Turtle ‘flipping the bird’ takes out comedy photo award

Mackay photographer Mark Fitzgerald takes us behind the scenes of how he captured the cheeky moment

2020 Comedy Wildlife Photography Award overall winner Mark Fitzpatrick with his photograph "Terry the Turtle flipping the bird".

A MACKAY photographer's cheeky snap of a turtle has been crowned the 2020 Comedy Wildlife Photography Award winner.

Mark Fitzpatrick said he'd been swimming beside "Terry the Turtle" in the lagoon at Lady Elliot Island for about 20 minutes when it flipped him the bird.

"When it comes to taking photos of wildlife, the key is to have plenty of patience and to be as calm as possible around them," Mr Fitzpatrick said.

"Animals are generally quite cautious and so it's important to not make any sudden moves that might spook them.

"Once they're used to you and can see that you're not a threat then they're a bit more relaxed and don't mind you being there.

"That's when their personalities start to shine through and you get the best photos of them as they're going about their day."

2020 Comedy Wildlife Photography Award overall winner Mark Fitzpatrick with his photograph "Terry the Turtle flipping the bird".

He said taking photos underwater could be tricky as the marine life were moving as were the currents, tides and the angle of the sun - not to mention the weather conditions affecting visibility.

"When it all comes together though with a perfect sunny day, amazing visibility and friendly marine life you really enjoy it and make the most of it," Mr Fitzpatrick said.

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Formerly an accountant, Mr Fitzpatrick started photography as a hobby in 2012 before making the move to full-time professional four years ago.

In that time, he has showcased the region's "natural wonders", collaborating with Mackay Tourism to encourage people to come see "our little slice of paradise".

"We've got such a wide range of landscapes and wildlife here in the Mackay region to photograph, we're really quite spoiled for choice," Mr Fitzpatrick said.

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"With lush rainforests and waterfalls around Eungella and Finch Hatton, stunning volcanic formations in the Peak Range National Park, our world famous kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough and the beautiful islands and reefs, there really is something for everyone."

Head to Mr Fitzpatrick's Facebook page to see more of his stunning work.

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