A double page spread in the Kosmos section of GEO, showcasing one of my TPOTY awarded images. June 2023.

With its tentacles waving gently about, a Giant anemone nestles
into a favoured spot on the reef. Often referred to as a ‘flower
animal’, its beautiful pink and yellow texture belies its powerful
sting. Immune to the toxins after acclimatising itself, a colourful
Pederson shrimp enjoys shelter and protection. In return, the
delicate shrimp cleans the tentacles of the anemone, picking off
dead cells and marine debris. It’s a match made in heaven.

Dancing from tentacle tip to tip, the striking colours and dotty
pattern of the shrimp created a magical scene. The current was
mild but even so, the anemone was moving constantly, swishing
from side to side. I focused on the most pleasing part of the
tentacles and then waited many minutes for the delicate shrimp to
move into the frame.

Camera: Canon EOS 550D
Lens: Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
f/stop: f/20
Shutter speed: 1/200
ISO: 200

Location: Bonaire

Photographer: Laura Storm