2026 Photo Contest Results

We’ve wrapped up the judging for our goldfish photo contest, and we’re excited to share

the results! The entries were outstanding across all categories, and the competition was

fierce. Thank you to everyone who participated—your love for these beautiful creatures

really shines through in each photo. Here are the winners:

Category 1: Greater than 3” with Wen

This was the toughest category, with the most entries. It’s clear that goldfish enthusiasts

love their Orandas, and the competition was intense. So many fantastic photos were

submitted, but there could only be one winner.

Winner: #31 Kelly Becker

A beautiful shot that truly captures the essence of the Oranda. The clear, crisp image

emphasizes the flowing fins, making this photo a standout in the category.

1st Runner-Up: #15 Tracy Blondis

A classic and elegant fish portrait that would look right at home in a breed book. This

timeless image embodies grace and is a wonderful representation of the breed.

2nd Runner-Up: #13 Sonya Triffo

An artistic, striking photo with great use of light. While I would have liked the fish to be

slightly more prominent, the energy and creativity of this shot are undeniable.

Category 2: Less than 3” with Wen

The smaller fish in this category didn’t hold back, and the winning shot was one of those

rare photos that makes you stop and think.

Winner: #19 Katherine Miller Medina

A stunning photo that plays with symmetry in a truly unique way. At first glance, it’s hard

to tell if we’re looking at one fish or the reflection of two. The contrasting elements—bubbles on the left and stillness on the right—make this image captivating

and dynamic.

Runner-Up: #8 Alvero Chils

This is a fun, joyful photo that captures a playful moment with a very clear, crisp image.

It brings a smile to your face, and the fun angle and composition make it a delightful

shot.

Category 3: Greater than 3” with No Wen

A diverse group of entries in this category, but one stood out as a bold, creative

approach.

Winner: #4 Misti Pike

The photographer did a fantastic job with both location and lighting. The creative use of

light draws the viewer’s attention immediately. This photo is engaging and full of

personality, truly capturing the spirit of the goldfish.

1st Runner-Up: #28 Ruth Lehman

With a JAWS-like energy, this image has an intense and action-filled feel. The unique

angle gives it an exclusive “goldfish owner” perspective, and the lighting works perfectly

to highlight the fish’s dynamic movement.

Category 4: Less than 3” with No Wen

This category featured some striking, simple, and elegant shots that showcased the

charm of smaller goldfish.

Winner: #18 Katherine Miller Medina

A classic goldfish image that perfectly captures the beauty of the fins in motion. This

shot emphasizes the fish’s natural elegance and highlights what makes goldfish so

unique.

1st Runner-Up: #29 Ruth Lehman

With a similar JAWS-like vibe as #28, this photo stands out due to its strong lighting.

The black fish against a dark background is beautifully lit, creating a stark contrast that

adds depth and drama to the image.

2nd Runner-Up: #22 Bob Reddington

The simplicity of this chocolate-colored fish against a clean white background makes

this image incredibly striking. The symmetrical tail adds a sense of balance and

harmony that draws the eye in.

Category 5: Single Tail Over 3”

Unfortunately, no entries were received for this category, which was a missed

opportunity for showcasing some stunning single-tail goldfish. We hope to see more

entries in the future!

Category 6: Single Tail Under 3”

Though the single-tail category didn’t receive much love, we did have a winner.

Winner: #20 Gary Hater

This was the sole entry in the category, but it’s a lovely shot that highlights the elegance

of a single-tail goldfish. Its simplicity and clarity make for a great photograph, and it

stood out as a solid winner.

Category 7: Overall Winner

Finally, we have the grand prize winner, a photo that not only excelled in its category but

truly captured the heart of what makes goldfish so mesmerizing.

Overall Winner: #16 Tracy Blondis

This photo is simple yet powerful, with perfect lighting and composition. The fish’s wen

is set like a glowing ember against a dark backdrop, making it the focal point of the

image. This shot speaks volumes with its beauty and clarity and is a deserving overall

winner.

We want to thank all of our participants for sharing their incredible photos with us. The

passion for goldfish is evident in every single image, and we are thrilled to have had the

chance to see such wonderful moments captured on camera. Stay tuned for next year’s

contest, and we look forward to seeing even more amazing goldfish photography!

Big thank you to our Sponsor

Prizes sponsored by Ultra Fresh/ Apexis our sponsor and has selected 7 groups of productsto be mailed to the winners in early February, along with some other information and swag,eachclasswinner will get a set of foods and theoverall best photo will receivea larger food prize.  This the second event Apex/Ultrafresh hassponsored, winners will not be disappointed.

Find a store: https://ultra-fresh.tw/ultrafresh/findstore/

Here are slides of all of the entries