Nature Profile: Michelle Turton

Michelle was pleased to capture this shot of a shy Red Panda

After working in a bank during the 1980's Michelle then started a career in marketing that eventually led her to Newquay Zoo nine years ago.

During that period, Michelle's hobby, photography slowly became a part of her job.

During her career she has been able to get some fantastic shots of exotic animals face-to-face.

Michelle said: "They're lovely, it's a delight to be able to work with them in this kind of environment."

Michelle's photo gallery

"It's smashing to spend some time going round photographing the new babies and new animals that arrive."

Whenever a new arrival comes to the Zoo or when the animals do something special Michelle is often on hand to get a good snap of the action and send a copy to BBC Cornwall.

Talking about the nature of the animals when it comes to catching them just right Michelle commented: "You can pretty much guarantee most of the time when your walking around, and the animals are looking at you lovely, you point the camera at them and they turn around."

Michelle Turton captured these Agouti babies

Michelle has developed her hobby of nature photography over years of practice and a 'trial and error learning as you go' method which goes hand in hand with wild animals.

Reflecting on her technique for snapping the animals Michelle said:

"If you get used to how they react, you can set yourself up in the right position at the right time and with a little bit of patience you manage to get some great photographs."