Checklist: Photo Submission Guide Setup Done Right

Submitting high-quality photos of your aquascape is essential for contests, social media, and aquarium community recognition. A well-executed submission not only showcases your hard work but also increases your chances of standing out in a sea of underwater gardens. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive photo submission checklist for aquascapers—ensuring your setup, technique, and presentation are spot on every time.

Why Photo Submission Quality Matters in Aquascaping

Whether you’re entering an aquascaping contest, seeking expert feedback, or sharing your aquarium masterpiece online, the quality of your aquascape photos can make or break your presentation. Judges and enthusiasts look for clear, vibrant images that highlight details, composition, and the overall impact of your aquatic landscape. Proper photo submissions can help you:

Showcase the true beauty and balance of your planted tank
Get noticed by contest juries and the wider aquascaping community
Document your progress over time with crisp, comparable visuals

Ultimate Aquascape Photo Submission Checklist

1. Final Tank Preparation

Clean the glass: Remove algae, fingerprints, and water spots from inside and outside.
Perform a water change: Crystal-clear water makes your aquascape pop.
Trim and tidy plants: Prune ragged leaves, remove floating debris, and replant if needed.
Clean hardscape: Gently brush wood and stones free of algae or detritus.
Check equipment visibility: Hide heaters, filters, CO₂ lines, and other equipment from the viewing angle.

2. Camera & Equipment Setup

Use a tripod: Stabilize your camera or smartphone for sharp, blur-free photos.
Camera settings: Shoot in the highest resolution, use a timer or remote, and consider manual focus for precise sharpness.
Lenses: Preferably use a standard or wide-angle lens to capture the entire tank.
Smartphones: Activate gridlines and manual exposure if available.

3. Lighting Optimization

Main aquarium lights: Turn on full spectrum lighting for even, vivid illumination.
Eliminate reflections: Photograph in a dark room or cover windows to minimize glare.
External lighting: Consider supplemental LED panels or softboxes for consistent light, but avoid harsh shadows.

4. Setting Up the Shooting Area

Backdrop: Use a neutral or black background to focus attention on your aquascape. (Explore our aquascape background ideas for tips.)
Declutter: Remove visible objects or cables from around the tank.
Level the camera: Ensure the camera is centered at the midpoint of the aquarium glass.

5. Taking the Perfect Shot

Wait for calm: Turn off water pumps and let debris settle before shooting.
Animal placement: Time your photo when fish and shrimp are showing their best colors and not clustered in corners.
Take multiple shots: Vary angles, distances, and exposure to compare later.

6. Post-Processing and Review

Basic edits: Adjust brightness, contrast, and white balance without altering the reality of the aquascape.
Cropping: Remove borders or distractions for a clean presentation.
Image format: Save in high-quality JPG or PNG, as required by submission guidelines.
File size: Check contest or site requirements for image file size limits.
Rename files: Use appropriate naming conventions if specified (e.g., name_contest2024.jpg).

Common Aquascape Photo Submission Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting low-resolution or blurry images
Visible algae, dirty glass, or equipment in the photo
Strong reflections, uneven lighting, or washed-out colors
Over-editing or manipulating photos beyond basic color correction
Ignoring entry requirements—always double-check!

Preparing for Specific Photo Submission Platforms

Different platforms and contests might have additional requirements or recommendations. Always:

Check the official rules for photo resolution, orientation, and permissible edits
Read guidelines about animals—some contests prefer tanks photographed without visible livestock
Be mindful of deadlines and submission portals (email, forms, website uploads, etc.)

Resources for Further Improvement

Sharpen your aquascaping and photography skills with our detailed guides:

Conclusion: Submit Your Aquascape Like a Pro

Taking the time to perfect your aquascape photo submission pays off, whether you’re competing globally or sharing with friends. Use this checklist each time you prepare for a contest or publication. Your dedication will shine through every image!

If you found this guide helpful, explore more in-depth aquascaping tutorials and join our community discussions here at Aquascaping Academy!

Ready to make your next submission your best yet? Share your experience or questions in the comments below!