Is Sumi with Marusome Kiwa Unique to Matsunosuke?

[luke frisbee]

Very good photography too

[KoiCop]

Pretty darn cool to get up close and personal like that at that stage. Thank you!

[Richard Rombold]

Marie,

It was my pleasure having you down after all this time. You are a kindred soul and meeting you for the first time felt like meeting an old friend. It was a long trip for you, but it meant a lot to me to be able to share my excitement with someone firsthand.

Richard

[dick benbow]

thanks for posting the sanke and bekko pics. Try not to take TOO long to get the kohaku's posted. Glad you had fun!

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeM Nice shots, Marie. Thanks for posting.

Wish I had more shots of the "midnight tancho" type Bekko for you, Mike. From Bindi size to eye-to-eye, they're there and they're amazing....

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by luke frisbee Very good photography too

Thankie you, Luke! Oh, and welcome back

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by KoiCop Pretty darn cool to get up close and personal like that at that stage. Thank you!

Thanks Don! You should have been there...these pics don't even scratch the surface of what's lurking in his tanks. They weren't easy to photograph and alot of the ones I would have put in my pocket and pilfered home just weren't clear enough to show. When first looking at the groups as they went through the culling process I honestly couldn't see what Richard was seeing as he parted cull from keeper. We joked about the sillywoman beside him whining hysterically "No! Not that one!" every time one was deposited in the cull bin. *LOL*

I understand now. The man has a sharp discriminating eye for faults and possibilities, very patiently instructing me on what to look for in these small fish, what was different, what was new, what was quality. By the end of the day my eye had evolved tenfold and he didn't have to chuckle and ask again, "Why are you taking pics of the culls?"

Well gee, Richard, even they were amazing to me.... *nodnodnodnod*

But I see where you're going and these exciting developments in your breeding program are extremely special. I can't wait to see them when they come up from the mud next....

[Sangreaal]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Rombold Marie, It was my pleasure having you down after all this time. You are a kindred soul and meeting you for the first time felt like meeting an old friend. It was a long trip for you, but it meant a lot to me to be able to share my excitement with someone firsthand. Richard

Thank you, Richard, for having me. Yes, it was almost like old home week visiting a dear old friend after being long away, very comfortable as well as exciting and enlightening, and I hope that this is not a solitary event but the first of many trips no matter the distance. I totally forgot to take pics of the handsome Sanke boy that fathered these babies. I'm still kicking myself for it and did so all the way home. He's definitely on my list for next time--just breathtaking in person....

[Bob Winkler]

Great pix! Thnx to both Richard and Marie for the pix and koi!

[Richard Rombold]

Hey folks, I think we all agree that Marie takes nice photos which are only surpassed by her eloquent and overly enthusiastic praise, but what do you think of the fish. Good, bad or ugly the reason this thread exists is to hear your critiques. Pleasant praise is nice, but that is what happens at other boards. Here it's brass knuckle critique and honest discussion.