped, and that is just not the case.
As to the comment about the beauty of the fish, I think the steely in my photo is picture perfect. It is one beautiful chromer, with no coloration, net marks or scars whatsoever. And the gin clear water in which the picture was taken added to the 'ghostly' character of the picture. It is one of those fish you can hardly see from above, even with polarized glasses.
I am very happy to have won the first prize and I would like to thank all those who voted for my pic. Although I seem to have won by a wide margin, all of the entries were deserving contestants, each in their own way.
I agree with the proposal to divide next year's contest into two categories (Conventional and Underwater), and I really hope that there will be many more underwater entries next year. The Optio WP series are actually quite affordable cameras. You can find them now at under 300 bucks, much cheaper than many of the non water proof cameras in use out there. If you are serious about your fish pics, I strongly suggest you make the purchase of a water-proof camera a high priority on your shopping list. Even if you never end up making underwater shots, you will appreciate the ability to take a dunk in the river without worrying about your camera getting ruined. Those who do a lot of wading know what I am talking about!
Cheers, Milo
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Topic: Steely Porn Pic of the Year Poll!! (Read 14973 times)