sunset above the clouds near the hawaiian islands

close-up shot of a young tree bud

two female bears resting on a sandbar in the middle of a lake (Aleutian Islands).

I'm certainly not a marine biologist, but am informed that this is a 'Dactylometra Quinquecirrha' type jellyfish, so I'll take their word for it. Their tentacles are covered with stinging cells that attach themselves to anything that touches them and injects a venom into it's prey. Fortunately I didn't get the opportunity to experience this in action even though I'm told it's not fatal. My biggest problem capturing this image is that there is absolutely nothing stable to attach a camera to underwater. Tripods are useless, I'm moving, the camera is moving, the sea creatures are moving, all at different rhythms (guess I didn't need to bring the cable release). All in all, this was probably the most serene and beautiful creature I've ever witnessed; it's pulsating motions and delicate nature were extremely enjoyable.

one of the dozens of tiny islands in the Hawaiian Islands

looks like these two males are chatting about their upcoming fish lunch (Aleutian Islands)

early morning at the top of Bryce Canyon