Answers To The Top Questions I Get About An Underwater Photoshoot – FAQs

FAQs About Our Experience and Safety Precautions for an Underwater Photoshoot Session

Are you certified and insured as a professional underwater photographer?

When searching for an underwater portrait photographer, qualifications are incredibly important. A studio or outdoor photographer may be skilled, but the underwater environment poses some significant challenges and complications to portrait photography. As an underwater portrait photographer, I maintain licenses and certifications as a Registered Nurse, CPR, Emergency Freediving Medicine (FEMR), and Basic Life Support First Aid. My in-water support team of safety swimmers also maintain CPR/First Aid and FEMR certifications. Further, I am one of the leading educators in underwater portrait photography with a significant emphasis on safety. In my annual photographer workshops I teach others how to safely take clients in the water for an underwater shoot. My studio is also fully insured for underwater portrait photography.

What is your experience level in underwater photography?

Underwater portrait photography is still a relatively new and rapidly expanding field. While I wasn’t the first, I strive to set the standard for the industry and improve the quality and safety of underwater photographers. I’ve been shooting underwater at our Gainesville studio, local Florida Springs, and at locations around the world for over 6 years. I host annual underwater photography workshops and retreats around the world to train and educate other photographers who want to venture underwater. Further, I’ve worked for several major brands and organizations to shoot and film underwater for advertising and awareness campaigns.

What types of underwater environments have you worked in? (Freshwater, saltwater, specific locations)

Underwater portrait photography clients have met me all over the world. From the swimming pool at our Gainesville studio and the local freshwater Florida Springs, to the crystal blue water of the Exumas, Abacos, and Mexico’s stunning cenotes. My team is available for worldwide travel for your dream underwater photography shoot.

What safety measures do you take during underwater shoots? (Emergency procedures, communication, equipment checks)

Your safety is of the utmost importance to me and my team. That’s why we take these underwater photoshoots seriously. People have been seriously hurt by not taking the proper safety precautions. After you and I have met for your consultation and planning sessions, you’ll have a good understanding of what safety measures we take, what you can expect of us, and what I expect of you. At your photoshoot, we’ll do a safety briefing and you’ll meet your safety swimmer(s). My team makes sure for each person we’re photographing in the water, we have a safety person in the water too. With client shoots, I will never be the only one in the water with you. We will check in with you several times during the shoot, keep a careful eye open, and always be there to assist if you have difficulty. We will also have a float in the water to hold onto so you don’t have to swim if you can’t touch the bottom. We have a motto “anyone can call any shoot at any time for any reason”. If you’re not completely comfortable, we can get out of the water.

Are you comfortable working with clients who have limited or no swimming experience?

One of the most awarded underwater images I’ve ever captured was of a woman who couldn’t swim. When we do an underwater photography shoot with someone who can’t swim, we will always do it at our Gainesville studio pool. This way we can control the environment and keep you close to walls, the floor, or stairs. My safety swimmer is there to help you with every shot. When I have a client with limited or no swimming abilities, we will always start in shallow water and gradually work deeper up to your comfort level. We can capture amazing underwater shots in 5 feet of water. If you trust us, I will get some great underwater images for you.

FAQs About the Logistics and Cost of an Underwater Photoshoot Session

What equipment do you provide, and what do I need to bring?

During the design and planning session for your underwater photography shoot, I’ll put together and send you a packing list of the essential items to bring. I always tell clients, pack as if you’re going to the pool. Towels, a change of clothes, water, and snacks are the most important items. If we’ve discussed you wearing a specific outfit you already have, bring that as well. As far as the photography, safety, etc., we’ll handle all of that.

What are your packages and pricing for underwater photography sessions?

All of our photography sessions start with a session fee that includes your consultation, planning and design session, photoshoot, use of my gown closet and props, and your image selection session. Many of the session fees include credit toward the purchase of images or artwork. All images and artwork are a la carte, so you can pick and choose exactly what you want. My studio has many options from digital images to masterpiece wall art and heirloom albums.

Do you offer additional services like editing, printing, or videography?

Yes! All your selected photos will be edited as part of the artwork and images delivery. A light-editing is done before your image selection session and a more detailed, fine-art edit is done when we create your artwork. Our Gainesville photography studio offers a variety of printed products including bespoke albums, modern metal prints, classic canvas prints, and matted prints, all of which are delivered in a gorgeous frame. All products are a la carte and you have the option to purchase exactly what you want to display in your home.

What is your cancellation policy?

I understand that things come up. If you need to cancel your underwater photography session, no worries. We can go through the cancellation process. For weather concerns, we may need to push your underwater session a few days, or plan accordingly and shoot at a different time of the day. For obvious reasons, we have to be very careful with the weather and shooting underwater.

FAQs About the Shoot Details and Styling of an Underwater Photoshoot Session

Can I see your portfolio of underwater work?

I share a lot of my studio’s underwater photography shoots on our social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. You can also find examples on the Water Bear Photography website. If there’s a specific type of style of underwater images you’re looking for, reach out and I can send you a gallery of images I’ve captured that fit that style.

What is your editing style for underwater photos?

When I edit your images, I want you to look like you. Beyond basic color correction, editing includes eyes, skin, and teeth to ensure colors are correct. Hair is edited to remove strays and fix areas that moved. The editing process will also include modifications to gowns and clothing to make everything fit properly and fix or fill in any problematic areas. I do offer composite editing and will replace limbs, bodies, etc. from other images of yours where I feel something doesn’t look quite right or the image requires it, such as for split-shots. The goal in editing is to make sure you are still you and that everything compliments your unique personality and style.

What types of underwater photography do you specialize in?

As a portrait studio photographer in Gainesville, Florida, I specialize in portrait photography. The areas I emphasize for underwater work are maternity, boudoir, couples, and elopements. I have captured some incredible family sessions underwater and had clients that wanted to go out of the country to some very exotic places. At our underwater studio near Gainesville, I can create fully custom sets. I love the creative aspects of designing a set, and for my clients, the sky’s the limit! You can do so much creatively underwater. I’ve done everything from basic backdrop shoots all the way to converting the entire pool into an underwater garden. Tell me what your epic underwater shoots looks like and I’ll make it happen.

Are you open to incorporating my ideas into the shoot?

Your underwater photography shoot should be unique to you. I want your input. That’s why we have a design and planning session. At your design and planning session, we’ll talk about your vision for your photoshoot and work up the details of how we’ll make your vision a reality.

How long will the underwater portion of the shoot typically last?

The water presents some interesting challenges to a portrait photoshoot. That’s one of the reasons why you should hire an expert who not only knows how to shoot underwater, but can compensate for the challenges presented. The length of your underwater shoot will depend on a variety of factors. Usually the most common is how cold you will get. The Florida Springs are around 70-72 F year-round. Since you’ll be posing and not moving much, you may get cold quickly. We try to move fast to make sure we get your images, as safely as possible. Some of our clients run warm and love being in the cool water. We’ll keep going as long as you feel comfortable, the setting is safe, and until we think we’ve captured enough images for an incredible gallery.

What are the physical demands of an underwater photography session?

An underwater photography shoot can be very demanding both physically and mentally. In a pool it’s not too bad. In the Springs, where you may be fighting some current, it can be tough. Let’s not forget that posing can be hard too. Working to get the perfect buoyancy, having water go up your nose if you invert, and managing a gown – it all takes a toll. My safety swimmer is there to help you as much as you need, but expect you’ll walk away feeling like you had a great workout. It’ll be all worth it when you see your stunning portraits.

Everything Else You May Want to Know

What are the environmental considerations for your underwater photography sessions?

My studio practices “Leave No Trace”. Our goal is to show up, do your underwater shoot, leave, and have it look like we were never there. In the pool this isn’t really a concern, but at the Springs, or other natural areas, it certainly is. Not only is this important, but also, we do not want to disturb vegetation or wildlife. Yes, there are gators at the Springs, but in all our years, we’ve actually seen maybe one or two. More often we’ll see fish, turtles, and the occasional otter.

Do you have any experience working with people with disabilities?

My goal is to make sure every client gets an incredible underwater photography experience in the safest way possible. We’ve worked with people with both physical and mental disabilities. Sometimes, it may take some extra coordination or require a few extra people on-site to assist, but my goal is to make your vision come to life. During your consultation and your design and planning sessions, we can discuss any disabilities, and talk about the safest way to conduct your underwater photoshoot. My team is highly experienced and professional. Your safety is our top priority.

What are your COVID-19 safety protocols for underwater shoots? (or other illnesses)

As we are all aware, COVID is still around and likely always will be. As with any and all potential illnesses, we want you to be healthy. If I come down with something before your shoot, I will let you know beforehand and we can reschedule. Additionally, I expect the same from you. I work with a wide variety of clients and ask all of them to respect our health as much as I respect yours.

Bonus FAQs About Having Underwater Photos Taken

What makes you passionate about underwater photography?

Water is my life! Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to the water. I just feel better in it. The water is an incredible environment, teaming with life beyond our imagination. The physics of water lets us do incredible things we can’t do on land. Having that feeling of floating above the ground, being able to twist and turn and flip upside down. The way clothing and dresses move underwater. It’s a completely different and exciting artform that I am passionate and excited to share with my clients.

What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your work?

Underwater photography shoots are hard. Not only on you, but on us as well. There are many challenges and safety considerations to overcome. But when we finish with an incredible shoot and clients tell me how stunning the photos are, that’s the reward for me. More than anything I think everyone should have a large piece of wall art in their home of themselves. Why not make that piece an iconic statement with some underwater photography.

Do you have any tips for clients preparing for an underwater photography session?

My best tip when preparing for an underwater photography shoot, either at our Gainesville studio, or elsewhere, is to go into it with a positive attitude and trust that we will get you beautiful images. I’m always here through the entire process to answer any questions you have and to make the process as easy as possible.