June 2008: (NEW) EA Photo Contest - TOP DOWN

[sphelps]

Welcome to the first EA Photo Contest on Canreef! This first one might be a repeat to some, but a gooder none the less.



This months subject: TOP DOWN


All entries must be taken from above your aquarium, no other limitations on the photo subject. Let's not see any repeats, fresh pictures please. Requested, but not required, members should post info about their picture. This should include a picture title and camera specs.




Only the first 20 entrys will be used, so do not delay.Eentries will be accepted until June 25, 2008.

Post entries here, if you cannot post your picture please email it to me (sphelps@sasktel.net) and I will post it for you.

Good Luck!!

The winner will be determined by you, the voters, and the winner will receive an extra bonus this round.



Bonus Prize:

A custom made top down camera box!

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/EA%20Photo%20Contest/camerabox.jpg

The winner can except the generic dimensions shown or have them changed to better meet the requirements of his or her camera.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/June%206%202008/DSC_0001.jpg




Contest Rules are as follows:

1) You must follow the guidelines given for each contest

2) ALL members including vendors can enter, I just ask that the picture is from a personal or display tank, not store stock.

3) As long as YOU take the picture and it fits the guidelines you can enter it, I don’t care whose tank it’s from

4) First come, first serve up to 20. But do not hesitate to continue posting pictures if 20 were already posted.

5) Have Fun!


Example, took this a few minutes ago.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/June%206%202008/DSC_0053.jpg
Title: In The Trees Down Under
Nikon D300, Sigma 150 Lens: A-F18, S-250, ISO 1200, WB-Auto-B3

[Jason McK]

What does EA stand for? :)

J

[sphelps]

What does EA stand for? :)

J

Whatever you want it to :biggrin:

[argan]

but really what does it stand for when you put it in the title of your contest?

[Keri]

Excellence Awarded? ;)

[banditpowdercoat]

Easy Assignment

[cprowler]

Here are two I took with my Canon SD550 with a Canon WP-DC80 underwater housing. I had it in Underwater mode and in Macro with the flash locked off
other than that I don't know what A/S/ISO/WB was.

http://www.zld.ca/reef/IMG_00020.jpg

http://www.zld.ca/reef/potmjune01.jpg

[sphelps]

Nice one Bill, thanks for the specs.

[Tom R]

I just got a new Canon G9 and this is one of my first Top Down photos.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/Tom_R/New%20Photos/IMG_0396.jpg

[dogboy]

What does EA stand for? :)

J

Did we figure out what EA stands for?

[Canuckgod420]

how do I get it so the pic is right there in the thread rather than a link to a pic?

[michika]

I want a photo tube now! Those are some awesome photos!

[Canuckgod420]

Orange Montipora - Nikon D40

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Orange Montipora - Nikon D40

Here ya go :)

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=2959&d=1213199264

[sphelps]

how do I get it so the pic is right there in the thread rather than a link to a pic?

I see Der_Iron_Chef already did it for you but for future reference all you need to do is place these around you picture's uploaded location "www.yourpicturelink.com"
You can also click on the insert image button in the message tools as well.
If all else fails you're welcome to email pics to me and I'll post them for you.


Also very nice picture, do you remember the settings you used with you D40? Were you using the 18-55mm lens?

[sphelps]

I want a photo tube now! Those are some awesome photos!

If the winner would prefer an open tube over the sealed box design I would be happy to offer the choice. So all you gotta do is win :biggrin:

[michika]

I think its going to be an awesome contest! How can you shoot top downs without a box? I suppose what I'm asking is how do you beat/avoid the glare from your lighting.

[sphelps]

I think its going to be an awesome contest! How can you shoot top downs without a box? I suppose what I'm asking is how do you beat/avoid the glare from your lighting.

Well obviously first you need the water to be perfectly still. To avoid the lighting glare you may need to move or angle you lights a little so you're not shooting into a glare zone. Usually you can find a window to shoot through were the light doesn't bounce back at the camera. It may be a little tricky and take a little practice but it's definitely doable. Also a polarizing filter can be helpful.

It should also be noted that if the winner already has a box and doesn't require another one he or she is welcome to donate the prize the second place.

[Underwater]

Ok, seriously not as amazing as the other posts, but I think it's interesting none-the-less.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg87/MW6349/TopDownContest-June.jpg

Camera-nothing fancy-Kodak Easy Share Z612
Settings-Automatic with flash off
I was standing on a ledge with one foot-and the rest of my body pressed up against the tank-leaning over the top afraid to breath for fear of falling.

[sphelps]

Nice one Underwater, very interesting indeed.

What are those? Anemones?

Also did a quick fix in Photobucket, would you prefer to enter this one?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/EA%20Photo%20Contest/TopDownContest-June.jpg

[Canuckgod420]

Acropora Rosaria....i think - Nikon D40 - 18-55mm lens - no flash - WB auto
I still dont understand how to get the pic right here in the post instead of a link.
DOH

[Underwater]

I think so...they were in a big tank of all sorts of things.

So far as the fixed pic, I don't know which looks better. I kinda like the softness of the first one, but your's shows a lot more details. I can't say I'm versed enough to know what is most appealing to others, so any advice is greatly appreciated!

:mrgreen:

[dogboy]

Whatever you want it to :biggrin:

Just sitting here on the edge of my seat wondering what EA stands for lol....:biggrin: the question was asked in post number 2 and now we are over 20 posts and still no answer.....:question:

[sphelps]

Acropora Rosaria....i think - Nikon D40 - 18-55mm lens - no flash - WB auto
I still dont understand how to get the pic right here in the post instead of a link.
DOH

Hey Rob, one picture per member. Which one would you like to enter. Also if you sign up for photobucket and I'll be a lot easier to post pictures.

[sphelps]

Just sitting here on the edge of my seat wondering what EA stands for lol....:biggrin: the question was asked in post number 2 and now we are over 20 posts and still no answer.....:question:

stands for Everything and Anything you want it to :biggrin:

[untamed]

It doesn't really say how many I can enter. If it is only one, feel free to select one from the following four.

All shots: Kodak Z1085is; 80 ISO; Macro Mode; Open Shade WB; High Colour Mode; Lighting is mixed MH & Actinic

"Nothing Special"
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r118/untamed_photos/aquarium%20views/101_0114.jpg

"Starry Night" (No...you can't have a frag...yet)
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r118/untamed_photos/aquarium%20views/101_0109.jpg

"Happy Hammer"
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r118/untamed_photos/aquarium%20views/101_0117.jpg

"Shy Duo"
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r118/untamed_photos/aquarium%20views/101_0116.jpg

[Marlin65]

Cprowler great photo
If you frag that pink one I would like a piece??
I have some of the green already.

I don't know if I can do better than what is here with my tiny frags.:redface:

[Marlin65]

Nothing special he says those are great untamed.:smile:

[Marlin65]

Okay a couple I just took.
Taken with my underwater Ikelite case and Sony DSC-F717
ISO 100 Macro mode full auto no strobe my tank is to small.:lol:
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg94/hikingtrigger/DSC00770.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg94/hikingtrigger/DSC00769.jpg

[Marlin65]

Acropora Rosaria....i think - Nikon D40 - 18-55mm lens - no flash - WB auto
I still dont understand how to get the pic right here in the post instead of a link.
DOH

Best way is to upload them to photo bucket and then copy and paste. The trick is to have the IMG in brackets before and after the picture info.
Cheers Rob

[Canuckgod420]

thanks i will try that

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Holy Acan, Batman...
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll167/andrewjespersen/acan.jpg
EXIF Data: Model- Nikon Coolpix 8800VR; F-Stop - f/3.7; ISO - 50; Focal Length - 29.3mm; Shutter Speed - Unknown.

[sphelps]

Loving the pictures folks, simply just amazing!!!

Just so everyone knows you can post as many pictures as you want, and please do, but you can only enter one for the contest so be sure to let me know which one you want to enter or I'll pick one for you.

Again very nice, keep them coming!

[ElGuappo]

well i guess this is the potm i have been waiting for. my olympus has underwater settings and can go underwater without a housing. i have just been too afraid to try. but i guess this is reason enough to try.

[sphelps]

Entry posted for CRTRCRZY

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/EA%20Photo%20Contest/misc024.jpg
Sony Cyber Shot 12x optical zoom, auto everything.

[Brent F]

Predator and Prey

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj252/Brent_F/FrogfishandChromis-1.jpg

Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Date Taken 4/25/2008
Focal Length 6 mm
F-Number F/3.5
Exposure Time 1/200 sec
Metering Mode: Pattern

Taken from above in a 9 inch deep tank

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Oooh. That's really cool. I was looking for a copepod or something (i.e. the prey). Then I saw it. Ahhhhh.

[Doug]

Wow. Great pics everyone. :mrgreen:

[christyf5]

Colors are starting to come back in my tank (finally!!)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b365/christyf5/topdown2.jpg

Canon Rebel XT with 18-55mm kit lens, no flash

[muck]

Drew... http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys3/luvlove.gif the acans.

[Jason McK]

A couple of mine
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/Jasonmck/Aquarium/Macro/IMG_0952.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/Jasonmck/Aquarium/Macro/IMG_0937.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/Jasonmck/Aquarium/topdown15.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g293/Jasonmck/Aquarium/topdown5.jpg

Some pics with borrowed Canon Rebal xti with 90mm Marco. Other with Nikon coolpix P5000. None taken with a viewing box

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Drew... http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys3/luvlove.gif the acans.

I know, right?! I bought them about a year ago from a local LFS and they were completely white, totally bleached. I'm kinda proud of how they're looking today :)

A couple of mine

I'm loving the depth of field on these....particularly the first one. Nice!

[sphelps]

After 4 days we're already at 11 entries, great job! 9 spots left so don't delay!

[Mikee]

Just went through this whole thread.. i see a lot of nice pics! great shots everyone :D. One day ill be getting my Nikon D80..

[Chowder]

Here are a few I took with a Canon S2IS.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2105.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2102.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2118.jpg

[Tom R]

Here are a few I took with a Canon S2IS.

Hi Chris

You sure get great pictures out of that camera(Canon s2is).
It was an excellent value for the money those pictures are as good as any DSLR.

What settings did you use for those pictures. I bought the Canon G9 and I am still experimenting with the settings to get consistently great pictures.

Tom R

[Scythanith]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/Scythanith/Bayside%20Corals/DSC_0517.jpg

[Chowder]

Hey Tom I am using the auto setting with the macro setting. I have played around with the white balance quite a while ago. Not to sure what it really is set at. Thanks though.

[michika]

Well obviously first you need the water to be perfectly still. To avoid the lighting glare you may need to move or angle you lights a little so you're not shooting into a glare zone. Usually you can find a window to shoot through were the light doesn't bounce back at the camera. It may be a little tricky and take a little practice but it's definitely doable. Also a polarizing filter can be helpful.

When you shoot with your photo box/tube do you also shut your pumps/powerheads off?

This is what I've got so far, its really hard to find that perfect window to shoot through.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0635.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0636.jpg

[Der_Iron_Chef]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k99/Scythanith/Bayside%20Corals/DSC_0517.jpg

SICK!

[sphelps]

When you shoot with your photo box/tube do you also shut your pumps/powerheads off?


When using a photo box you don't need to shut off the water, it still might be a good idea to keep corals more still but not necessary. The tube style with the open bottom will likely still require the flow to be off or very low, however you're eliminating that plastic or glass window possibly resulting in a better picture.

There are many ways to help eliminate that glare, take some black construction paper and roll it into a cone around your lens to act like a photo tube. Or some large PVC or ABS pipe could work to.

You should email me the full size picture and I'll post it for you, those a bit small.
sphelps@sasktel.net

[Snappy]

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h210/Trainer02/JUNE1408014granulosa.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h210/Trainer02/JUNE1408054rainbowstylo.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h210/Trainer02/JUNE1408091clams3.jpg
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h210/Trainer02/may16106staronvalida.jpg

[michika]

You should email me the full size picture and I'll post it for you, those a bit small.

I do the small size on purpose so when I post lots of photos in a thread, it doesn't eat up everyone's download speed. I'll try with a few pipes or paper like you suggested and see what happens.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/michika/DSC_0734.jpg

[exentity]

Looks like a good place to post my first photos ever on Canreef.
All shots taken with a Nikon D60 18-55mm lens on macro with various settings.

http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0316b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0073b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0080b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0082b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0083b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0085b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0198b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0187b.jpg
http://www.members.shaw.ca/chin88/DSC_0188b.jpg

Anthony

[fishytime]

Greg as always your pics are amazing. And Anthony its about time!:lol: Great shots and Im sure Kev and I will be happy:wink:

[sphelps]

Hey Anthony, nice pictures! Are those top down?

[exentity]

Ooops, that seafan one isn't top down. Sorry. Should I remove it?

[sphelps]

Ooops, that seafan one isn't top down. Sorry. Should I remove it?

No need to remove it, I just need one top down for the contest. Remember if you don't tell me which one to enter I'll just pick one.

[ElGuappo]

well here is what i could come up with.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/2327124967_42603eb0d4_o.jpg

Guess thats it.

Taken with a Olympus Stylus 720 SW

[sphelps]

There are only 2 days left to get your entries in. The deadline is June 25.

3 more spots available.

[sphelps]

Only 3 spots remaining, no takers?

One day left.