I sat in a creek beside this guy for 40 minutes, and all he moved was his head, first, almost imperceptibly extending it from his startled withdrawal, and then slowly to the side to watch me whenever I moved. Finally he yawned, and I went home. I really like the curving lines at the bottom of his shell.
This was more of an environmental study than anything else. Fill light provided by SB600.
Just looking for your ideas and critiques.

Durwood, this guy looks almost like a cartoon! I have not seen the eastern since this one seems to be more orange than I am used to seeing. Glad you waited around to see him open his mouth. Makes the shot!

They come in all color patterns utilizing the dark brown and yellow in varying proportions. This one was, indeed, very yellow. Glad you enjoyed him!

Hey Durwood,

The long and short of it is that I think it is great. The face is just hysterical. Did you do any close-ups? As to the use of flash - I typically don't like the use of flash when I shoot critters, but I think it looks pretty natural in this case - though I might tone it down just a slight bit on the rock in front of the turtle.

Cheers
James

I shot some without the flash, but the flash reveals the gravel in the creek much more nicely.

No closeups. I was actually out shooting wild flowers and this was the longest lens I had with me. If I had gotten in tighter, the terrapin would only have closed up shop and not been as cooperative.

I like it, well done.