During my frequent kayak trips in my area, I almost always come across Red-eared Sliders (Chrysemys scripta elegans), either sunning on a downed log in the creek, or poking their heads out of the water to take a look at me. Normally, it is a bit difficult to approach them as they sun, but sitting still in the kayak represents a great opportunity to capture images of one emerging from the water to sun:
One would think it would be hard to bring that rigid body out of the water … but take a good look at the claws on this colorful turtle! Besides the nice, sharp claws, the turtle has might strong muscles in the legs, making him capable of hauling out on a sunny day.
Photographic Equipment Used:
- Canon 1D Mark 3 body
- Canon EF 100mm-400mm, f/4.5-f/5.6 IS lens, with Canon 1.4x TC, shot at 540mm (all photos)
- Handheld, with IS “On”, from a kayak
- ISO 400
- Aperture f/9
- Shutter 1/640 sec.