What to Expect at an Underwater Portrait Session (And Why You Don't Need to Be a Swimmer)
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
In the beginning, I thought underwater photography was not all that different from fine art portraits on the ground - just a little bit wetter. But I was wrong. It was a challenge, I'm not going to lie. Those first images humbled me real quick. Luckily, I love a challenge - so I kept coming back to it. Over time, I've picked up some tips and tricks that can help you prepare for your first underwater portrait session.
Underwater photography is transformative in a way that's unlike anything else you can experience. It's truly entering into a different world - one we're not built for but we can visit, one breath hold at a time. And I became obsessed with it.
Underwater portrait sessions are a personal challenge, well worth the effort. Something to look back on and think, "That was the most incredible thing I've ever done."
But if you're new to the concept, you'll likely have some questions on how best to get started. Here's what to expect at an underwater photography session - and why you don't need to be a swimmer to make visually stunning, deeply meaningful images.
What Happens Before The Session -
Everything begins with a complimentary phone consultation. We'll go over everything you're dreaming up for your session - the visuals, the emotional impact, the outfit, the set design. I want you to feel completely prepared and reassured on the day, so we take our time planning it all out.
You'll receive tips on what to wear, how to prepare, and anything else you can think of! Learn more about how that works here.
What Your Session Day Looks Like -
Once we've got our plan in place, we'll meet at our chosen body of water! Most commonly, this is a pool, although some natural bodies of water are also suitable.
You'll meet my safety staff person, on site for the duration of your session to ensure everything runs smoothly. Together, we'll go over all the water safety instructions and make sure everyone's feeling great about the session!
What To Expect In The Water -
There's a misconception about underwater portraits that you must be an experienced swimmer to do them well. But did you know - some of the best images are actually created in less than four feet of water?
Believe it or not, when I first got into underwater photography, I couldn't swim at all. In fact, I had a terrible fear of the water - but conquering that fear became a driving motivation. I had an idea in my head that I needed to be an olympic swimmer with strong lungs to create beautiful images.
But you only need ten seconds.
Push all the air in your lungs out and count. 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6... 7... 8... 9... 10. Congratulations. You can hold your breath long enough to take underwater photos! AND we can take them in the shallow end!
Underwater sessions are psychological and fully immersive. Sometimes it takes a little bit of time for your body to relax in the water and allow you to submerge yourself. Don't worry - we're not in a rush and I'll do everything I can to make sure your experience is relaxing and empowering. And remember that a safety staff person is always right there to make sure everything runs smoothly.
I want you to feel comfortable and confident, every step of the way!
What You Walk Away With -
After your session, we'll pack up and head home. In a few weeks, you'll have the opportunity to see your edited images at our photo reveal session - either online or in my super cute mobile office (that's a blog post for another time but if you want to see RV updates, make sure you're following along on Instagram).
As each image is pulled up, you'll find yourself reliving that day - every challenge and how you overcame it. Every moment of feeling weightless and otherworldly. Each image evokes a memory and a feeling about this immersive, full-body experience you've given yourself.
You're going to treasure these for life.
It's the kind of memory you return to over and over to remind yourself of what it meant to you. And you'll have the opportunity to immortalize it in museum-grade wall art, archival quality photo albums and high resolution digitals.
The water is calling you.
Let's dive in.
Underwater Portrait FAQ
• Do I need to be a strong swimmer to do underwater portraits? No, you do not! Although swimming experience is helpful, many of the best underwater images are taken in less than 4 feet of water. And we always have a safety staff on site to ensure everything runs smoothly!
• What do I wear to an underwater photography session? The biggest thing to consider is weight. Fabrics like cotton and wool hold a lot of water and will be very heavy in the water. Lightweight materials and bodysuits are ideal.
If you want to wear something flowy, avoid a lot of loose fabric on your torso and upper shoulers, to prevent it from collecting around your face in the water. Long skirts ideally will have a slit in the side so you can get your legs out if necessary.
For beginner underwater portraits, go with something simple. You can always come back for another session after you've gotten your feet wet!
• Will I look ok in my underwater photos? There are a lot of tips and tricks to help you feel comfortable and relaxed in the water. It's challenging work, but the challenge is part of what makes it so rewarding. I promise to help you find your best, most flattering poses so that you walk away with stunning images you will love forever!
• Is underwater photography safe? The short answer is yes. The long answer is, underwater photography does come with risks, but we prepare for them. From planning out your outfit ahead of time and discussing the backdrop, to making sure there is always a safety on site and emergency medical equipment available, we cover our bases. If for any reason a session feels unsafe to me, we will always stop and reassess. I will never choose an image over your safety. Ever.
Ready to take the plunge? Book an underwater session →
Alexis is an underwater and fine art photographer. She has trained with Water Bear Photography in Gainesville, FL under renowned underwater portrait photographer Kimber Greenwood and has brought that experience and knowledge back with her to serve the Bucks County, Montgomery County and Greater Philadelphia area.
