Jellyfish are found in all the world’s oceans and have been in existence since before the dinosaurs! Very little is known about jellyfish and they continue to baffle the scientific community. There are hundreds of varieties ranging in size from half and inch to over 20 feet, but only a small percentage cause a sting which many folks associate with jellyfish. Of this small percentage only a few are considered lethal to humans such as the Portuguese Man-of-War primarily found in tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Typically a sting from a jellyfish will only last a few hours although painful. The stinging tentacles do not need to be attached to render their stinging power. Floating tentacles that have separated from a jellyfish will still sting. Just as a dead jellyfish that has washed ashore will still sting if one comes into contact with the tentacles.

Jellyfish are colorful amazing creatures that glide on the ocean currents. What we do know is that Jellyfish have no internal structures such as a heart, brain or nervous system. Consisting of a membrane and mostly water they have sensors that allow them to distinguish between light and dark, up or down. Jellyfish propel themselves through the water with a pulsating action of their domes. Some varieties feed off microscopic particles filtered into a mouth centered under their dome, others sting small prey (fish) and pass it to their mouth to be digested. Jellyfish do fall prey to sea turtles and larger fish such as tuna.

They are capable of moving quickly on the ocean currents or remaining still. Jellyfish are fantastic creatures to photograph. Many are named by their appearance, Moon, Egg Yolk (look like an egg yolk dropped in water), Purple striped, etc. Jellyfish may appear in large numbers called a Jellyfish bloom. I encountered such a bloom once while diving off Mexico. As we started to ascend from a dive we noticed the surface was covered with small one inch red jellyfish as far as the eye could see. A quick purge of our regulator’s sent a burst of bubbles that expanded at the surface creating a hole with which we were able to climb aboard our boat. Several folks experienced a sting similar to a mosquito bite.

Some of the jellyfish I have photographed in waters off Catalina Island are featured in this article. In my experience photographing these colorful and amazing creatures I have experienced incredible movements as my strobes flashed or I approached supporting the idea they can sense light and move about at will.

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE

My journey in photography has been exciting, challenging, gratifying and educational! Beginning in my early teens with my first film camera and quickly progressed into a passion. I never enrolled in any formal photography classes. However, I did read and study everything I could get my hands on, asked questions and studied the work of photographers I admired. This approach to my development in photography continues to this day with daily emails on subject matter, following work of others and practice!

Flowers and Hummingbirds present an excellent source for near daily practice. Experimenting with exposure and various rules in photography such as Composition, Rule of Thirds, Rule of odds and others. Then breaking those rules to see the results. Practice with exposure, creating blur and black backgrounds. Focus on near and far subjects, shadows and natural lighting as well as macro with pistil’s deep in a flower.

Another passion of mine is Scuba Diving which presented more photo opportunities. This quickly evolved into my main subject matter. Underwater photography presented a whole new set of challenges. My approach was the same, read, ask questions and study the work of others. Starting with my first underwater film camera, a Nikonos III and progressing to the Canon 5DMKIV I use today. The digital age brought many improvements and excitement to photography.

Photography is very rewarding and exciting! Hope you enjoy viewing the results of my journey that continues to evolve to this day!

Please visit Gene Shabinaw Photography