My name is Evan Cooper, born and raised on the east coast of Florida, and now live in Gainesville Florida. I work for Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC), the world's oldest sea turtle nonprofit and conservation organization. I am a researcher, membership coordinator, content creator, and educator. I am studying and working to save sea turtles from extinction every day!
Green turtles have a cute face, and are thought of as the most charismatic of the sea turtle species. They have small, serated jaws, made to graze on seagrass, keeping it and the whole ecosystem in check. © Evan Cooper
Growing up on the water kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving, I got my passion for the ocean at a young age. I started my underwater photography journey with an action camera. I began to get more serious about my underwater photography when I started working with STC 6 years ago. I got my Ikelite housing and Nikon Z6, and started shooting on our in-water research trips and personal dive trips. It is really special to be able to document this crucial work, as most sea turtle research around the world is done at night on the nesting beach, not with sea turtles in their natural environment, and as juveniles.
During sea turtle nesting season in Florida, loggerhead females turtles like this one need time to rest after mating and exerting lots of energy to crawl up on the beach at night and lay their eggs. This photo was shot off of Florida's east coast, the most important nesting beach for loggerhead sea turtles in the entire world! © Evan Cooper
I really enjoy shooting sea turtles, both in a professional setting and in my personal time, while free diving and scuba diving. I also really enjoy shooting pictures of manatees in Florida's local springs. My favorite shots are half in half out shots, seagrass habitats and the wildlife that call them home, and the vibrant colors underwater. I love how photography allows me to tell a story without words, which is powerful and special.
Even when descending after taking a breath at the surface, turtles are graceful! This little green was happily swimming, eating seagrass and algae, and breathing a its own pace. © Evan Cooper
A juvenile green turtle right after taking a breath at the surface in Bonaire. This little turtle probably just recruited to the area based on it's size. © Evan Cooper
The beautiful carapace of a green turtle contrasts beautifully with the white sand bottom of the ocean floor. © Evan Cooper
Sea turtles need friends too! These tangs were hanging out with this little green turtle and maybe getting some seagrass scraps! © Evan Cooper
A juvenile green turtle off of a small reef in the Exumas in the Bahamas. The beautiful blue water contrasting with the turtles shell and ocean floor is breathtaking! © Evan Cooper
Manatees are vegetarians, eating eelgrass like in this pictures, in local Florida springs during winter months! They can escape the cold and stay in the warmer water that stays the same temperature year-round. © Evan Cooper
In the colder winter months, Manatees seek refuge in Florida's freshwater springs, where the water stays a warm 72ºF (22ºC) year round. These gentle giants eat vegetation and hang out together in this crystal clear water. © Evan Cooper
Additional Viewing
Sea Turtle Eating Coral in Grand Cayman // Sony a7C II Underwater [VIDEO]
Sea Turtle Portraits with DS230 Strobes
Arribada Pawikan: Saving the Sea Turtles of the Philippines
7 Tips for Photographing Florida Manatees
Photographing Manatees Underwater in Crystal River, Florida [VIDEO]
Evan Cooper is an underwater photographer and advocate with the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Having grown up on the east coast of Florida, Evan has always been been passionate about the ocean. Now he uses his passion and photography skills to help save sea turtles, you can learn more about STC on their website conserveturtles.org. You can follow Evan on Instagram @evantheturtleman and @evancooperphotography. Visit his website at evancooperphotography.com.
