Seas (Nettle and Lion)

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 5, 201112,917 views9 comments

We had some amazing diving conditions in Carmel yesterday; clear blue water and large swarms of Sea Nettle jellies (Chrysaora fuscescens). I spent quite a bit of time at the end of our dive drifting with the nettles. It was sort of like being in the jellies' exhibit at the aquarium except that there were more jellies. At one point a juvenile sea lion (Zalophus californianus) came over to see what we were up to. I was hoping it would come a bit closer but it didn't. Or at least not that I realized. My buddies later told me it spent about 2 minutes hanging right above and behind me while I spun in circles looking for it.

Nikon D200, Tokina 10-17 FE Zoom at 10mm.
f/6.3, 1/60th, ISO 200
Subal Housing, 2x YS 350 Sea and Sea strobes at 1/2 power.
Very slight crop and a bit of backscatter removal.

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on December 5, 2011 at 2:22 PM

In terms of the environment, I am not competent to critique this. In terms of the composition, I wish the large Sea Nettle at the bottom were full, and that the sea lion were closer. However, I understand that this is fluid photography at its most difficult, and I would be happy with this as is.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Clinton Bauder on December 5, 2011 at 7:55 PM

Hi Phil,

Thanks, I agree on the composition. I have others that are better for the jellies but only 3 frames with the sea lion which I think adds to it (or at least makes it more fun). Basically I was tracking the sea lion and not really looking at the jellies. Probably also wish the sea lion wasn't right in the middle. Still captures the mood of the moment I think.

Clinton

Registered on December 8, 2009, 31 Posts, 231 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on December 5, 2011 at 11:52 PM

Wow, what a unique frame Clinton! I agree with the expressed wishes for an even better image, but despite that this is very appealing.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Cross on December 6, 2011 at 12:31 AM

I like this image, Clinton. Really drawn to the colors and I like the overall composition. Kind of hard to critique as I know zero about marine photography. Still a pleasnat image. Question on the jellies. There are several behind the seal that seem to indicate that these guys are pretty big. How big are they?

Registered on April 3, 2010, 271 Posts, 1342 Comments

Comment posted by Clinton Bauder on December 6, 2011 at 1:15 AM

For the bigger jellies I'd say the bells are about basketball sized. The sea lion was pretty small too which makes the jellies look bigger than they really were.

Registered on December 8, 2009, 31 Posts, 231 Comments

Comment posted by Brad Hill on December 6, 2011 at 8:16 AM

Hey Clinton,

While I won't argue with the comments on composition already made, I do very much like the colour and overall feel of this image. My eye went to the jellies in the upper left corner (and spent time there fascinated by the apparent synchronicity of their swimming) before I even noticed the sea lion!

Cheers...thanks for sharing this one...

Brad

Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on December 6, 2011 at 9:54 PM

I am thrilled and grateful everytime i see an underwater posting from you. This one is so alive

One of the most captivating scenes posted on this forum for sure !

I am with the others on the composition not being optimal. The nettles seem to have a nice drift towards the left/top except for the two on the extreme right. For the web, i would crop half off the big nettle from the bottom and may be most of the inverted nettle on the right.

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by Esme' Fantozzi on December 7, 2011 at 1:27 PM

It is a very unique image, and I like it a lot: colors, atmosphere, and amazing density of jelly fish. I noticed the sea lion only after reading your story. Thank you for sharing.

Registered on July 27, 2006, 50 Posts, 300 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Runco on December 11, 2011 at 9:34 PM

Really great shot Clinton, love the colors!

Registered on September 9, 2008, 77 Posts, 705 Comments