I am fortunate to live near Dow Gardens, which has numerous ponds and critters. Various rivers are also nearby, so I’ve often found turtles sunning themselves, particularly in the spring and fall. Turtles can be a great photo assignment subject, but remember – the environment can also be challenging.
Proper safety is a must – be aware of your environment at all times. Getting injured, damaging or losing your equipment are all real possibilities. And remember to not disturb or inflict undo stress on the creatures that you are photographing. A little kindness and respect can go a long way.