One of the most recognizable creatures in the sea are cousins of an animal some of us had as pets when we were kids. Perhaps that is what makes the sea turtle such a favorite object of our photographic expression. However, the challenges of photographing turtles are numerous.

The Speedy Turtle
You can see him off in the distance. The turtle is fluttering about the reef and he knows you are just behind him. Unconcerned, the turtle goes about his day feeding on algae and various sponges. It forgets that you are there for only a second and as soon as you approach for a closer look, he darts away with uncanny speed. So how do you photograph a turtle on the move? Try shooting where the turtle is headed, not where he is. Just like dove or duck hunting, if you shoot were your subject is, by the time you are shoot, it will be gone.

Up, Up and Away
Some turtles try to flee their admirers by swimming up and over them. If you are lucky enough to have that happen to you, SHOOT AWAY! This is a great position to be in as a photographer as you can eliminate some background noise (such as the reef) and really capture an awe-inspiring shot!

Turtle Down Below
Sea turtles have some excellent camouflage on their carapace. The idea is that if a shark is swimming above the turtle while it is on the reef the shark won’t see him. The same goes for humans. A rule of thumb for underwater photography is “don’t shoot down”. Otherwise your subject will blend with the rocky reef under it. However, there is an exception. Wait for the turtle to swim over a sandy bottom. Doing so adds contrast to your photograph and makes for a spectacular image!

The Lazy Turtle
If you are fortunate enough to run into a Loggerhead Sea Turtle you may find them to be very lethargic. While capturing a turtle in ‘flight’ may be your goal, consider the lazy turtle. Most Loggerheads are so big they need to rest on the bottom of the of the reef for a few minutes. Use this as an opportunity to express your artistic side. Try taking macro shots of barnacles on the turtles carapice. Try focusing in on her tail or fins. Or you can be as bold as to get a full-on head shot. Whenever you photograph turtles, please remember that they are a protected species here in the US. Touching, harassing, molesting them, or possessing any of their remains without proper permission is punishable by law. Please read the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Marine Turtle Protection Act for more information.