Forty Feet Below: An Amazing Featherduster (and Friend)
David Smith - Featherduster Worm (Sabellidae)
In June of this year, David traveled to Bonaire, a small island in the Caribbean lying 50 miles north of Venezuela and a part of the recently formed ‘Caribbean part of the Netherlands’. Bonaire has many of the characteristics of Caribbean islands in general but perhaps its main draws for tourism are warm, clear water for diving and windsurfing. David has special gear for underwater photography, the DX-2G Sea & Sea (a waterproof housing coupled with a modified Ricoh camera) which he used to capture the image above. Illumination was provided by a strobe not only for light but to bring out the natural colors of the creature and its surroundings. The featherduster is the main attraction but see if you can also find the ‘friend’.
David captured another creature on the same trip, not as brilliant but the detail is fascinating. Take a close look at his shy “blenny”.
absolutely wonderful! such detail, great lighting, and awesome colors. such a good shot! And a fish hanging out in that… thing’s feathery parts, perfect.
Very good photo. Lots of details.
I’m trying to figure out what this is.
Is it water fountain or a plant or a fancy snail.
Enjoyed to photo.
David, I love the sharpness of the photo as well as all the various textures. Great shot.
How wonderful! And what a gorgeous carpet as a background!
Blenny on the second shot looks a real character!!! Reminded me a trifle bit of the pope wafting at the visitors from his aperture; “Gerrof mah lawn!”
Beautiful! And I see the little fish!
Bonaire is a great place to go even if you just love snorkeling. I love this picture David took. He’s getting better with each trip. Yeah, that means we’ll keep going there.
wonderful shot, full of surprises and wonders! love it!
This is a gorgeous capture…beautiful, even fascinating…detail and texture of marine life, a glimpse into a world most never see. Marvelous.