Underwater senior portraits are one of the most unique things you can do for your senior year. Instead of standing in a field at golden hour (which is great too), you’re submerged in a private pool with flowing fabric, dramatic lighting, and images that look like nothing else in your grad portfolio. If you’ve been thinking about booking an underwater portrait session in DFW, this guide covers everything from start to finish.
What Are Underwater Senior Portraits?#
Underwater senior portraits are exactly what they sound like: professional portrait photography shot beneath the surface in a pool. You wear flowing outfits, move through the water, and the result is something between fine art and editorial photography. The weightlessness creates natural movement in your hair, fabric, and body that you literally cannot replicate on land.
This type of session has been gaining traction for a while, but it’s really picked up with high school seniors who want something bold and different. It’s not just about looking cool (though you will). It’s about creating images that feel like a statement. Graduation marks a huge transition, and underwater portraits capture that energy in a way that a standard session can’t.
It’s also not limited to seniors. Athletes, creatives, couples, and influencers book underwater sessions too. But for seniors specifically, it’s become a signature way to stand out.
What an Underwater Session Looks Like#
If you’ve never done anything like this, here’s how the whole thing works from booking to delivery.
The Planning Call#
Every underwater session starts with a conversation. We’ll talk through your vision, your comfort level in water, wardrobe ideas, and the overall look you’re going for. This isn’t the kind of session you show up to cold. Everything is planned and intentional so we can make the most of your time in the water.
Safety Briefing#
Before anyone gets in the pool, we do a full safety walkthrough. This covers hand signals for communicating underwater, breathing basics (when to inhale, how to exhale through your nose), what each set will look like, and your personal limits. You decide how deep you go and how long you stay under. No pressure, ever.
This is the foundation of every session, not a formality. Your comfort and safety come first. Always.
The Session#
Sessions happen in a private backyard pool here in the Frisco and DFW area. The water is shallow enough to stand in. I use professional underwater lighting for clean, vibrant results you won’t get with natural light alone.
We shoot in short intervals, usually 5-10 seconds underwater at a time, with breaks between each set. You go under, we capture the shot, you come up. Most seniors are surprised by how comfortable and fun it actually is. The whole session runs about 60 minutes in the water.
Delivery#
Your edited gallery is delivered within 7-14 days via a private online gallery. Five professionally edited photos are included in the base package, with the option to add more.
For the full step-by-step breakdown, check out what to expect from an underwater session in DFW.
How to Prepare for Your Underwater Session#
A little prep goes a long way. You don’t need to be a competitive swimmer, but there are a few things that make a big difference.
Get comfortable in water. If you’re not already, spend some time in a pool before your session. Practice putting your face underwater, holding your breath for a few seconds, and relaxing your facial expression. The more natural it feels beforehand, the better your photos will look.
Practice holding your breath. Take a slow, deep breath before going under. Exhale a tiny bit through your nose right as you submerge to keep water out. Stay relaxed because tension burns through your air faster. Most sets are only 5-10 seconds, so you don’t need to hold your breath for a crazy amount of time.
Skip sunscreen and lotion. Sunscreen and body oils cloud the water and create a hazy film that shows up in photos. Come with clean, product-free skin. Waterproof makeup is fine and actually holds up well. Waterproof mascara, setting spray, and lip stain are your best friends.
What to bring: Your outfit(s) steamed and ready, a towel, a dry change of clothes, waterproof makeup for touch-ups, and hair ties.
For the full prep guide with more detail, read how to prepare for an underwater photo session.
What to Wear for Underwater Portraits#
Your outfit can make or break an underwater portrait. The right choice creates incredible movement and drama. The wrong one just looks heavy and awkward.
Best fabrics: Chiffon, tulle, silk, lightweight cotton, and organza. Anything that flows when you spin on land will look even better underwater. Skip denim, leather, structured blazers, and anything with a lot of weight when wet.
Best colors: Deep red, bright white, gold, rich emerald green, hot pink, and black all pop against the natural blue-green tint of pool water. Avoid light blue or teal (disappears into the water), pastels (wash out), and neon (reflects weird color onto your skin).
Dresses and skirts are the move. Long, flowing pieces create the most dramatic shots. Think prom dresses, ballgowns, or even a simple maxi skirt paired with a fitted top. You don’t have to go formal. A flowy sundress or oversized button-down over a swimsuit can look incredible too.
Hair note: If you’ve dyed your hair within the last two weeks, the color can bleed into the water and cloud everything. Plan your color appointment at least two weeks before your session.
For detailed wardrobe recommendations, check out the full underwater portrait wardrobe guide.
Poses That Work Underwater#
Posing underwater is nothing like posing on land. Gravity works differently, your body moves differently, and what looks good on the ground can look awkward below the surface. The key is working with the water instead of fighting it.
The Float. Arms gently extended, body relaxed, fabric fanning out around you. This is the classic underwater pose and it works because you let the water do the work.
The Reach. One or both arms extending upward toward the surface. It creates a sense of reaching for the light and naturally elongates your body. Pair it with a flowing dress and it’s an instant standout.
The Hair Flip. Going from face-down to looking up sends your hair fanning out in every direction. Dramatic and it photographs incredibly well, especially with longer hair.
The Backfloat. Lying on your back just below the surface with arms out to the sides. Beautiful symmetry with light coming through the water above you.
The biggest tip: move slowly. Think ballet, not basketball. Slow, intentional movements translate into graceful, editorial-looking shots. And don’t worry if you’ve never posed underwater before. I coach you through every single pose during the session.
For the full list of poses and what to avoid, read underwater portrait poses that actually work.
Is It Safe?#
Short answer: yes. Underwater portrait sessions are safe when they’re done with proper preparation, communication, and a controlled environment.
All sessions take place in a private backyard pool. The water is shallow enough to stand in, and you’re never more than a few feet from the edge. This isn’t open water diving. It’s a calm, controlled setting where you’re fully in charge.
Before every session, we go through a complete safety briefing covering hand signals, breathing techniques, session flow, and your personal limits. We shoot in short bursts with breaks between every set. If something doesn’t feel right, we stop. There’s no rushing and no pressure.
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer. You need to be comfortable putting your face underwater and holding your breath for a few seconds. That’s the bar. Most clients walk away saying it was way more fun and way less scary than they expected.
For the complete breakdown on safety standards and what to look for in any underwater photographer, read is underwater photography safe.
How Much Do Underwater Senior Portraits Cost?#
Underwater sessions are $750 and include:
- 60-minute session in a private pool
- Professional underwater lighting
- Safety briefing and creative direction
- 5 professionally edited photos
- 1-2 outfit options
- Private online gallery delivered in 7-14 days
Many seniors also book a standard outdoor session ($250) alongside their underwater session for a complete portfolio of looks. It’s a popular combo that gives you both the natural golden hour vibe and the bold underwater editorial in one package.
FAQ#
How much do underwater senior portraits cost? Sessions start at $750 and include a 60-minute private pool session, professional lighting, safety briefing, creative direction, and 5 professionally edited photos delivered in 7-14 days.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer? No. You need to be comfortable putting your face underwater and holding your breath for a few seconds. The pool is shallow enough to stand in, and we go at your pace with breaks between every set.
What should I wear? Flowy fabrics like chiffon, tulle, and silk in bold solid colors create the most dramatic underwater photos. Long dresses and skirts billow beautifully. Avoid denim, structured clothing, and anything heavy when wet.
Are underwater portrait sessions safe? Yes. Sessions take place in a shallow private pool with a full safety briefing before anyone gets in the water. You control the pace, we shoot in short 5-10 second intervals, and you can take breaks whenever you need them.
Can I combine underwater with a regular senior session? Yes. Many seniors book an outdoor session alongside their underwater session for a complete portfolio of looks. Outdoor sessions start at $250.
Where do sessions take place? In a private backyard pool in the Frisco and DFW area with professional underwater lighting.
Ready to create something unforgettable? See what underwater portraits look like in Dakota’s underwater session gallery, or let’s start planning yours.