kemps ridley
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Chasing Clouds – New York City
Photographed from Manhattan’s west side in Chelsea, these images capture Midtown on a warm summer night as clouds move through the city’s light.
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Final Sunset
In “Final Sunset,” a handheld clip captures the serene transition of day to evening over the ocean at golden hour. It emphasizes a moment of reflection and stillness, symbolizing an end to the year and a transition to future adventures. The scene embodies the significance of time and place. Happy New Year.
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Mandarinfish Reimagined: An Oceanic Abstraction
The Elusive Mandarinfish, or Synchiropus splendidus, is a vividly colored reef fish known for its elusive nature. Active during dusk in Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait, it captivates observers with its striking patterns. A digital remix of its movements explores the interplay between marine life and abstract geometry, prompting viewers to choose their preferred representation.
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Life on the Ocean Floor – Dauin
The recent NYUPS gathering showcased a short film titled “Life on the Ocean Floor,” highlighting the biodiversity found in Dauin’s diving sites. It emphasizes the hidden life in seemingly barren areas and features remarkable marine life. The filmmaker utilized a Panasonic GH5 camera and discussed the importance of patience while diving.
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Christmas Tree Worms: Tiny, Colorful Treasures of the Reef
The ocean is full of fascinating creatures, but few are as eye-catching as Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus). With their vibrant, spiral-shaped crowns, these small marine worms look like underwater holiday decorations. But beyond their beauty, they play an important role in coral reef ecosystems. Let’s dive into three fascinating facts about these mesmerizing reef…
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The Christmas Tree Worm: A Living Jewel of the Reef
The Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus) is a vibrant marine worm residing in coral reefs. Its spiral plumes serve as gills and feeding structures, allowing it to filter food. Highly sensitive to movement, the worm quickly retracts into its coral tube when threatened, re-emerging once the environment stabilizes.
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Mandarinfish in Lembeh Strait: Color, Camouflage, and Calm at Dusk
Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) are shy, reef-dwelling fish that emerge at dusk, showcasing their vibrant colors through a rhythmic movement. Filmed in the Lembeh Strait, known for its biodiverse habitats, the encounter captures the serene beauty of a solitary mandarinfish, highlighting its unique morphology and remarkable cyan pigments.
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Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) – Caribbean Reef Fish Guide
The Gray Angelfish, a prominent Caribbean reef species, is known for its distinctive appearance and social behavior, including long-term pair bonding. Found between New York and Rio de Janeiro, they predominantly inhabit coral reefs, feeding mainly on sponges. Their conservation status remains stable, categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN.
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Copper-rumped Hummingbird in Speyside, Tobago
While exploring Speyside, Tobago, I encountered a Copper-rumped Hummingbird resting briefly on a utility wire outside a restaurant. This unplanned wildlife moment highlighted Speyside’s rich vegetation and ideal conditions for spotting hummingbirds. The region benefits from nearby Little Tobago’s bird sanctuary, promoting a healthy ecosystem for nectar-feeding species.
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Caribbean Reef Life in Tobago – Short Film for NYUPS
This week, I presented my short film at the New York Underwater Photographic Society. The film, “Caribbean Reef Life in Tobago,” showcases the rich underwater life in Speyside, focusing on Close Focus Wide Angle techniques. NYUPS is an inclusive group where divers share their passion for underwater photography and film.