Well, that's the inherent problem with not judging for the aquarist, rather the art of photography.
While the subject is still aquariums/plants etc......they are not the same thing.
The Dutch rules have their own issues as Dutchy points out, water quality where less = is assumed to be best.
This is a club however, ADA is in fact a business and are allowed to do whatever they chose and make whatever rule they chose to do!
A club is more a democracy, the AGA contest has been around a long time, and has some of the same issues, but.......it is a non profit club on which I've been a member for many years/know everyone on the BOD's etc.
I think what is needed is a more aggressive marketing approach to aquarium local contest.
Then having the regional winners produce a decent video based on the judging criteria.
These are sent into a national or international group for judging.
Such "Home shows" are far more educational and interesting, they teach people much more about the hobby and there is no vested financial interest.
Our club in SF has such a show/contest. You need to learn more about the Art of photography and post processing imaging. Good lighting, flashes etc, are very helpful. These will do nothing for a home show however or the Dutch contest.
I often do not wish to spend so much time doing the set up on aquariums, I'd much rather climb to a mountain and then get my shot.
While the subject is still aquariums/plants etc......they are not the same thing.
The Dutch rules have their own issues as Dutchy points out, water quality where less = is assumed to be best.
This is a club however, ADA is in fact a business and are allowed to do whatever they chose and make whatever rule they chose to do!
A club is more a democracy, the AGA contest has been around a long time, and has some of the same issues, but.......it is a non profit club on which I've been a member for many years/know everyone on the BOD's etc.
I think what is needed is a more aggressive marketing approach to aquarium local contest.
Then having the regional winners produce a decent video based on the judging criteria.
These are sent into a national or international group for judging.
Such "Home shows" are far more educational and interesting, they teach people much more about the hobby and there is no vested financial interest.
Our club in SF has such a show/contest. You need to learn more about the Art of photography and post processing imaging. Good lighting, flashes etc, are very helpful. These will do nothing for a home show however or the Dutch contest.
I often do not wish to spend so much time doing the set up on aquariums, I'd much rather climb to a mountain and then get my shot.