We share this captivating video with permission from Daniel Stoupin.  His spectacular macrophotographic work serves as inspiration for marine aquarists to further understand and appreciate the life we steward as well as increase awareness for reef sciences and conservation, both of which Advanced Aquarist is equally committed to.  As Daniel says so poignantly: “I know that my clip will be shared largely in aquarist circles and I’d like to say: I’m not asking to throw away your passions and hobbies, but please think carefully about what you really love, protect, and invest in.”

Daniel Stoupin describes his stunning work of art:

“Slow” marine animals show their secret life under high magnification. Corals and sponges are very mobile creatures, but their motion is only detectable at different time scales compared to ours and requires time lapses to be seen. These animals build coral reefs and play crucial roles in the biosphere, yet we know almost nothing about their daily lives.

Learn more about what you see in my post: notes-from-dreamworlds.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/slow-life.html

This clip, as well as stock footage, is available in 4k resolution. Make sure you watch it on a large screen! You won’t be able to appreciate this clip or see individual cells moving in a sponge on a smartphone.

To make this little clip I took 150000 shots. Why so many? Because macro photography involves shallow depth of field. To extend it, I used focus stacking. Each frame of the video is actually a stack that consists of 3-12 shots where in-focus areas are merged. Just the intro and last scene are regular real-time footage. One frame required about 10 minutes of processing time (raw conversion + stacking). Unfortunately, the success rate was very low due to copious technical challenges and I spent almost 9 long months just to learn how to make these kinds of videos and understand how to work with these delicate creatures.

Visit my website to see more cool stuff: microworldsphotography.com

Editor’s Note: You REALLY should visit his website as it contains more incredible macro imagery, many of which are aquatic.  The world is replete with intricate beauty the naked eye has a hard time appreciating.