Nikonos Key Largo

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Nokonos Shootout Key Largo '96 and upcoming '97

Fun above and below....

So it was a touch and go week, wondering just where hurricane Hortense was headed, and hopefully it was northerly.

Finally, about Wednesday, Hortense did head for the north, and it was time to head south.

South to Key Largo. South to some sun, warm salt waters, and the Nikonos Shootout.

It was the 2nd annual date for the event in Key Largo, the 11th year of the events, and the 32nd individual shootout.

Being a novice at this, thoughts were more in tune to having a good time, and less on the big prizes, knowing that the diving would be great no matter what.

Open category on Friday, and a wide angle lens. The boat headed out, and the first stop was the Duanne, which was passed on to do the reefs for my dive partners comfort.

Molasses reef was the next stop for two dives, and with calm seas, and 35-40 ft visibility, all that was left was finding the subjects to photograph, which was not hard, the area full of color and life.

The wreck of the Benwood, and French Reef were on slate for the afternoon's dives, and again providing a lot of life and color, but forgetting that it was Friday the 13th, Murphy slipped in.

Discovered back in the photo shop, the camera had taken on water.

Insert here the feeling of your heart sinking into your shoes, your wallet sailing off into the sunsert, and the disappointment of losing some great shots.

For the next 45 minutes, while watching skilled technicians labor over this piece of machinery and circuits, I was only slightly reassured by the thought that I had not been the first, for in the corner were several other bodies and lenses, parked in front of a blow-dryer.

One technician, seeing the look on my face, and trying to reduce my anxiety told me it looked like a "three beer" job, to which I replied that I would gladly pay a six-pack.

A few thunderstorms had gone through, but on Saturday AM it was sunny and great looking for the Macro category.

Same dive schedule, and after feeling like the roll of film contained no more than a bunch of fish tales, turned in the film and chose the best of the day before.

Several of the sponsors put together an excellent barbeque for the evening, complete with fireworks, and a chance to talk with the other shooters.

Locals, people from all over the US, and a good number from abroad, all discussing the days events.

Sunday brought all of the shootists together for the final word on who's work was the best. All were treated first though to the standard by which all others are measured. Two shows of Stephen Frink's work were great at showing the ability of a camera, some scuba gear, and a lot of work.

Then the awards, and the showing of the photos that all of the shootists had submitted. An enterprising person or magazine could fill pages with the best of not just the awarded photo's, but the other "losers" also, as it became apparent that the judges had had a difficult time.

Then the thoughts go on to this year, having learned, experienced, and maybe.....

So for "97, the Nokonos for Key Largo wass being done over two weekends, and being changed to August.

I did not get there, but I do know that it was not as great as they would have liked...... I don't know, as I was one of the ones that did not get there......

So recently, (5/6/98) I spoke with someone who has a good idea of what goes on at Nikonos shootouts, and is easily considered a reliable source......

Simply stated, the system will probably go to a four year rotation, one site per year. I see this as a good point for most, but could lead to some crowding of the areas for the sites.....

So what happens remains to be seen, and hopefully we will see the happenings soon.....

KRH

Goliath, the Moray from the Wreck of the Benwood, Key Largo. He is about 9 foot long, and quite friendly, although I saw him in May, and he was looking old. (He was even amiable to the macro field arm under his jaw while I shot this photo...)