Tips for Photographing Sea Turtles from a Sea Turtle Biologist

Sea turtles are charismatic animals, adored by ocean lovers worldwide. There are seven species of sea turtles, most of which are endangered due to population declines and human-caused threats. This is why it is so important to treat sea turtles with respect, keeping a safe distance and avoiding putting turtles into any stress. 

Be calm 

Sea turtles are uniquely adapted to move efficiently through the water. While they can be calm and relaxed, if they feel they are in danger they are capable of swimming very fast. They have strong flippers and a hydrodynamic carapace (shell) which allows them to glide through the water with ease. It is important to not spook turtles so they remain calm and you can get your perfect shot. Approach slowly, and if possible swim at an angle where the turtle is approaching you. Never chase a sea turtle, it can be exhausting for them and make them more vulnerable to predators.

Stay Shallow

Turtles can be photographed both by diving and snorkeling since they do have lungs and come to the surface quite often.

The frequency of their breathing depends largely on how active they are. Turtles at rest are capable of holding their breath for several hours, but usually when they are foraging and transiting they breathe more often. Turtles ascending to the surface to breathe creates a unique and beautiful shot, especially if you manage to shoot the illusive split shot at the surface.

It helps to think about the composition of your photograph in advance. Of course turtles are unpredictable but it’s helpful to have an idea where you want the sun in the shot and what angle of the turtle you aim to achieve. Lighting and underwater colors are brighter at the surface, so try to stay shallow and aim to have the sun behind the turtle in order to capture the sun rays which can improve the photograph. 

Rapid Shutter Speed 

If luck is in your favor, you might be treated to an up-close encounter with a curious sea turtle. They might be curious about you or your camera and swim close to you, if this happens, increase your shutter speed and hold down the shutter to capture as many photographs as possible. 

Find a Cleaning Station

Turtles often rely on small cleaner fish to pick off parasites or algae off of their carapace. Sometimes they go to locations known as “cleaning stations” where they know these cleaner fish will be. This creates a predictable congregation of turtles which allows you to get amazing shots, often of multiple turtles at a time. 

Follow Local Guidelines

Since nearly all sea turtle species are classified as Endangered, many places have strict rules or laws to protect turtles from harassment. These guidelines can include staying a certain distance away from turtles, as well as prohibiting people from touching or riding animals. 

Photographs by Lyndsey Tanabe and Morgan Bennett-Smith.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Lyndsey Tanabe

Lyndsey has always had a fascination with the sea.  She was born on the island of Oahu and raised in a coastal town in Maine.  She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in both Biology and Environmental Science at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Her passion for marine conservation and traveling led her to KAUST in the Red Sea, where she completed her Master’s degree in 2018 on the temperature profiles of turtle nesting sites in the Red Sea and how this might impact the sex ratio of hatchlings. Her research interests include movement ecology, population genetics, conservation, and marine protected areas. 

Latest posts by Lyndsey Tanabe (see all)

• Tips for Photographing Sea Turtles from a Sea Turtle Biologist – August 16, 2021