I normally don't like to do this when processing photos, but I've decided to bounce around and pick and choose the order I process the photos from our last dive trip. One reason for this is that I was really struggling early in the week (more on that later), and so to get to the better photos, I have to jump ahead.

Another reason is that I am much more excited to share some of the subjects later in the week. Today's subject is just that.

This is a Gaudy Clown Crab (Platypodiella spectabilis). According to my ID book, these are listed as "occasional", but this is the first one I have ever seen, and when the captain of our boat asked me if I could find it again because he had never managed to get a good photo of one before (not sure if he'd seen one before or not), I felt really pleased with myself for having found it. Keep in mind, they only get to a maximum of 3/4 inch in size...

Technical Data: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 1/120th sec at f/16. Image Stabilization on. ISO 100. Ikelite Housing and Port with Ikelite 161 Strobe in TTL Mode. Raw conversion in Photoshop CS5.

So while I felt finding one of these crabs was an accomplishment, I took the challenge to find another on the following dive. I spent the entire dive searching barrel sponge after barrel sponge. And while I'm not 100% sure if this is the same crab or second one (I've tried matching the patterns, and can't come to a decision on it), I am very impressed that I was able to locate one of these crabs for the captain. Unfortunately, as you can see - it wasn't in as good of a location to photograph, so he'll likely have to keep looking... :(

Technical Data: Canon EOS 7D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 1/120th sec at f/16. Image Stabilization on. ISO 100. Ikelite Housing and Port with Ikelite 161 Strobe in TTL Mode. Raw conversion in Photoshop CS5.

This is why I love diving... finding these beautiful little creatures that most people have never seen before.... and then doing it again.

- Bill