Peppermint Shrimp in Sponge

Bonaire always delivers the goods, especially for macro shots. On this particular dive, I was really dialed into finding some of the smaller, hidden characters. Saw this huge barrel sponge, and you just know there's always life tucked away inside those things.

Peppermint Shrimp are often a bit skittish. This one was way back in the sponge's opening, almost like it was posing in its own little illuminated cave. It took some patience to get the camera in position, hold steady, and just wait for it to feel comfortable enough to really show its face.

The light was a challenge, trying to get enough flash into that deep interior without blowing out the foreground. But then, it just looked right at me, right into the lens. Nailed the focus. Those red and white stripes just popped against the purple texture of the sponge. Moments like that are why I spend so much time underwater.