Top Myths About Underwater Photoshoots (and the Truth Behind Them)
Underwater photography often looks so magical and surreal that people assume it must also be complicated, intimidating, or only meant for certain types of people. I hear it all the time:
“You must need to be a really good swimmer.”
“I could never look that graceful.”
“Isn’t it scary under there?”
The truth is, family underwater photography and artistic underwater photos are far more accessible, peaceful, and empowering than most people expect. So today, I want to address some of the biggest underwater photoshoot myths I hear as an Austin underwater photographer, and share what the experience is really like.
Because once you know the truth, the magic feels a whole lot closer.
Myth #1: “You have to be a strong swimmer to do an underwater photoshoot.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions in underwater photography. Many people assume underwater sessions are physically demanding or require athletic ability.
The Truth:
If you can comfortably put your face in the water, you are qualified.
Most of the best shots happen just below the surface. We submerge for only a few seconds at a time, and I guide you through everything slowly and calmly. It is much more about relaxation than strength.
We also work in a controlled, shallow environment. You can stand, pause, take a breath, laugh, and reset. There is no pressure, no rushing, and no expectation to hold your breath for long periods of time.
This experience is meant to feel supported, safe, and peaceful. Not extreme.
Myth #2: “I need to look like a mermaid or be super graceful.”
This is the myth I hear the most.
People see those flowing gowns and dreamy poses and immediately think, “That could never be me.”
The Truth:
Grace is not something you bring underwater. It is something the water creates for you.
Underwater, physics change. Gravity disappears. Hair, fabric, and movement become soft and fluid in ways they simply cannot on land. You do not need dance training or modeling experience. I guide you through very simple movements, and the water does the rest.
Sometimes clients feel a little silly between takes, then completely shocked when they see the final image.
You do not have to perform.
You simply get to be present.
That is what makes artistic underwater photos so powerful.
Myth #3: “Being underwater will feel scary or claustrophobic.”
This is a very common fear, especially for those who have never done something like this before.
The Truth:
Most people describe the experience as calm, quiet, and meditative.
The world feels softer underwater. Everyday noise disappears. Movement becomes slower and more intentional. Because we take things gently, one step at a time, your body has space to relax and settle into the moment.
You are always in control.
You choose the pace.
You decide when to submerge and when to pause.
And I am right there with you the entire time.
There is usually a moment when something shifts. You realize the water is supporting you rather than resisting you. Your breath slows. Your shoulders drop. And what once felt unfamiliar begins to feel peaceful and natural.
Many people leave the session saying it felt like a reset for both the mind and body. The quiet, the stillness, and the feeling of being gently supported in the water create a kind of presence that is rare in everyday life. It is not just about the photos. It is about how the experience makes you feel.
Myth #4: “Underwater photoshoots are only about the final image.”
Yes, the images are stunning. But almost every client tells me that what surprised them most was not the photographs. It was how they felt during the process.
The Truth:
The experience itself is incredibly empowering. On land, we carry weight. We move against gravity. We feel the noise of life every second. Underwater, all of that disappears. There is always a moment in each session when something shifts. You stop trying. You soften. You float. You allow yourself to move without effort.
And when you see the back of the camera for the first time, there is often a quiet gasp.
Because that peaceful, strong, ethereal person? That is you. And that realization has a way of staying with you.
Myth #5: “I need to look perfect the whole time.”
This is one of the biggest underwater photoshoot myths I wish I could erase forever.
People often assume the entire session looks as polished as the final gallery image.
The Truth:
For every masterpiece image, there are plenty of frames filled with laughter, floating hair, mid-blinks, and playful resets. Sometimes we come up with a beautiful idea, and it works right away. Other times, we try something, dissolve into giggles, and adjust the plan. All of that is part of the process.
Underwater photography is built on patience and play. We experiment. We pause. We reset. Then we try again, without pressure or hurry. Somewhere inside those tiny in-between moments, the magic shows up.
You do not need to be perfect.
You only need to be present.
When you stop worrying about what you look like and simply experience the moment, something shifts. Your natural expression begins to soften. Real emotion surfaces. And the truest version of you begins to shine through.
Final Thoughts
Underwater photography may look other-worldly, but the truth is that it is grounded in something very real. It is about trust, presence, curiosity, and allowing yourself to experience something new in a calm, supported way. The myths make it seem intimidating, but once you are actually in the water, the experience feels peaceful, gentle, and surprisingly natural.
More than anything, I want my clients to feel seen. Not as perfect models, but as real people stepping into a moment of wonder. The water has a way of softening everything. Expectations fade. Noise disappears. And what remains is honesty.
If you have ever felt curious about underwater photography, I hope this reminds you that it is possible. You do not have to be perfect. You do not have to be fearless. You simply have to arrive, take a breath, and allow the water to hold you.
Sometimes, the most beautiful stories are the ones told just below the surface.
Ready to tell your story underwater?
Underwater photography is more than a photoshoot. It is an experience that invites you to slow down, breathe, and see yourself in a whole new way. If you feel curious or inspired, I would love to help bring that vision to life. Let’s plan your next underwater photoshoot.
Some stories can only be told underwater. Let’s create one you’ll remember for years to come. The water is waiting.
