Introducing Poser – The Cheeky Turtle That Loves the Limelight
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Time to read 5 min
Some reef residents are shy, some are curious… and then there’s Poser, a green sea turtle who quite literally struck a pose for my lens on the Great Barrier Reef.
The reef’s full of surprises - no two dives are ever the same, and it’s those unexpected turtle encounters and quiet moments that keep me heading back with my camera. Slow down, breathe, and the reef will always show you something special.
Visitors to Above & Below Gallery always stop and smile at Poser. If you’re after turtle wall art or want to bring a splash of reef magic into your home, this one’s for you.
Watch this video where I present to you Poser and how the shot came about!
The Story Behind 'Poser'
I was drifting past a coral bommie on a dive site off Heron Island when I saw this confident green sea turtle. He had parked himself amongst the reef, staring me down as if to say, “Go on then, take my picture"!
His steady posture, deep dark eyes and cheeky turtle charm made the moment for me! A few quiet minutes passed, just us, the coral, and a few curious reef fish swimming by.
There was no rush, just that lovely stillness you get when everything aligns underwater. The light was soft, the reef alive with colour, and this turtle was perched here like he knew exactly what kind of photo I was after. Once the moment had passed I went on my way...but as I was drifting past the next bommie I quickly checked my camera and realised my strobes had not fired...oh no! So back I swam... and he was still there. Phew!
Poser On The Wall!
Other Ways You Can Take Poser Home...
The Finer Details - For The Photo Buffs!
Title: Poser
Medium: Fine Art Rag Paper Print (Framed or Unframed available), Brushed Aluminium, Framed Canvas, Wood Block or Acrylic.
Size: All sizes available.
Subject: Green Sea Turtle on The Great Barrier Reef.
Location: Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia.
Camera Gear: Canon 5DMIV + 16-35mm L series lens. Ikelite housing and 1 x Ikelite strobe.
Depth: Around 10m below!
FAQ's – The 'Poser' Print
1. What inspired this artwork?
This piece was born from one of those rare, serendipitous moments underwater where everything just... aligned. I’d been photographing a curious turtle while diving off Heron Island, only to realise later that my strobe hadn’t been firing. When I swam back, expecting him to be gone, there he was still calmly waiting, as if he understood. That quiet connection, and the patience of this turtle, is what inspired the image we now call Poser.
Take this moment home, shop ‘Poser’ now: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
2. Where was the original photo taken?
The photograph was taken at Heron Island, a stunning coral cay on the southern Great Barrier Reef. It’s teeming with marine life, colourful coral gardens, and thankfully very cooperative turtles.
Click here to take a piece of the Great Barrier Reef home with you: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
3. Why is the turtle called 'Poser'?
After I’d finished photographing him, I discovered my lighting hadn’t worked. I swam back, unsure if he’d still be there, but he hadn’t moved an inch. He stayed right where he was, calm and composed, giving me the perfect second chance. He truly posed for the camera so the name Poser stuck.
Shop 'Poser' here: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
4. What size is this print available in?
Poser is available in a range of sizes, starting from 8x12 inches all the way up to a stunning 80 x 40 inches. Whether you’re after something small and personal or a bold statement piece, there’s a size to suit.
Explore all the sizes here: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
5. What print mediums do you offer?
You can choose from a variety of premium mediums, including:
· Canvas (framed or unframed)
· Brushed aluminium
· Acrylic glass
· Fine art cotton rag paper (framed or unframed)
· Timber-mounted options
As seen in the video, the canvas version has a timeless, textural feel, but all finishes are gallery-quality and crafted to last.
Click here to pick your perfect finish and make ‘Poser’ part of your space: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
6. Is Poser available in any smaller formats or gifts?
Yes! Poser is also featured on our greeting cards, as well as in small and medium-sized photo mounts which are perfect for gifts or smaller spaces.
Shop the gift range of poser products here: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print/collections/poser
7. What kind of spaces does this artwork suit?
This piece brings a calm, natural energy into any room. It’s especially suited to:
· Coastal, beach-style interiors
· Living rooms or hallways with natural tones
· Modern minimalist spaces that need a soft, organic focal point
· Nurseries or children’s rooms (he’s a gentle soul!)
· Ocean lovers' sanctuaries, offices, or studios
Got the perfect spot in mind? Click here and let ‘Poser’ make it his: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
8. Are your underwater images edited or enhanced?
All my underwater images are colour corrected to reflect what the human eye would naturally see underwater if they had a light source! However, I never composite or “add” elements. What you see in Poser is what I saw—a real moment, with a real turtle, just as it happened.
Check out all the sizes and options here: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
9. How long have you been doing underwater photography?
I’ve been photographing underwater for over a decade. My background in professional photography and love for the ocean naturally evolved into a passion for capturing marine life in their element, moments of connection, curiosity, and wonder.
Learn more about me here...
10. Can I get this print framed and ready to hang?
Absolutely. We offer framing services for most sizes and mediums. Each print arrives ready to hang, with your choice of black, white, or oak frame (for fine art prints), or floating frames for canvas. Just let us know your space and style, and we can help guide your choice.
Click here to see more on framing options: https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/poser-turtle-print
Other Turtle Prints
If you’ve fallen in love with this feature print, you’ll be thrilled to know there’s more to explore. Each turtle print captures the grace, curiosity, and quiet strength of these ocean wanderers.
Looking for something unique for a hallway or narrow wall? Our vertical turtle prints are perfect for those tricky spaces. They draw the eye upward, creating a feeling of depth and movement, almost as if the turtle is gliding right through your home.
For a bold impact, consider going large. A statement-sized turtle print instantly transforms a room, becoming the centrepiece that guests can’t help but admire. Whether you prefer a close-up portrait or a distant turtle with a coral foreground, the scale and detail will make you feel like you’re swimming alongside them.
And the best part, these are all unique prints, captured by Whitsunday Photographer Brooke Miles. Never mass produced, you’re buying direct from the artist’s gallery.
About Above and Below Gallery & Brooke Miles
Above and Below Gallery™, founded and owned by Australian photographic artist Brooke Miles, is based in the heart of Airlie Beach in the beautiful Whitsundays of North Queensland.
Every piece is captured by Brooke herself, never mass-produced, never offshore, and shipped straight from QLD or VIC. You’re buying direct from the artist, with no middleman and no bulk production, just honest, meaningful art made with purpose!
The gallery is proud to be 100% artist-owned, a member of 1% For The Planet, and committed to using packaging that is mostly recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable.
Brooke’s collections are a visual feast, from unique aerial views of the islands and reefs to intimate underwater moments with whales, turtles, and vibrant marine life, as well as stunning shots of rainforests, cities, and more.
Sought after by hotels, luxury homes, and airports, Brooke Miles's gallery offers breathtaking photographic art and luxurious gifts in-store and online, with free Australian shipping* and international options available.
Have a question for the team?