Dive In: Get Your Feet Wet with Underwater Photos

“This photo was a recent commission from a mom who found me through Instagram and asked me photograph each of her children.”

“One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is take our two vizslas to Sullivan’s Island [South Carolina] where dogs can run off leash on the beach until 10 a.m.. I love to sit in the surf with my camera and photograph the dogs running through the water.”

“It doesn’t get more classic than paddling on Lake Jocassee in a red canoe. Because the lake is so deep, the water there is incredibly clear.”

“One of the underwater photography techniques I’m always trying to master is the ‘over under’ photo, where you can see what’s happening both below the water and above. This was taken on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, where the ocean has the most compelling blue-green hues.”

“This one is also from the Lake Jocassee shoot. Preventing my underwater housing from leaking is definitely on my mind every time I get in the water. I test it before I go in, but I’m sure it will happen to me eventually. There’s also a lot of extra wear and tear on my camera with the added humidity and heat.”

“You don’t always have to be underwater to get a great water photo. I love to get down to the water’s level, by laying on a dock or along the poolside. You can still get great photos of happy dogs, children, and anyone enjoying the water. This is one of my favorite photos, I love the leap!”

“Learning to photograph underwater made me feel like a beginner again. I had to learn to let go of controlling the situation and just trust the process. This was taken in Hawaii’s Kealakeua Bay, where the coral reef and abundance of sea life inspired parts of Finding Nemo. Occasionally fellow snorkelers are just as colorful and photogenic as the fish.”

“I love to shoot on a bright, sunny day. In fact, mid-day, which is typically the worst time of day for portrait photography, is actually the best time of day underwater photography. You need strong sun to penetrate through the water as the deeper you go, the darker it gets.”

“To protect my camera, I use an AquaTech Imaging Solutions water housing. They are built specifically to the camera model. If you want to dip your toe in and try it out, they also make a great underwater case for your iPhone. This photo is a view from the water of Pu’uhonus o Honainau National Historical Park, an ancient place of refuge, on the Big Island of Hawaii.”

“I love the sweet innocence of this little girl standing on the step. You can read so much through body language without ever seeing a person’s face. Over the past few years, I feel like I have become a pool connoisseur and this pool is one of my all-time favorites. I love its dark blue-grey color and it’s a saltwater pool. There’s so much less chlorine involved, which makes it clearer and it feels so much better on your skin.