Behind-the-Scenes Insight: Keep Mouth Shut whilst Eating!
In a remarkable achievement, native Floridian and underwater photography enthusiast, Bryant Turffs, has clinched the 2nd Place in the "Marine Life Behaviour" category of the prestigious Ocean Art 2022 Competition. His winning photograph, taken at Ocala, Florida, showcases a common snapping turtle in an unusual and captivating moment.
Turffs, a maritime and dive industry professional, writer, photographer, and adventurer, is no stranger to the challenges of underwater photography. He has often spoken about the unpredictability of finding good subjects and conditions in this medium. However, his win at the Ocean Art Competition is a testament to his dedication and skill, as he attributes it to putting in extra effort on both the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.
The photograph captures the turtle in a unique act of feeding. Using its forelimbs, the blind creature scrapes away the spines of a dead flatfish, commonly known as a hog-choker, before swallowing it whole. The image was taken using a Canon 7D Mark II camera with a Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens inside an Ikelite Housing. To illuminate the subject, Turffs used two Ikelite DS160 strobes.
Common snapping turtles, known for their important role in scavenging carrion from aquatic ecosystems in the South Eastern United States, are known to be omnivorous, consuming both vegetation and live prey. In this instance, the turtle seemed unfazed by Turffs' presence, providing a rare opportunity for a close-up shot.
Turffs has expressed his gratitude towards the competition organisers and fellow participants for pushing the limits of underwater photography. He co-founded the Florida Manta Project, the first dedicated long-term study of manta rays in Florida, further demonstrating his commitment to marine life and conservation.
For Turffs, winning the Ocean Art 2022 Competition signifies recognition of outstanding skill and creativity in underwater photography. This achievement is likely to boost his professional reputation and increase visibility in the marine conservation and art communities.
For more of Turffs' work, visit his website or explore the four additional "Story Behind the Shot" features available online. As an ambassador for Ikelite, Turffs' winning photograph serves as a testament to the quality and durability of their underwater housing equipment.
- Bryant Turffs, the Florida-native and enthusiast of underwater photography, has showcased his talent yet again by securing the 2nd Place in the "Marine Life Behavior" category of the Ocean Art 2022 Competition.
- His winning photograph, showcasing a common snapping turtle's unusual feeding behavior, was captured using a Canon 7D Mark II camera, Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens, and Ikelite Housing, with illumination provided by two Ikelite DS160 strobes.
- Turffs' victory in the Ocean Art Competition is a tribute to his dedication and skill, as he emphasizes the importance of concentrating on both the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography.
- Common snapping turtles, often observed scavenging in aquatic ecosystems, are omnivorous, occasionally consuming dead creatures like the hog-choker seen in his winning photograph.
- Turffs has expressed heartfelt appreciation towards the competition organizers and fellow participants for fostering an environment that encourages the exploration of the underwater world.
- As a co-founder of the Florida Manta Project and an ambassador for Ikelite, Turffs continues to raise awareness about marine life and conservation, using his photography to inspire others and promote the importance of preserving our bluewater landscapes.
