Graphics and color in the elements of a coral reef

Once again I return to this topic. I can not say what attracts me more, graphics or fantastic color transitions. Even the same piece of coral can appear in a completely different form. And how many even on a small section of the reef?

1

I started collecting fragments of coral reefs about 10 years ago. Almost every trip to the tropical countries, I took several pictures of corals. I did not just take pictures of everything. No, I was looking for a reef site that would not be like the others.

2

If you look at the biology of corals, then everything is unique in its own way. It's a colony of tiny creatures, polyps. And the coral is their outer skeleton, and their home. And each time they build it in a new way. Just like there are no two absolutely identical people, there are no identical corals.

3

But you will agree, some people are more photogenic, and some less. As a photographer, you are always looking for those who will help you make a more expressive frame. So I always look for the most photogenic corals. Where there is not only texture and color. I want that the coral had its own "zest".

4

With all the richness of choice, not so many corals fall into my collection. 2-3 photos from the trip is usually the maximum. It is clear that there are much more passing photos. I try every day at least once to dive with a macro lens. And almost every such immersion I shoot different textures and patterns.

5

I tried to make all the photos in one technique. Macro photography, without additional lenses. Light from several flashes to make uniform lighting. And if possible without unnecessary objects in the frame. Only the coral and all.

6

All these are pictures for viewing. There are many details and transitions. The very texture of the coral, close to fractal, implies a lot of lines and ordered structures. It turns out a real labyrinth for the viewer.

7

Although of course this is not always the case. There are corals that look like fantastic buildings. They are very embossed. If you look at such a coral as a whole, it looks like a city, consisting of many unusual houses. In many ways it is. Only the builders and tenants are very unlike us and you.

8

But sometimes I find it interesting to imagine how such buildings would look if they were made into the size of real human buildings. Perhaps in the future we will see it. It's not for nothing that directors of science fiction films like objects from the underwater world)

9

And this I have not yet touched on the theme of soft corals. They are completely different, and require a separate treatment.

Photos in this Collection:
1-2. Egypt, Dahab
3. Philippines, n.Negros
4. Thailand, Pan-Gan Island (Sail Rock).
5. Philippines, Kabilao Island
6. Indonesia, Raja-Ampat
7. Thailand, o.Pan-Gan.
8. Philippines, Panglao.
9. Malaysia, about. Sipadan, about. Mabul