Photographing Chelonians

Photography knowledge exchange.

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ThatFrogGuy
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Photographing Chelonians

Post by ThatFrogGuy »

Anyone have any good advice for photographing the shelled herps? Most of my best ones are in situ. Whenever I try to pose them they tend to only be in the "good position" (head and legs all the way out) for a millisecond as they turn away from the camera and try to bolt, so most of my pics end up being mediocre.

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Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr

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Common Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) by Zach Truelock, on Flickr
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justinm
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Re: Photographing Chelonians

Post by justinm »

I always try above all else to make sure that the eye is in focus. Then from there do what you can to make it an interesting frame. I recently found 9 Eastern Boxies in one afternoon. If you check my post on the main forum call So. Illinois Herping.
matt ignoffo
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Re: Photographing Chelonians

Post by matt ignoffo »

Try flipping them upside down. Once they right themselves they kinda sit there for a bit to get their bearings - then you snap a couple. This is the only turtle tactic I can think of. In situ basking turtles - turn on the flash, even if they are kinda far away it can help with bright sun.
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chrish
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Re: Photographing Chelonians

Post by chrish »

Aquaria is the answer for aquatics. They are much more cooperative if under water.

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