There are moments when nature offers up a surprise that jolts you out of routine and asks you to pay attention. We often step into a place with expectations, and when those aren’t met, disappointment creeps in. But that disappointment can quickly turn to awe when we open ourselves to discover what nature has in store for us.
This time, while anchored in Blind Channel hoping to photograph a bear that never appeared, I was surprised by something I had never seen before. It came up right beside the boat: a fried egg jelly, pulsing slowly beneath the surface like a glowing yolk adrift in the green water.
Having explored the waters off Vancouver Island for decades, it’s rare to spot a creature I’ve never encountered. That’s what makes coastal wandering endlessly rewarding – there’s always something waiting to surprise you.
Did you know they’re not called jellyfish anymore? Now it’s just “jellies” or “sea jellies” since they are not fish at all, but invertebrates. I don’t think it’s an official change, just one of those terms being quietly phased out in favour of something better. Like how “skunk cabbage” has become “swamp lantern.” So much better!
A shift in words that changes the way you see – much like a shift in expectations can change the way you experience a place.
Topside shots wouldn’t do this unusual creature justice, so I grabbed my underwater camera, hopped in the dinghy, and gave it a try.
This one was a big one! About two feet across, with tentacles stretching fifteen feet. It moved like a slow heartbeat through the water, unhurried and unconcerned.
There’s a lesson in that about slowing down, being present, and letting things unfold instead of chasing them.
My little action cam is perfect for this kind of work. I attach it to a pole, set it to timelapse mode (a photo every five seconds), and sweep it through the water. I can’t see the screen from that angle, so I never know what I’ve caught until later. That uncertainty used to frustrate me, but now it feels like part of the gift.
Photography, like life, is full of missed shots and false starts, but if you’re willing to surrender the outcome, sometimes you’re rewarded with something better than you imagined. We can’t control everything. Sometimes the best images, and the best days, come from letting go of control.
Downloading the photos later always feels like opening a present. Some frames are messy, some are nothing at all, and every so often one stops me in my tracks.
Processing the photos, on the other hand … that’s another story. Underwater there’s so much debris and speckling that can be distracting and make an image look murky. Cleaning up these imperfections is tedious, but with a little patience, a work of art emerges.
I have some tricks to make the process of cleaning up underwater images faster. If you’re curious, I’ve shared them in a tutorial: Underwater Photography For Everyone: No Fancy Gear Needed! At the end, there’s a post-processing video demonstration showing how I speed up my workflow.
One day I’ll get myself a drysuit so I can sink below the surface and meet these creatures on their own terms. Until then, this little camera-on-a-pole keeps me leaning toward the unknown, searching for what waits just out of sight.
Photography isn’t just about making pictures. It’s about paying attention to the present moment. Sometimes the thing you came looking for never appears. But if you stay open, the unexpected has a way of carrying more wonder than anything you were chasing.
Next time you’re out with your camera, or even just walking without one, notice what stops you. What takes your breath away when you weren’t expecting it. That’s where the best photographs begin. Not in the gear, but in the awe.
Fantastic Photos as always, the color is stunning!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!
So glad you enjoyed them Jon, thanks for your visit and comments!
Wot! No toast? Seriously, fantastic shots Anne, I so look forward to your emails arriving.
Hi John, I’m so glad to hear it, thank you very much for your wonderful feedback! It’s nice to know that people look forward to the posts 🙂
Absolutely outstanding photos, Anne. Once in a lifetime opportunity. At least it would be for me. Just curious…are the long green reed-like items part of the Jelly or are they underwater vegetation? Also curious if the underwater camera is similar to a GoPro on a pole or some other more marine specific camera. Certainly, does a good job for “shooting in the dark.” Looks like you and Ray are certainly having more fun in the water than spending the summers in the RV. Your Dad must be proud looking down at his sailor skipper daughter. Our best to you and Ray as the adventures continue. Good to see you personally back up to full speed again.
Hi Paul, Thank you very much! The green bits are eel grass. The sea floor is covered in eel grass that is about 2 meters or 6 feet long and there are bits of it floating around too. The anchor comes up covered in a big wad of it! There are lots of little creatures in the eel grass, so maybe that’s why the jellies seem to like this location. The camera is like a go-pro, but a less expensive one. It’s called Akaso V50. The latest model is Akaso Brave 8. It is this one here: https://amzn.to/4cMyvmX
The Brave 8 is really nice because you don’t need the underwater housing for it. I want to upgrade to that version. You can get a variety of accessories to attach it to things. I just attach it to a broom handle!
Thanks for saying my Dad would be proud of me, that means a lot. I sure miss him, especially out here on the water when I know he would be phoning me every day asking “where are you now?” and telling me all he knows about all these places on the coast.
I still don’t feel like I am quite at 100%, I get tired and need to have rest days, but I sure am a lot better than I was and getting better all the time.
Thank you so much for your kind words Paul, much appreciated my friend.
Sorry for the double notes, but when the first did not immediately appear I assumed operator error in this end. Glad you are doing better, if not perfect. I understand tired. I was having similar issues, and we found out that after 86 years my aortic valve was wearing out. I got a new one on July 1, and it is doing very good. We are currently spending our summer in Sant Fe NM, and I am going to Cardio Rehab sessions here and doing very well with them. I’m actually surprising myself with my new stamina, especially at the 7,000+ foot elevations here. Bon Voyage.
I’m so glad to hear you are doing well after surgery Paul, that is a lot to go through! Good for you for doing the cardio rehab. I bet when come down to lower elevation you’ll have even more stamina. Summer in Santa Fe sounds wonderful!
Wow, Anne, those images are spectacular. What a great find. Curious what camera you used for this. Is it like a GoPro on a stick? Also, I was wondering if those long green things that look like reeds are part of the jelly or are underwater vegetation. Great shots. It may be a long time before you get another opportunity like that. Sounds like the boat offers you and Ray more adventure than the RV. Good to see you both back enjoying an active life again in your happy place.
EXCELLENT images ! Your comment; “That’s where the best photographs begin. Not in the gear, but in the awe” could be more true. As an old film guy I’d tell beginners there’s a learning curve but a high end camera is of little value until you know the basics. Especailly if you never take it off “A”.
haha, A is my favourite setting! At least it is for landscapes when I’m on a tripod. For wildlife I use M. It’s funny how we get into these kinds of habits though isn’t it. Sometimes if there is a reason I want a faster or slower shutter speed doing landscapes, I’ll change the A setting to accomplish the goal instead of switching to a different shooting mode. But yes, I agree, it’s all in the awe, in appreciating the moment, in slowing down enough to truly see, and then using your skills to bring forth your vision. I was just sitting outside and I looked at my camera sitting next to me and realized I bought it 10 years ago. It’s definitely not about the gear for me.
Nature never fails to amaze us all. So very interesting that you share what others never get to see or experience. Your photos are amazing as always.
Jaime
Many thanks Jaime! Exploring in nature is a passion for me, perhaps even more than photography. But they go together hand in hand. I don’t think I would notice all the things I do, and pay attention to things like light and shapes and shadows, if it wasn’t for photography.
Your description “moved like a slow heartbeat” is poetic. Lovely.
I really appreciate your comment Deb, I have been working on my descriptive writing and sometimes finding the right words can take a long time. Thank you for noticing!
Thank you for sharing, Anne. The wonders of nature, especially in the underwater world, never cease to amaze me! May you continue with your adventures for many more years to come.
Thank you so much Mark. Exploring underwater sure has been enlightening. I’ve never learned to dive, so it is not something I ever thought I would do, but these action cams are so easy to use. On the other hand, the whole experience has made me wish I could dive. I’m not sure I’ll ever be strong enough to dive, but I’m pretty happy that my health has improved enough that am back out here on the water again exploring and doing what I love. Thanks for your visit and comments!
Beautifully shots Anne. They really do look like fried eggs..a competition winner me thinks with all the reflections. You have a lovely way with words and life and your craft. Have you thought about a book of your photos and your reflections on life through them.
Warmly
Rosie NZ
Hi Rosie! I love capturing the reflections on the underwater surface of the water. It still amazes me that until I started doing underwater photography, I didn’t realize those reflections existed! I don’t know why. It just never occurred to me I guess. That and I’ve never opened my eyes underwater. I’d love to do a book like that one day – something philosophical along with my favourite images. Now you’ve got me thinking I shouldn’t wait to create one. Right now I’m working on a novel, so maybe when I’ve finished that I will make it. Thanks for the idea! I’m glad you think my thoughts and images are worthy of such a venture.
Outstanding work, Anne! Thanks for educating us on something I never heard of.
Thank you so much Karen! I hadn’t heard of them until a couple of years ago when I photographed the Lion’s Mane Jelly in the same location and I looked up various jellies then. Now I’ve have four different varieties in my collection of jelly photos. I’ve been trying to find one of those small octopus that like to hang out on the kelp.
Wow! Amazing photos. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed them Carol, thanks for the visit and comments!