LuAnn Thatcher  


Jelly Fish by LuAnn Thatcher

May 2023 - Jelly Fish

May 2023 - LuAnn Thatcher

Original

About the Image(s)

Browsing through my photo archives, I stumbled upon this photo of a Jelly Fish in an aquarium I registered on my camera in 2018. It was behind glass with children's fingerprints, so I used a rubber lens hood to remove them and the glare. Simply speaking, I find the image captivating.

Camera settings: Nikon D500, 18-35mm f/1.8 lens, f/1.8, 1/320s, ISO 5600. I made edits in Lightroom and increased the canvas in Photoshop.

Enjoy!


This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted




Michael Hrankowski   Michael Hrankowski
LuAnn, to call it "captivating" is putting it mildly. Surreal and otherworldly are other words that comes to mind when I view your image. They look as if they could be back-lit, delicate glass sculptures. I particularly like the glowing, golden color which is offset by the completely black background. Are these jellyfish bioluminescent? If not, from which direction were they illuminated?

I find the vertical panoramic crop to be both unusual and appropriate. You have done an excellent job with this image! On my monitor, however, the subject looks ever so slightly soft and I'm curious if you did any sharpening? Stunning image!   Posted: 05/01/2023 12:53:56
LuAnn Thatcher   LuAnn Thatcher
Hello Michael,

I am glad you like my image! About the lighting: there was a rotating color light wheel, I think, at the bottom and perhaps a white light at the top illuminating the tank. The colors changed quickly; remember the 1960s tinsel Christmas trees with the color wheel? These jellies were transparent, so they used colored lighting to stand out.

This permanent exhibit is at the Mall of America, Minnesota's largest aquarium. The tank was vertical, so that explains the vertical crop. Yes, the subjects look ever so slightly soft, but that is because they are constantly moving, which adds to the ambiance.

I may have adding some sharpening but I do not think the image needs it. These creatures are moving so soft focus works for me in this instance.

Best regards,
lt   Posted: 05/06/2023 10:54:55



Ruth Sprain   Ruth Sprain
I find your photo compelling and intriguing. Especially the glowing light of the top jellyfish grabs my attention with the black background. It looks like the middle jellyfish is smashing into the bottom one, but I realize that in the 3-D space it might actually be behind the bottom jellyfish. The diagonal lines of the tentacles add a feeling of movement. The extra space you added at the bottom keeps the image from running out of the frame. Beautiful photo!   Posted: 05/06/2023 07:31:57
LuAnn Thatcher   LuAnn Thatcher
Thanks, Ruth; I am glad you like the photo! These marine invertebrates are called Sea Nettles and come from the Pacific coast. They do collide with each other and are mesmerizing to watch in person.

Do you have large aquariums where you live? I do recommend a rubber lens hood if you ever give it a try.

Best regards,
LuAnn   Posted: 05/06/2023 11:05:23



Kieu-Hanh Vu   Kieu-Hanh Vu
Your image is so beautiful! I especially love the actions of two sea nettles bumping into each other and one of them also displayed its long, trailing tentacles. The black backgound also make the orange colors of those sea nettles stand out. (I visited several aquariums and always found the ocean blue color background in the sea nettle tank). They look like the parachutes. Your image is well done and I don't have any suggestion for improvement.   Posted: 05/12/2023 14:01:32



Mary Ann Carrasco   Mary Ann Carrasco
LuAnn, This image is captivating and stunning! Just beautiful editing to bring out the Sea Nettles against the black background. I also like the increased size and slight border. I have nothing to suggest! Very nice.   Posted: 05/14/2023 17:52:25



Bob Legg   Bob Legg
(Groups 29 & 62 & 80)
Wow, LuAnn I spotted this compelling image from way down in DD80. Beautifully captured, exposed and edited.   Posted: 05/17/2023 14:30:09
LuAnn Thatcher   LuAnn Thatcher
Hey, Bob! How are you doing?

I am glad you stopped by for a visit and that you like the image!

Have a great day!

lt   Posted: 05/17/2023 14:40:34



Joan Field   Joan Field
LuAnn
Your cropping of your Jelly fish is perfect and I particular love how you chose to get the strand from the middle fish flowing along in the same direction as the top jelly. Your lighting is perfect for this and, as usual, the jellies are so unusual as subjects because of their softness and totally unknown idea of where they're going next. I think you did a very nice jb of capturing them so we can really;y enjoy6 them.   Posted: 05/19/2023 14:58:10