Seashell Photography and Shelling

Seashell Photography and Shelling

It was a wonderful day of beach combing, island hopping and exploring the flats. Kristen had been shelling with me last year and enjoys taking pictures of the shells. This year we did a little “Off  Roading ” in the mud flats. We discovered that crocs may not be the best shoes to wear on the mud flats. Many cool treasures were observed and Kristen netted a nice Kings crown. We stopped for lunch at one of the outposts on North Captiva. She showed me the pictures she had taken a year ago on her Ipad. The photos were amazing. I enjoyed seeing the images she captured of the shells. She also introduced me to a new angle of view when taking pictures of the lightning whelk. After lunch we traveled to the next island to the north. The island was empty of people and full of shells. We discovered the largest tusk shell I have ever seen! Then another, and another. I had a total Nick Hahn moment and about hyperventilated right there on the beach. It was a great day of beach coming and exploring. I look forward to seeing Kristen’s pictures and learning more photography skills from her next year.

Brian Holaway
relaxandexplore@gmail.com

I have been a Shelling Guide to Cayo Costa State Park since 1995. Many people know me as the Shelling Guide and Captain with Captiva Cruises over the past 20 years. In 2016 I began solely offering private small boat charters to the islands of Pine Island Sound including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Pine Island and North Captiva. I am a certified Florida Master Naturalist, licensed USCG Captain, avocational photographer, seashell enthusiast and passionate about the history, people and culture of Southwest Florida, especially Cayo Costa. I volunteer as a member of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park and have great respect for the heritage of Cayo Costa. My goal is to provide guests with an overall experience and appreciation for the waters, islands, shells, plants, marine life, wildlife, history and people of this unique area of Southwest Florida.

1Comment
  • Kaybe
    Posted at 07:18h, 07 February

    Nice tusk shells. They have to big for me to find them because I don't have the patience (or the Knees) to bend over a wrack line to find them. Maybe you could get with the Croc folks and design a special edition of Capt. Brian's mudflat shelling Crocs.