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Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling - Copy
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Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling - Copy



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cameraSONY SLT-A55V

settings Aperture f/5.6 ISO 250 Shutter 1/500 Focal Length 550/10 

upload_dateAug, 2015

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Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo on the beach where I live in Australia. The Loggerhead turtles come in to lay from November to January then hatch around sixty days later. I saw the mother lay her eggs and had been watching the nest site.

Time

Most turtles hatch at night but it can happen at any time. I checked the nest around 3pm and as I looked a little head came out of the sand. I than sat and watched that head for two hours before there was more movement! This is the very last hatchling making it to the water about 5.30pm.

Lighting

It was an overcast day and getting late in the afternoon so light was an issue. By coming down low to the subject I had light reflected from the water and wet sand which crisped the image.

Equipment

I used a Sony a57 with a 55-200 lens. No other equipment

Inspiration

I love the loneliness of this photo. This was the very last hatchling making it's way bravely into the sea with no help and slim chances of survival. I love the little flipper prints and with one wave having come over it already the sand was washed off leaving perfect colour and ridging.

Editing

Because most of my photos are moving subjects I have to admit I use the auto function a lot of the time, or I miss the shot. But the only real editing I do is some cropping and back-lighting.

In my camera bag

I have my Sony a57 plus my 55-200 lens. If my day may include landscapes I will take my 18-55 lens also. I always have at least one spare battery and on longer camping trips take three batteries and two spare sd cards. I tend to only use a tripod if I'm taking shots of people who I can tell to sit still !!

Feedback

I think the main thing with photographing animals is patience. You have to spend time where they live to understand when something is likely to occur or at least research it first. Time of day is important with certain animals much more likely to be around early mornings, others coming in for the night. Look for an unusual angle. Being behind and low to the subject bought a whole new feel and strength to the photo.

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