Our family sabbatical in Costa Rica was more than just a break from routine—it was an immersion into a world where nature and human dedication intertwine. At the heart of this experience was Reserva Playa Tortuga, a sea turtle conservation project nestled on the Osa Peninsula.
After completing my last interim assignment, my family and I decided to take a sabbatical in Costa Rica. We wanted to use this time to grow, each focusing on our own interests and passions.
Embracing Creative Limitations
For me, it was the perfect opportunity to challenge my photographic mind. I left my Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8.0 lens at home—I couldn’t imagine lugging that heavy and expensive lens around for three months with the family. While this meant wildlife photography wasn’t going to be my main focus (though I did manage to capture some stunning toucans up close), it opened the door to a different kind of creative exploration.
As a family, we signed up to volunteer at Reserva Playa Tortuga in November 2025. Our tasks included night patrols on the beach, helping in the butterfly garden and hatchery, counting, weighing, and releasing baby sea turtles, and monitoring macaws, caimans, bats, and reptiles. Essentially, we did whatever the team needed to free up their time for critical biological work.
Because we stayed in the Ojochal region afterward, I was able to maintain contact with Reserva Playa Tortuga and continue supporting them as both a photographer and communication advisor.
Why Turtles?
Reserva Playa Tortuga is dedicated to conserving sea turtles, especially the Olive Ridley species. Their work includes night patrols to protect nests, relocating eggs to safer hatcheries, and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. They also focus on community education and scientific research to support global conservation efforts. By protecting these turtles, they help preserve the entire coastal ecosystem.
Capturing the People Behind the Conservation
As a photographer, my goal was simple: to capture the people behind the work. Their presence, their passion, and the raw environment where they protect nesting beaches and hatchlings.
This project was a chance to capture their portraits and the environment they work in. Honest and grounded in the reality of their daily efforts.
While most of the portraits were posed, I also captured candid moments during my time at the reserva—whether it was the team preparing for a night patrol, the cook in the kitchen, or the search for bats in the jungle.
These images, combined with the portraits, paint a fuller picture of life at Reserva Playa Tortuga.
Minimal Gear, Maximum Authenticity
I worked with minimal gear: my Fujifilm X-T5 and just two prime lenses, the Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.2. The humid jungle climate meant I had to be cautious with my equipment, storing it carefully to avoid moisture damage.
Without flash, I relied entirely on natural light, occasionally using a Mini LED video light to add a soft glow when needed. My approach was simple: minimal editing, maximum authenticity. I asked each team member to pose for a portrait, aiming to capture their personality and the essence of their role at the reserva.
The 33mm lens was perfect for environmental portraits, placing them within their surroundings, while the 56mm lens allowed me to focus on their expressions and details, like the logo on their uniforms or the tools they carry.
Challenges of the Jungle
The jungle presented its own challenges. The early sunsets and dense foliage meant I had to work quickly and adapt to the available light. The heat and humidity were ever-present, adding a natural sheen to the portraits that reflected the intensity of their work.
I made multiple visits, thanks to having a car, which allowed me to photograph everyone without rushing. Communicating in Spanish helped me connect with the team, though putting people at ease in front of the camera is always a delicate balance.
I took my time with each person, explaining the process and making sure they felt comfortable.
Moments Beyond the Camera
Sometimes the most powerful moments are the ones you can’t capture with a camera.
I remember one night during a patrol with Estiven, a local field worker. We were searching for sea turtle nests along the beach, our only light the faint (red) glow of our headlamps cutting through the darkness.
At one point, Estiven left to retrieve an empty bucket from the start of the beach (previously filled to the brim with baby turtles), leaving me alone in the pitch black, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the ocean.
The adrenaline of being completely dependent on someone I barely knew—also someone whose language I only partially understood—was overwhelming. The rustling of unseen animals in the jungle, the crashing waves, and the eerie silence between them created a sense of both vulnerability and connection to the environment.
Even if I had my camera with me, no photo could have captured the intensity of that moment: the trust, the tension, and the sheer presence of nature. It was a reminder that some experiences are meant to be felt, not photographed.
From Photos to Impact
Beyond taking the photos, I drew on my experience as a communication advisor to help the team use these images effectively. I provided guidance on how to integrate the portraits and candid shots into their social media, website, and fundraising materials, ensuring the photos would serve their mission long after I left.
This project was a reminder that powerful storytelling doesn’t require elaborate setups. Sometimes, all it takes is a camera, a willingness to connect, and a commitment to authenticity.
The portraits and candid shots I captured are a tribute to the people who make Reserva Playa Tortuga’s work possible. To see more of this project or support their mission, visit reservaplayatortuga.org or follow them on instagram at @reservaplayatortuga.
In the end, this shoot was about more than just photography. It was about using my skills to contribute to a cause I believe in, and about the people who inspire me with their dedication.
For that, I’m ever so grateful.
