Hermit Crabs among Tide Pool Shells

Several hermit crabs move through the shallow pool in shells of different sizes and patterns. One crosses the foreground beside a pale fan shell, while two more pick their way between black stones and green anemones. Kelp drapes over the rocks, and the water carries broken reflections of the cloudy sky.

The shells are good starting points because their ridges and colors are easy to separate. Crabs add thin legs and small shadows around the openings, while the anemones make soft starbursts at the edges. Wet pebbles repeat in subtle browns and greys. Follow the water channels and slick highlights to keep the similar stones from merging together.