Welcome to guest blogger Jerrine McClelland whose specialty is underwater springs photography. Jerrine’s joy is being in Florida’s springs with her camera. Here is her story in her own words:
Swimming in a glass of ice water was the way I first described swimming in the springs. It’s like gliding and floating in space with no gravity. I experience a spiritual or magical moment when totally immersed in spring water. The beautiful flora and fauna near a spring’s opening are often the subjects of my photographs.
So upon retiring from teaching in 2015 and receiving an underwater camera, I headed out to my favorite spring, Gilchrist Blue.
My friends suggested sharing my photos on Facebook groups: Spring Hunters, Aquiferious, The Spring Life, and many others. My first cover shot, a turtle photo, was on Florida Nature/Outdoor Photography. My latest cover photo “Bowfish in Tannin” is on Florida Spring Hunters.
I then found myself wanting to share what I saw underwater to these sites. Next, I was invited to enter the Springs Festival at Silver Springs. It was a wonderful experience leading to more festivals and my own website Skybluewater.life where my photos are for sale.
I was honored recently by Diana Kanoy who put my “Raindrop at Ichetucknee” photo in her book She Swims with Alligators.
I took this photo from below Diana swimming, looking skyward at Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
In this photo, the spring run is mixing with the tannic water of the river.
I am so grateful to be able to share what I see at our beautiful Florida springs, and I love when someone finds joy and happiness when seeing my photos.
~ Jerrine McClelland