How Google Lens Helps Me Explore My Latest Obsession Hobby

CNET

17-07-2025

I'm always on the lookout for new ways to connect with nature and unwind. I moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida a few months ago and since then, I have been searching for new ways to explore the sandy shores and clear waters of the beautiful beaches near me. Enter my latest passion: shelling.
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What started as a casual beach activity has blossomed into a full-fledged hobby involving collecting, diving for and identifying the incredible diversity of seashells the ocean offers. I've found and identified hundreds of shells at this point. And the tool that helps fuel this hobby is perhaps unexpected, but it's right in my pocket -- and yours.
One of the most exciting tools I've integrated into my shelling adventures is Google Lens, which is Google's AI-powered visual search tool that uses your phone's camera to upload pictures to do additional research. (Apple also has Visual Search and Google offers Circle to Search for Android devices, which function similarly to Lens, but I prefer Lens' ease of use.)
Gone are the days of poring over heavy field guides or books on a windy beach, trying to match a tiny shell to a grainy illustration. Now, when I find a shell that sparks my curiosity, I simply snap a picture with my phone and open it in Google Lens. Presto! Answers!
Read also: Google Lens Became My Favorite Travel Tool. Here's Why It Changed the Game
Google Lens is my digital shelling buddy
Lens is quite magical. I simply upload a photo I've taken of a shell (or birds, fishes, clouds and just about anything else I'm curious about), and then it analyzes the image, looking at the shell's shape, color, texture and any distinguishing features. Within seconds, it provides me with a list of visually similar images and often links to websites and databases that identify the species. I love that Google Lens cites sources and links out to them, so I can fact-check the given answers and dive even deeper into my queries.
With the links and additional resources, I can learn about the scientific name, common names, habitat and interesting facts about the mollusk that may have once called that shell home. This instant access to information has dramatically deepened my understanding and appreciation for each find.
Google Lens analyzes the image, looking at the shell's shape, color, texture and any distinguishing features.
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Why Google Lens is a shelling game-changer
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There are several reasons why I've come to rely on Google Lens so heavily for my shelling hobby:
Instant identification: The speed and efficiency means no more waiting until I get home to research my finds. This can help me decide what shells I keep and which I leave. (I leave most of what I find, but more on that later.)
The speed and efficiency means no more waiting until I get home to research my finds. This can help me decide what shells I keep and which I leave. (I leave most of what I find, but more on that later.) Accessibility: All I need is my phone, which I usually have with me anyway.
All I need is my phone, which I usually have with me anyway. Accuracy (with a caveat): While it's not always 100% perfect, Lens is surprisingly accurate for many common species. For rarer or highly variable shells, it provides a great starting point for further research.
While it's not always 100% perfect, Lens is surprisingly accurate for many common species. For rarer or highly variable shells, it provides a great starting point for further research. Learning tool: Beyond just identification, it often links to valuable resources that teach me more about the marine ecosystem, which deepens my appreciation for my home.
Beyond just identification, it often links to valuable resources that teach me more about the marine ecosystem, which deepens my appreciation for my home. Inspires further exploration: Sometimes, Lens will identify a shell that I've never seen before, leading me down a rabbit hole of research and inspiring my next shelling expedition to a new location.
My responsible shelling practices
While my enthusiasm for shelling runs deep, my respect for the ocean and its inhabitants runs even deeper. It's crucial to practice this hobby responsibly to ensure the health of our marine ecosystems.
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Here's how I ensure my shelling is always respectful and eco-friendly, and how you can too if you decide to start shelling as a hobby:
Empty shells only: This is the golden rule. Never take live shells. Before picking up a shell, I carefully check for any signs of a living creature inside, including hermit crabs. If there's any doubt, I leave it be. Live mollusks are vital parts of the ecosystem.
This is the golden rule. Never take live shells. Before picking up a shell, I carefully check for any signs of a living creature inside, including hermit crabs. If there's any doubt, I leave it be. Live mollusks are vital parts of the ecosystem. Leave live creatures undisturbed: If I'm diving and come across a live mollusk, I admire it in its natural habitat but never disturb it or attempt to remove it. Their homes are their protection.
If I'm diving and come across a live mollusk, I admire it in its natural habitat but never disturb it or attempt to remove it. Their homes are their protection. Check local regulations: Before I head out, I always research the local regulations regarding shell collecting. Some areas are protected or have limits on what can be collected.
Before I head out, I always research the local regulations regarding shell collecting. Some areas are protected or have limits on what can be collected. Leave the majority: I'm not looking to amass a giant collection. I select a few unique or particularly beautiful shells that catch my eye, leaving plenty for others to enjoy and for the natural processes of the beach. I typically end up leaving 90% of the shells I find.
Shelling has opened up a whole world of wonder for me as a new Floridian, allowing me to connect with the ocean in a truly unique way. With the help of technology like Google Lens and a strong commitment to responsible practices, it's a hobby that has quickly become my preferred special interest and way to spend my time.
Read also: The 6 Google AI and Lens Features I'm Using to Plan My Summer Travel