Reef Hairs

This photograph was taken in Exuma, at one of my favorite dive spots tucked between two islands. The coral reef here is incredibly healthy, mostly because of the strong currents that sweep through with every changing tide. But that same current that keeps the reef alive also makes it a tricky place to photograph. There’s only a small window of time when the tide slows enough for a safe, controlled dive — and even then, you have to time it perfectly with the light. That morning, we left around 6 a.m. for an hour-and-a-half boat ride to reach the spot just as the sun was rising. The conditions couldn’t have been better — calm seas, soft golden light, and a reef glowing with life. I remember floating just above the coral as the first rays of morning light pierced through the surface, hitting the soft corals and making each one look like a glowing metal rod being forged in a flame. The way the light moves through this reef always amazes me — it brings out every color, every texture, and every detail. It’s one of those rare places that reminds me what healthy coral reefs are supposed to look like — alive, glowing, and full of energy.