Kelly, do you think my photography sucks <single tear rolls down check>?
Kidding!!! Seriously, I wish I knew someone or had a nice new Nikon D-body with appropriate lens and remote flash. But allas, no.
Also, I have been thinking and slowly studying on thinning the Bolbitis. I will look at it for a long time, or over a day, and then trim one branch. I am afraid to remove to much as there is no going back then
As to your photo/contest thought, I agree. However, while we all love having nice looking aquariums in our homes, I think the only way we really have to share our enjoyment or hobby is through photos. I also think that if you make a tank look its best in a photo, it will look that much better in real life. Photos are also the only way really to inspire new people or get our hobby out to the masses so contests and photos are a terrific "marketing" tool for the hobby. That's why I way I want to enter something, anything regardless of how good it is- its just more exposure for the hobby and more weight that manufacturers will see as the hobby grows.