Models, Deepen Your Portfolio

Underwater Photography Modeling Workshop

With Kimber Greenwood of Water Bear Photography and Mermaid Luna Marie

dO YOU WANT TO STAND OUT FROM EVERY OTHER MODEL OUT THERE?

nOW rEGISTERING jUNE 20-22, 2025 – gainesville, Florida uSA

Have you considered underwater modeling? Whether you’re a new or experienced model, the Underwater Photography Modeling Workshop can help you take your underwater modeling skills to new depths. Co-hosted by renowned underwater portrait photographer (and underwater portrait photography educator) Kimber Greenwood, and internationally acclaimed professional underwater model and mermaid, Luna Marie (Haley Smith) this three (3) day workshop will push your skills even deeper and help you grow as an experienced, professional underwater model.

Modeling Underwater is about More than looking good

It’s the confidence you’ll build and the empowerment you’ll feel that will keep you pushing forward

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I didn’t even know how much I needed this until I went to the workshop. I was bored of the same shoots over and over, but now, I’m more excited than I’ve even been to model!
Sara S.
Professional Model
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It was the best training experience I’ve ever had, hands down! The skills, the practice, the shoots, all expertly coached so I could nail the shots.
Theresa M.
Mermaid Enthusiast
model poses underwater in a pool during an underwater modeling workshop. Underwater modeling is a technical niche of modeling that requires significant training and practice
You’ll not only love the experience

Add A New Skill set To Your Modeling Portfolio

  • Learn everything from safety, increasing your breath hold, performing for photo vs. video, posing, finding neutral buoyancy, underwater makeup/wig application, and more that’ll build your knowledge and skills as an underwater model.
  • Get pool practice times with gentle coaching and GoPro footage to help you refine and tweak your underwater modeling skills.
  • Gain experience by participating in an actual underwater shoot coached by Luna Marie and photographed by Kimber Greenwood. 
  • Receive at least 2 fully edited images to add to your portfolio and showcase as a trained underwater model. 
  • Get a Swag Bag filled with awesome items you can use as an underwater model.
  • Have the opportunity to experience modeling in one for Florida’s stunning Springs and become familiar with open-water environments and their quirks.
  • Be part of a fun, kind community of people who work together and compliment each other as professionals on underwater gigs.
Be part of a new wave of water professionals

There’s Only a small number of underwater models, now’s your chance to become one of the best

designed to empower and boost your confidence

Even for those who aren’t models

Underwater modeling is hard. So many people have found a personal sense of accomplishment, boosted their self-confidence, and felt empowered after learning to model underwater.

oUR ATTENDEES SAY IT BEST…

“I went just to do something fun for me, but I didn’t expect I would actually find a deeper part of myself. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard, but I’ve never been more proud of something I did when I look back at the photos.” – Cassandra T.

We put together a course

So thorough you’ll be ready to start underwater modeling on day one

The underwater modeling workshop is designed to not only teach you the theory and practice of posing in the water, but give you valuable coaching and skills building so you can work towards mastering your breath-hold, buoyancy, and posing making you unstoppable in the water.


Day 1
  • Convene at 8:30 AM at Water Bear Studios
  • Spend the morning working through classroom content, discussing posing, and practicing on land
  • Break for light lunch
  • Spend the afternoon working on skills and practicing in the pool with coaching by Kimber and Haley
Day 2
  • Continue to work on in-water posing techniques
  • As a group, design and build a professional shoot. Work with Kimber and Haley to select wardrobe options and styles. You can supplement with your own items.
  • Take part in an actual underwater photoshoot while being coached by Haley and photographed by Kimber.
Day 3
  • Meet at Gilcrist Blue Springs State Park at 8:00 AM
  • Spend the morning practicing modeling skills in an open-water environment.
  • Participate in underwater photoshoots in outfits you’ve selected or brought.
underwater model posing in a mermaid tail in shallow water at an underwater modeling workshop hosted by kimber greenwood at water bear photography
We created a modeling experience like no other

There’s something For Everyone To Learn At The Underwater Modeling Workshop

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I’ve been a trained model for over 10 years and this was by far the best and most enjoyable experience.
Erin C.
Professional Model
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Everyone was so kind and welcoming. It was a great environment to try something new!
Tamika L.
Professional Photographer
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I though it would be fun to try modeling, I didn’t realize how much I would connect other water people!
Leah S.
Water Enthusiast
Underwater model poses in a purple dress with a black background and her reflection on the bottom of the pool during an underwater modeling workshop
No Matter Your Skill Level

You’ll Swim Away A New You

The underwater modeling workshop is designed for all skill levels from experienced models, to underwater photographers, and even general water lovers. Not only will you learn how to model in the water, you’ll find yourself doing things you didn’t even know was possible. The underwater modeling workshop will teach you new life skills as long as you come ready to learn and practice. Not only that, but you’ll be part of an incredible community of like-minded water lovers.

When you start, You want to learn from the best

Kimber Greenwood of Water Bear Photography posing underwater in an orange dress against a blue backdrop

Kimber Greenwood

Owner – Water Bear Photography, Awarded Underwater Portrait Photographer & Educator
Kimber started teaching underwater modeling shortly after starting in underwater photography over 8 years ago. Through working with hundreds of new and experienced water people, she found the industry didn’t fully understand the needs of photographers for models. Kimber has worked with and trained some of the most widely recognized underwater models in the industry.
Kimber’s Work Can Be Seen In:

Haley Smith

Professional Underwater Mermaid Luna Marie, Professional Underwater Model
Haley has been a professional mermaid/underwater performer and model for over 9 years. She’s performed in tanks, pools, and natural bodies of water all over the world. You may have even spotted her on the Netflix documentary “Merpeople” where she took home the title “Queen of the Seas”.
Haley Smith aka Mermaid Luna Marie posing underwater in an ocean themed dress during an underwater pool shoot

There’s probably a few things you want to know about underwater modeling

Frequently Asked Questions About Joining The Underwater Modeling Workshop

For the modeling workshop, you’ll be in the classroom, in the pool, and in a local Spring. You’ll want something to take notes on, swimwear, a nude body suit, or similar, any wardrobe items you want to practice in (if you have any, if not, no worries, we have plenty), makeup (water safe), and if you want a GoPro or other water safe recording device. We’ll provide you with footage, but you may want your own as well.

The Modeling Workshop is hosted at Water Bear Studios located at 330 NW 170th St. Newberry, FL, just 10 minutes from I-75 in Gainesville. The Springs day will be at one of our local Florida Springs in the High Springs or Fort White Area, approximately 20-30 minutes from the studio.

There are numerous hotels near I-75 in Gainesville, at all exits, and are between a 10 and 20 minute drive to the studio. Gainesville and the surrounding areas also hosts many AirBnBs and other rentals.

The Underwater Modeling Workshop is for individuals of all adult ages. For liability reasons, all participants should be ages 18 and older to participate. All activities outside the workshop times including travel and accommodations are the responsibility of the attendees.

We’ll have plenty of gowns, silks, and accessories for you to model in. If you want to bring your own pieces, go for it! You can bring an outfit (as long as it is water safe), a mermaid tail, or anything else you’ll want. For the fist day in-water practice, we recommend a swimsuit or bodysuit.

The images taken of you can be used in your personal and professional portfolio. Images will be edited to a professional standard and will be delivered as completed images. You will receive high resolution digital jpeg images. They are able to be used online, and in print as needed for your modeling purposes. You may also share them on social media and print them for your personal use.

Gainesville is located in the heart of North Central Florida and is easily accessible. Nearby airports include our local Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV, Flights available through Delta and American), as well as Jacksonville, (JAX), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA), all of which are within two hours.

Breakfast and snack food items are provided for attendees during the workshop. Most models do not prefer to eat a big meal before or during modeling because it can impact their breath-hold and buoyancy. Attendees are encourage to bring additional food items if needed. Water and other beverages will be provided.

Get ready to take your underwater modeling even deeper

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kimber at kimber@waterbearphotography.com

Here’s How To Register

jUNE 20-22, 2025 Underwater MODELING workshop

This is the Fine Print

Registrations Are Non-Refundable
Unless cancelled by UWCA, no refunds are available for this course. You may apply any amount you’ve paid towards a future workshop or event, or you may try to sell your spot to another. All spot transfers must be approved by UWCA before the exchange occurs. Once payments are made, no refunds are possible. We highly recommend you obtain trip insurance in the event of an emergency that requires you to not attend.

Registration is First Come, First Serve based on approval of applications AND receipt of first payment
If you are interested in joining, please do not hesitate to register below! Once you register you will need to complete a medical waiver form. This form is due within 1 month of the workshop date. Your spot may be cancelled without refund if the form is not returned on-time.

You will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and liability release agreement. This form will ask general medical questions and any indication of a significant medical concern may require a doctor’s written approval to participate. If a doctor’s written approval is required, it must be completed and returned to us before the date of the event. If a doctor is unable or unwilling to provide written approval, there will not be a refund of any money paid. The Medical Form will be completed as part of the registration process. Only potential participants with significant medical concerns will need a doctor’s approval. If there is any question as to whether UWCA will require a doctor’s approval, it is best to receive that approval prior to registration.