In the 1980’s and early 1990’s I attended meetings of the San Diego Underwater Film Society in San Diego, CA. Meeting other more experienced UW photographers I began to learn the basics of macro photography. For decades I’ve been fascinated by the CA kelp forests, Macrocycstis Pyrifera, and strived to capture the symmetry and beauty of small sections of this amazing plant.. Focusing was always a problem for me, in early days, as I have been legally blind since birth. I can see shapes and color and contrast, but no hard lines unless I’m within 4 or 5 inches from my subject. Other photographers have always been generous helping me find “work arounds” for my visual impairment. In the early 1990’s I began using the Nikonos v with extension tubes and framers eliminating my focusing issues. However, getting the shot that I imagined took many dives and countless rolls of film. This photograph is one of my best from my early days of exploring the magic and beauty of the kelp forests.