This image was created at the Longbeach Aquarium, Longbeach, CA. This is the one keeper out of almost a full roll of 36. It is an older slide scan, so no detailed exposure data available. Like most sea creatures, this sea horse relative never stopped moving. Their aquarium was round and they swam through plants that looked so similar, it was a challenge separating them from their environment. Camera handheld with one hand, the other hand held the flash off the hot shoe. Illumination is totally flash. A rubber lens hood pressed against the aquarium glass eliminated flare.
Just returned from taking my wife to the eye doc and found this great news. Thank you all, I'm truly honored and quite surprised, I want to thank everyone responsible for their vote, and congratulate all the others who submitted beautiful and amazing images as well. This is a great feeling. Once again, many thanks. - John