Grains of Life
I spend a lot of time walking the California coast, especially when the tide is low. You find these incredible little universes in the pools left behind. I almost missed this one, it was so well camouflaged with the sand. I had to get right down on my knees, my pants getting soaked, to get this shot. The water was cold and crystal clear. What struck me was how the sand coated its tentacles, like it had been dusted with tiny jewels. Each grain was distinct. The colors were so delicate—these muted greens and purples that you only really appreciate when you stop and look closely. It’s a quiet scene, a small creature holding its own against the constant motion of the sea.
Jennifer and I spend a lot of time wandering tide pools at low tide. Without her passion for sea creatures, I doubt I would have ever noticed their quiet, subtle beauty. Moving through these pools takes patience. The rocks are as slippery as ice, waves constantly wash over everything, and compositions change moment by moment. It’s a continual challenge.
Every now and then, I come away with an image that really resonates. This one felt right for a high-key treatment, a way to show the delicacy of the scene and bring attention to the fine details in the sand surrounding the anemone.