Kiss me baby!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Well not really, but reminds me of that. I actually used film for this image about 12 years ago. These Comb Wrasse (Coris picta) are curious and often follow divers around within their respective territories and even approach a lens to see their reflections as this male has done. Cropped a little off all sides.

Nikonos III, 35mm lens and 9" macro lens, Fujichrome Sensia II, f/22, 1/60th, single overhead strobelight

[Alfred Forns]

I like the way you stopped down for dof and rendering he bg dark !!! Neat in every way !!! Big Congrats !!

[Fabs Forns]

That is one adorable face, great black background makes the fish really pop. Maybe cropping off some of the right to get him off center.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Thanks for the kind feedback Fabs and Al. I did wonder about placing off center myself. I thought about how it appears almost symmetrical, perhaps would not matter, but you're probably right there. With the Nikonos system it was always hit and miss for focus, being a rangefinder, not an SLR. Therefore, I always used a small aperture for close-ups. That ensured the black BG and while not as accepted perhaps as a more natural ambient light/flash balance, it seems to work here as it concentrates the viewer to the fish.

Thanks again! :)

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Akos,
I like your composition. I am ok with your framing. The subject is placed in the centre. However, the curved line of the body leads your eye to the top towards its eyes and head. The depth of field is lovely. The black background, though unnatural, helps in focussing your attention on the subject. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Krijn Trimbos]

Hi Akos,
Very nice perspective! Love the sexy pose of the fish (did not think I would ever say this about a fish....;-) and the black BG. I does seem like your focus was on the fins though, still a great job with the stopping down to f22 as in this way that is not that obvious. Good job!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Hi Akos,
Very nice perspective! Love the sexy pose of the fish (did not think I would ever say this about a fish....;-) and the black BG. I does seem like your focus was on the fins though, still a great job with the stopping down to f22 as in this way that is not that obvious. Good job!

Hi Krijn

The correct focus with the Nikonos system was the hardest aspect as you had to estimate distances using framers or judgement by sight. You could not compose through a viewfinder, well yes, but I wouldn't as it was totally a waste of time mostly. Except shooting with my 15mm or 35, 28mm lenses.

Thanks for your comments. :) I would never have thought sexy. LOL!

[Ken Hawk]

My first try at underwater photography was with the Nikonos system, what a disaster that was,I shot 8 rolls of film and never had 1 keeper :(
So I know what a good pic that one is.

Ken