Inner Space Meets Outer Space

[Light Catcher]

When I last visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Califronia, my primary interest was jellyfish. I wanted to create the effect of an image you might see in astrophotography similar to photographs of deep space nebulae. I waited for this jellyfish to move into good light.

By using a relatively fast shutter speed of 1/500 and "negative" exposure compensation, the jellyfish remained well-lit while the area surrounding the jellyfish darkened. The particles floating within the tank took on the appearance of "stars" and the lovely patch of blue is due to the color of a wall within the display.

Tony

[Marko]

extremely well done - way cool.

[Light Catcher]

extremely well done - way cool.

Thanks, Marko.

Tony

[zombiesniper]

Very cool.
Reminds me of a 50's Sci-fi creature.

[Light Catcher]

Very cool.
Reminds me of a 50's Sci-fi creature.

Thanks. It really does. Like a classic "take me to your leader" moment! It required a bit of patience as I had to wait for a jellyfish to separate long enough from the rest of its tank mates to get the solo shot I was after. With camera pressed against the tank I finally got what I wanted.

Tony

[Matt K.]

Wonderful. Love the light.

[Light Catcher]

Wonderful. Love the light.

Thanks very much, Matt.

Tony

[Runmonty]

as has been said before, this is a cool image. The background works so well with the illuminated subject.

[Light Catcher]

as has been said before, this is a cool image. The background works so well with the illuminated subject.

Thanks for looking and especially for commenting. They really are amazing creatures!

Tony

[Iguanasan]

Awesome. I feel like I'm in an old Doctor Who episode! Hehehe