Underwater portraits look effortless, but a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to show up ready so you can focus on making great photos instead of stressing about logistics.
Get Comfortable in Water First#
You don’t need to be a competitive swimmer. You just need to be comfortable putting your face underwater and holding your breath for a few seconds at a time. That’s it.
If you’re not super confident, spend some time in a pool before your session. Practice going under, opening your eyes, and relaxing your face. The more natural it feels beforehand, the better your expressions will look on camera.
Practice Holding Your Breath#
We shoot in short intervals. You’ll go under for a few seconds, we capture the shot, and you come up. Most sets last 5-10 seconds underwater.
A few things that help:
- Take a slow, deep breath before going under
- Exhale a tiny bit through your nose right as you submerge (this keeps water out of your nose)
- Stay relaxed. Tension burns through your air faster
- Don’t push yourself. We take as many breaks as you need
Skin and Body Prep#
Sunscreen: Skip it. Sunscreen clouds the water almost immediately and creates a hazy film that shows up in photos. Since we shoot in a private pool with controlled conditions, you won’t need it.
Lotion and oils: Same deal. Anything on your skin will transfer into the water. Come with clean, product-free skin.
Makeup: Waterproof makeup is fine and actually holds up well. Waterproof mascara, setting spray, and lip stain are your best friends. Skip powder-based products since they’ll dissolve on contact.
What to Bring#
- Your outfit(s), steamed and ready
- A towel (or two)
- A dry change of clothes for after
- Waterproof makeup for touch-ups
- Hair ties and clips
What Happens Day Of#
Here’s the basic flow:
- Arrive and settle in. We’ll go over the plan and do a safety briefing
- Get in the water. Start slow, get comfortable, and warm up with easy movements
- Shoot in sets. Short bursts underwater with breaks between. We review shots together
- Wrap up. Dry off, change, and you’re done
The whole session is about 60 minutes in the water. Most people are surprised by how quickly it goes and how fun it actually is.
Mental Prep#
The biggest thing: trust the process. It’s normal to feel a little nervous your first time. That goes away fast once you’re in the water and see the first few shots.
Don’t worry about looking perfect on every take. We shoot a lot of frames and the best shots usually come once you stop overthinking and start having fun.
Ready to book your session?