World Champion 2006 - Bob Whorton

Dr Bob is the 'Macro King'. He could have taken Gold, Silver, Bronze in both macro categories - but we had to give someone else a chance too!

The choice of awarding Bob top prize was not clear-cut. Much technical (and even philosophical) argument ensued before the judges arrived at their decision. They were initially divided about the winner and had reservations on two grounds.

Firstly, should the top prize be awarded for a portfolio limited mostly (95%) to macro photography? After all, Macro (shooting small stuff) had a reputation as 'being easy' and 'for beginners'. Could anyone make it respectable?

Fortunately, the few wide angle shots Bob had entered were convincing enough to be placed also.

Secondly, the SLR guys argued that images taken on a 'point and shoot' camera (Fuji 810) could not be technically up to scratch. Such inverse snobbery is encountered whenever something new comes along (just remember the film-v-digital controversy). It was pointed out that even if the 810 was a consumer digicam it has a later generation of the CCD found in the S2 (which is a D-SLR owned by some of the judges!).

The fact is, that Bob's images probably could not be taken on a SLR/D-SLR. Most of his subjects were only a few millimeters long! You would need multiple extension rings (or reversing ring?) probably diopters and port extensions. As for picture quality - just zoom any of Bob's entries to see the detail.

Dr Bob became the guy who redefined macro underwater photography this year. By experimentation with equipment he was ableto get closer and go smaller than anyone else before.

Bob explains... 'I get up to 6:1 magnification using the full zoom on the Fuji 810 (138mm equiv) in an Ikelite housing with up to 3x Inon macro lenses stacked. Very often I am shooting stuff just an inch from the lens. Hence, technically impossible, and realising unbelievable detail! Full frame is around 9/16 and DOF around 2-3/16'

Bob is also the guy who discovered the new subjects that this new technique revealed. Search the contest on 'Pygmy seahorse' or 'Xenocrab', or 'Mantis Shrimp' and you will see from entry date - he was the first to enter images.

Being first to a subject is a phenomenon that has a long tradition in underwater photography. David Doubilet's reputation was, in part, founded on him being the first to photograph (or at least publish) Hawkfish on black coral. So, all you aspiring World champions - make that part of your strategy for next year

Of all the entrants in 2005 Bob was the one most recognized by his peers. Many entrants were inspired by him and acknowledged his influence. You will see that after he entered a subject a spate of copycat shots appeared. But then, we know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.So, for inventing a new branch of underwater photography (super macro) and for innovating new subjects Dr Bob clinched underwater photography's top prize.