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Nature's Artistry

Interestingly, my wait at the doctor’s office always proves to be an enjoyable experience, which was especially true of my most recent one. As I approached t...
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Interestingly, my wait at the doctor’s office always proves to be an enjoyable experience, which was especially true of my most recent one. As I approached the aquarium with which I always entertain myself, an exquisitely-colored fish came right up to the glass and promptly introduced himself as a new resident. His colors and design were unrivaled by any of the other residents I’d seen, and ironically, he also seemed enamored with me. He was quite happy to follow me, and to position himself for a photo shoot without a culinary bribe. My research revealed that he’s a mandarin dragonet, or mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus; family Callionymidae). The name “mandarinfish” is derived from its colorful pattern, which is said to resemble the robes of a Chinese mandarin.
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Canon PowerShot SD1000

settings

Aperture f/2.8 ISO 200 Shutter 1/30 Focal Length 5800/1000

upload_date

Apr, 2019

Views

131

Likes

Awards

Action Award

Chatter Award

Contender in the Visual Poetry Project

Gem Award

Achievement in Originality

Top Pick Award

Staff Favorite

Halfway22 Award

Top Shot Award 22

Jewel Award

Creative Winter Award

Curator's Selection

Hidden Gem Award

Spring 21 Award

Treasure Award

Judge Favorite

9Teen Award

Celebrity Award

Superb Composition

Outstanding Creativity

Top Choice

Absolute Masterpiece

Peer Award

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 30 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 2

Top 10 rank week 1

Top 20 rank

Top 20 rank week 1

Behind The Lens

Location

The aquarium in the doctor's office waiting room. As I approached, an exquisitely-colored fish came right up to the glass and promptly introduced himself as a new resident. His colors and design were unrivaled by any of the other residents I’d seen, and ironically, he also seemed enamored with me. He was quite happy to follow me, and to position himself for a photo shoot without a culinary bribe. My research revealed that he’s a mandarin dragonet, or mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus; family Callionymidae). The name “mandarinfish” is derived from his colorful pattern, which is said to resemble the robes of a Chinese mandarin.

Time

Afternoon.

Lighting

Luckily, my appointment time coincided with a lit aquarium, which was a hit and miss possibility. I did not use a flash; mainly because it was unnecessary, but also because it wasn't an option in the digital macro mode on my point-and shoot camera.

Equipment

Camera only - a 2007 Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph point-and-shoot with built-in lens and no IS. Stabilization was achieved via contact with the aquarium.

Inspiration

Animals and animal photography are my passion, and this little beauty was blatantly "fishing" for his claim to fame!

Editing

Background replacement, brightness adjustment, slight sharpening.

In my camera bag

At of the time of this shooting (Feb. 2010) and until recently, my only equipment consisted of the aforementioned P&S camera and a tripod that lowers to ground level for macro and small-animal photography. As of a few months ago I finally got a Canon 90D DSLR. Since my passions are wildlife & pets, macro (jumping spiders and insects), and landscapes, my lenses consist of the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM; Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro IS USM, and Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM. Other equipment: Kenko Auto Extension Tube Set and Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT. Wish list: Vintage 28mmm manual focus lens to reverse to extension tubes &/or bellows for macro; focusing rail; Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 for landscapes. IS STM lens for landscapes; lighter tripod; remote shutter release.

Feedback

Use either a lens hood (preferably rubber to prevent light leaks and glass scratches) or place the lens against the glass, to combat reflections (and increase stability).

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critterpics

critterpics

Nature's Artistry

Interestingly, my wait at the doctor’s office always proves to be an enjoyable experience, which was especially true of my most recent one. As I approached t... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow critterpics

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Interestingly, my wait at the doctor’s office always proves to be an enjoyable experience, which was especially true of my most recent one. As I approached t...
Read more

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