# Snapping Turtle with escort

**URL:** <https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/snapping-turtle-with-escort/52213>\
**Category:** Image Critiques\
**Tags:** wildlife\
**Created:** [September 8, 2026, 3:19pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/snapping-turtle-with-escort/52213 "2026-09-08T15:19:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Mark\_Seaver](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mark_seaver/32/231_2.png) [@Mark\_Seaver](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mark_Seaver)\
**Post date:** [September 8, 2026, 3:19pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/snapping-turtle-with-escort/52213/1 "2026-09-08T15:19:34Z")

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![Original - Snapper & escort.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/4/f/4f0f480458c89bcd41d502d17fc6bb67db4bdb0c.jpeg)

**Critique Style:** Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

**Feedback Focus:** Artistic / Expressive

### About This Image

While walking along the C&O canal, I saw a large Snapping Turtle, plowing its way through some mud and algae. Its back was fully covered! A bit further along, I saw it again, in an area with more water, still carrying some of the mud and algae on its back. When the sunfish showed up and the turtle raised it’s head, I couldn’t resist, especially since it seems likely that the turtle would eat the fish if they got too close.

### Feedback Requested

Getting both the turtle with its “camo” and the fish in a single shot was a treat.

### Technical Details

Camera: Canon EOS R5  
Lens: RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM  
Focal length: 400mm  
Shutter speed: 1/40s  
Aperture: f/14  
ISO: 3200

tripod and polarizer, AI noise reduction

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**Author:** ![alice](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/alice/32/83370_2.png) [@alice](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/alice)\
**Post date:** [September 8, 2026, 3:25pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/snapping-turtle-with-escort/52213/2 "2026-09-08T15:25:03Z")

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Hi Mark,  
This turtle/fish photo made me LOL. The fish are looking at the turtle like what the heck?? It is a very sharp image of both the turtle and the fish for it being in the water.  
Nicely captured.  
Allice

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**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\
**Post date:** [September 8, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/snapping-turtle-with-escort/52213/3 "2026-09-08T19:46:19Z")

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A very cool image, Mark. The combination of the crusty looking turtle and the sleek sunfish provides some interesting contrast.. It doesn’t look like that canal would float a barge these days which adds another level to the story.

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**Author:** ![richard27](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/richard27/32/62934_2.png) [@richard27](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/richard27)\
**Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 6:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/snapping-turtle-with-escort/52213/4 "2026-09-09T18:29:49Z")

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I love this photo, especially the colors and the dreamy look of the turtle and fish. i also like that most of the water is deep green and just the bottom brown. Considering the conditions, it’s amazing the turtle’s body looks so clear.

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**Author:** ![Lon\_Overacker](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/lon_overacker/32/10929_2.png) [@Lon\_Overacker](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Lon_Overacker)\
**Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/snapping-turtle-with-escort/52213/5 "2026-09-09T20:21:19Z")

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Great and fun capture Mark. I can see why you might be tickled at having the opportunity to witness and capture this little interaction. Having the fish there, AND two of them seemingly eyeing the turle makes for a great dynamic.

Just a personal preference, but I think the turtle is a little bright. Of course well within the acceptable range, but I would drop the exposure some if it were mine. Very minor though. Can’t think of any other suggestions. A great moment.