Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: How Did This Photographer Get Here?
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode: How Did This Photographer Get Here?
Fun Facts:
I never, ever feed the dolphins.
I never, ever touch the dolphins.
When you see my hand out, that is one of the ways I communicate with them—it is not to touch them.
They have never touched me, though they have come within inches.
If you’re just tuning in, this story has been unfolding for over eight years.
It all began with a dream in April 2017. My late husband came to me and said, “I want you to have a Canon professional camera.” Two weeks later, I bought one. I was hooked—he knew it would breathe life back into me.
Then, in February 2018, I had another dream. This time, I was in the water at sunset, photographing orcas. When I woke up, I had an undeniable urge to get in the Indian River at sunset and see what would unfold. That evening, three dolphins appeared, and I captured their tails against the glowing orange water—just like in my dream.
Curious, I returned the next morning with no expectations. I stayed on the periphery, watching as the dolphins swam in. I snapped photos of them tossing fish into the air. Excited, I went back again. And again. And again—almost daily since 2018.
Over time, certain dolphins began to approach and just simply hang out. Then, in July 2018, something remarkable happened. A male dolphin, one I had seen often since February, was speeding toward me, chasing mullet. I thought to myself, " I should back up." But then I heard, "Don’t move, I’ll turn." So I stood still. He rushed in, grabbed the fish and turned on a dime just a few feet away and I snapped the moment.
One high-tide day, I waded in as far as I could without getting my camera wet. The pod was in the middle of the river, leaping and playing with seaweed on their noses, full of joy. Then, to my surprise, they swam toward me, circling and even passing behind me in the shallows. They stayed for hours catching fish, snuggling and relaxing. That was the moment I knew—I had been accepted into this pod.
At the time, I wasn’t sure if this connection would extend to other pods, but to my delight, it has. Needless to say, I have countless stories and thousands of photos.
One last thing:
I am also a CranioSacral Therapist, a practice that involves blending with the client’s energy and allowing their body to guide the treatment. I use the same approach in the water—I tune in, blend in, and position myself in a way that respects their space. Then, I wait. If they choose to engage or pose for a photo, it is always on their terms.
I never know what will happen, and that’s the beauty of it. The dolphins continue to show me things I could never have imagined.
Here is a drone video form a drone perspective showing the dolphin interacting.
https://youtu.be/ZLbLX6Xtv0Q...
This is a another drone video showing the playful interaction.
https://youtu.be/2FLS5JH1CrQ...
Stay tuned for more tales!
Videos are from Focal Point Videography.
Sunrise for Wednesday is previous post
Ride the energy waves with your flock
Wow, what a serene and gorgeous sunrise! At first light, the almost-new moon hung over the ocean, bathed in a golden glow. Clouds gathered on the horizon, forming shapes in the soft morning light—one even looked like a Yeti, striding across the sky.
Before the sun emerged from behind the clouds, it cast a radiant golden lining around them, a breathtaking moment of anticipation.
Today’s message comes from the almost-new moon and the upcoming solar eclipse. New moons usher in fresh energy, but when paired with a solar eclipse, that energy is magnified.
The sun and moon said, "Use the new moon eclipse to release what no longer serves you, so the new can emerge with ease. This is a powerful time to manifest a new direction—all you have to do is let go and ride the waves of energy."
Floating nearby, a pair of pelicans added their wisdom, ”The energy may feel confusing and emotionally overwhelming, we find that the buddy system brings comfort and connection."
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Golden lining
Yeti walking in the horizon
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- BIGGIE Bluefish Breakfast
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Bluefish Breakfast
This morning after sunrise, a pod of dolphins cruised into the lagoon.
For a while, they floated peacefully, completely relaxed.
Then, Ridges—one of my familiar dolphin friends—swam over, lifted his head, and seemed to say, “Get ready, we’re going for breakfast.” A split second later, the pod exploded into action, chasing down a massive bluefish to my right.
After the catch, they swam right over to the camera. The dolphin with the fish took it in his mouth, and heaved it into the air! What a whopper of a fish week it has been!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Use the buddy system and loosen your grip
The waning moon shone brightly in the pre-dawn sky as I made my way to the beach. With no wind to stir the air, the morning felt still and serene. The ocean, as calm as a lake, made it easy to spot the dolphins gliding effortlessly through the water.
It wasn’t until the loud, chatty flock swooped in for bath time that the morning seemed to truly awaken.
Today’s message comes from an unlikely trio—the squirrel, the dolphins, and the moon—all offering wisdom as we approach this weekend’s solar eclipse.
The squirrel, casually holding his nut, said, “Relax into the waves of energy coming your way. Don’t hold your nuts too tight—no need to worry, you have plenty.”
The dolphins chimed in with their own advice, “Use the buddy system when you need support. Swimming side by side is a great way to share the adventure.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Loosen your grip…
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - The Need For Speed!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - The Need For Speed!
This is Jasper, a male dolphin showing off his strength! Look for the whopper of a fish jumping.
If you don't already know, I stand in the river photographing the dolphins, so the waves and wind made this video quite bumpy!
Song is Aluminum by Roie Shpigler purchased on Artlist.io
Stay tuned for more tales!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Fish Fly
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Fish Fly (10 seconds of action)
We’re entering the season when pelicans gather in the lagoon, hoping to snag a fish escaping the dolphins—or, on a lucky day, receive a special delivery.
Today was one of those lucky days. Dolphins often toss fish toward the pelicans, turning it into a lively scramble. In this video, however, the pelicans aren’t quite on their game just yet!
Stay tuned for more tales!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - A Whopper Fish Tale!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - A Whopper Fish Tale!
So many stories from today but one of the highlights was when Daniko and jasper, 2 male dolphins were zipping through the shallow lagoon to snatch up whopper fish.
The male besties were quite proud of their catch as they went in the deeper water to frolic! Then they came back and did it again.
I think I got some video, of the speed and excitement, so stay tuned for more tales!
Show and tell, showing off the whopper of a fish
Self care to thrive
Mother Nature took her swirly paintbrush to the sky, creating a masterpiece of soft, painted hues. Below, the calm ocean mirrored the serenity of the morning.
A chatty flock, led by the ever-resilient One Legger, arrived, ready for their morning ritual. As the sun rose higher, we waded into the ocean for bath time. One particular gull brings us the message:
She shared, “We know the healing power of salt water and self-care. Daily time for my feathers and body keeps my immune system strong so I can look and feel my best.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Sweet Snuggles
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Sweet Snuggles
Yesterday, I had the joy of watching a pod of male dolphins snuggle off and on for five peaceful hours. In a world where 10-second clips dominate our attention, I wanted to share a longer video highlighting the day of pure connection and relaxation.
This video captures the gentle bonds within the pod as they unwind and enjoy some quality snuggle time.
For those who love action-packed moments, don’t worry—more excitement is on the way, featuring flinging fish and speeding dolphins!
Stay tuned for more Tales from the Lagoon!
Dance and take your time
other Nature gifted us a sunrise with a crisp nip in the air, painting the sky in vibrant hues. A small but lively flock flew in from the ocean, wings and hearts open, ready for another day.
One gull, lost in the joy of the moment, looked as if she were dancing with wild abandon. She shared her wisdom: "I highly recommend dancing like you would if no one is watching."
Meanwhile, a line of osprey soared southbound, scanning the shallows for breakfast. They offered their own message: "Take time to see the whole picture. Let your heart guide you when it’s time to act. Trust in the timing—everything is lining up just right."
Wishing you a day with a little dancing!
Dance like no one is watching
Relax into the flow
Spring felt more like winter this morning, with a nippy north wind whipping across the shore. The flock of gulls arrived early, effortlessly riding the breeze, using the wind to hover in place and connect.
As the sun rose, their wings soaked up the golden light, glowing as they floated against the sky. The warmth from the sun was a welcome contrast to the chill in the air.
Today, the flock brings us a message about working with the elements around us. They said, ”Sure, the wind is cold and strong, but if we face it head-on, we can use it to our advantage—hovering in place with little effort. When we resist, the struggle lingers, so when we go with the flow, we find ease."
Wishing you a day of ease and flow, friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Things will come into focus, give it time
Spring has sprung! And with it came a sweet sunrise, painting the sky in a stunning gold and orange palette. At first light, the horizon glowed as the flock flew in from the ocean, eager for their morning bath and time to connect.
Waves churned toward shore, tossing white, salty spray into the air. As the sun rose, it briefly took on a distorted, mushroom-like shape bringing us the message today.
The sun said, "When things appear or feel distorted, be patient. Clarity will come. Sometimes, all it takes is a little time and light for everything to come into focus."
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Dive deep to catch your goal
A chill lingered in the air at first light, while a soft glow on the horizon hinted at the sunrise to come. The flock arrived in waves—a few birds at a time, flying in from the ocean with open wings and open hearts, ready to greet the day.
Waves churned toward shore as the great ball of light kissed the ocean goodbye, rising higher into the sky, radiating warmth.
Today’s message comes from a cormorant with jeweled eyes. She said, "I am willing to dive deep to catch my fish. I’m here to encourage believing you can go deep and still come up for air. I symbolize devotion and commitment, reminding you to stay true to yourself as you pursue your goals."
Wishing you a beautiful day, friends!
Cormorant
Kisses
laughing and being silly to make a shift
The morning was crisp and clear as the sun came up free and clear of clouds. The warmth was filled the air as the flock flew in to greet the day. Waves churned toward shore with the light catching the water.
After sunrise I saw Junior, a pelican friend who was eating teeny fish. He looked like he was making a silly face as he gobbled down breakfast.
He said, I bring the message of being silly. “When times feel a bit intense, laughing and being silly are great ways to shake off the stress and lighten the moment.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tales from the Lagoon- Episode - Dolphins and a Solo Pelican
Tales from the Lagoon- Episode - Dolphins and a Solo Pelican
A pod of dolphins came in the area in the late afternoon. A pelican friend was hungry and hoping they would toss him a fish. The dolphins were not in the mood and let the pelican know with a head lift. Can you feel, sense the communication?
Stay tuned for more tales!
Monday sunrsie is previous post
Ebb and flow of energy is natural
The sunrise carried a wintery feel this morning, with cooler temperatures and gusty winds. A lively, chatty flock arrived early, eager for bath time, while the moon hung high in the sky, illuminated beautifully by the rising sun.
Caramel-colored waves rolled toward the shore, their wind-blown crests sending white, salty spray into the air. Pelican Highway traffic was light, with only a few riders gliding effortlessly along the waves, using their momentum to travel down the beach.
The waves were mesmerizing, carrying a message of motion, energy, and flow. They encourage us to trust the ebb of flow of energy, reminding us that life, moves in waves—rising and retreating in its own rhythm. If you find yourself in a lull, trust that it's only temporary. The waves will return, ready to carry you forward once again.
Wishing you a beautiful day!
Sunrise with the flock
A beautiful pink and grey stormy sunrise to start the day. Instead of photos, I thought slowing it down with the flock would be a nice way to ease into a Sunday.
Wishing you a gentle kind of day friends!
Think your dreams into reality
What a Sunrise! Full moon setting, sun rising, a rocket launch, a polar plunge, and the flock—OH MY!
The morning began in quiet stillness, wrapped in a layer of fog, with a soft pink glow painting the sky. A luminous full moon hung overhead, casting its magic. But as the sun climbed, the scene transformed—warmth arrived, and with it, the energy of aliveness.
Just as the sun peeked over the horizon, a rocket launched to the south, soaring high in the sky. At the same time, two brave ladies waded into the chilly ocean for a polar plunge. Together, they bring us today’s message.
The rocket reminds us to think beyond limitations—Your thoughts and dreams can become your reality- dream big, take bold steps, and launch your wishes into reality.
The polar plunge serves as a reminder of nature’s power to reset and rejuvenate. Did you know that salt water and cold water can boost your immune system and elevate your mood? Just another way Mother Nature supports us on our journey.
Wishing you a magical day friends!
Launch in the distance
A powerful time to let go!
The moon eclipsed last night, setting just as the sun rose to greet the day. The morning unfolded with a breathtaking beauty, carrying a powerful, transformative energy.
A lively, chatty flock arrived early, led by Tiger, the Hermann’s gull. One Legger, Pixar, Hook, and the usual Laughing Gull crew joined the gathering, filling the air with their familiar presence.
A full moon is always an invitation to release what no longer serves us, and with an eclipse, that energy is amplified.
The man in the moon said, “Take deep breaths and allow yourself to let go. If emotions feel heightened, don’t worry—it’s simply an opportunity to clear space for the new. An eclipse can bring new information, epiphanies, or a fresh sense of clarity. Let nature ground you as you integrate whatever comes to light.”
Wishing you a beautiful day, friends!
PS~. Check out previous video of Charley a male dolphin saying hello
Tiger the heermann’s gull
Walking on sunshine
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Male Dolphin Says Hello
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- Male Dolphin Says Hello
Charley swam into the lagoon joining 2 young males who were grabbing snacks. He swam over to say hello before heading off to join the others for a fish dinner.
Stay tuned for more tales!