Underwater Photography Tips: What to Expect at Your First Photoshoot

Stepping into the water for the first time can feel both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. It’s not every day you plan to open your eyes beneath the surface, float in a gown, or pose in an environment that feels so different from anything on land. Most of my clients arrive with the same mix of curiosity and nerves, wondering: What should I wear? How does the process actually work? Will I look natural underwater?

These questions are completely normal. Almost everyone who books their first underwater portrait session feels the same way. The good news? You don’t need to be a model or an experienced swimmer to create incredible images.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your first underwater photoshoot, so you can step into the pool feeling calm, prepared, and ready to create images you’ll love.

What to Wear for Your First Underwater Photoshoot

(and What to Avoid)

Wardrobe is one of the most fun parts of an underwater portrait session. I always encourage people to think outside the box. The outfits you’d never dream of swimming in can actually make the most interesting images.

Here are some ideas that work beautifully:

Everyday clothes like jeans, workwear, or even tennis shoes — unexpected choices that add personality and surprise.
Playful accessories such as glasses, jewelry, sunglasses, wigs, headpieces, or quirky hats. They add character and can make a session feel more “you.”
Flowing gowns or fabrics that move dramatically through the water, creating elegant shapes and textures.
Layers and textures like jackets, scarves, or items with structure can hold shape underwater and make photos more visually interesting.

And what about delicate items?

Here’s the good news: if your clothing can go through the wash, it can usually go in the pool. Fabrics like cotton, polyester, and blends hold up just fine. What I recommend avoiding are:

Leather or suede (these can stiffen or warp).
Intricate beading or sequins that may loosen or tarnish.
High-end accessories you’d be heartbroken to damage (for example, maybe leave the $200 leather belt at home).

One client even wore her wedding dress underwater, and found that the pool actually cleaned the hem from dirt it had picked up during the day! It’s often the items you least expect that create the most memorable photographs.

Pro Tip: Bring 2–3 outfits to your session. Start with something simple to get comfortable, and save your favorite look for later once you’re relaxed in the water.

Do You Need to Be a Good Swimmer for an Underwater Photography Session?

You don't need to be a strong swimmer for an underwater photography session. While being comfortable and relaxed in the water is the most important part, many stunning photos can be captured in shallow water where you can easily stand up. My job is to create a safe and fun environment for you, and we'll work together on poses and breath-holding to get the best results. Focus on what to wear and how you want to pose, and let me handle the rest. The key to a beautiful shot is a calm, confident expression, not perfect swimming form.

What Happens During an Underwater Portrait Session?

From the moment you arrive, I want you to feel at ease. You’ll be greeted at the car, helped with your bags, and welcomed into a calm, supportive space. Music is playing, towels and robes are waiting, and the full bathroom is stocked with everything you might need for before, during, and after your session.

Here’s a step-by-step of what to expect:

Wardrobe Selection – We’ll look through the wardrobe items I’ve pulled from the collection, and you’ll share what you brought. Together we’ll decide on 2–3 looks. I usually recommend saving your favourite outfit for later in the session, once you’re most comfortable. We’ll also consider any props or fabrics we might like to incorporate into the looks and then have them ready by the pool.
Pre-Session Prep – I’ll walk you through how the pool is set up, how deep the water is, and what our plan looks like. I’ll also show you fabrics and props we might incorporate.
First Submersion – We start in the shallow end. I’ll guide you through simple breathwork to calm your nervous system and prepare you for holding your breath. I’ll give you general posing pointers. Your very first dip will be practice — no camera, no pressure.
Building Confidence – Once you’re ready, I’ll start photographing. We’ll review images as we go so you can see how great you look and feel more confident with each pose. Most clients are amazed at how quickly they go from nervous to excited.
Finding the Flow – As the session continues, you’ll get into a rhythm. My mantra is “Let go, just flow” — once you relax into the water, your movements become natural and graceful, and that’s when the magic happens.
The Wrap-Up – By the time our session comes to an end, we’ll have captured so many amazing images that you’ll feel confident and content to call it! These photoshoots can be a workout, and by the end, everyone feels a sense of accomplishment. You're welcome to shower and change, and you'll leave with the reassurance that your proof gallery will be ready within 24 hours.

What Most People Worry About Before Their First Underwater Portrait Session

“I’m not a good swimmer.”
You don’t need to be a good swimmer for your first underwater photoshoot. We can stay in the 4-5’ shallow end where you can always stand, breathe, and take breaks. Many of the most stunning portraits are taken right at the surface, so you can relax knowing we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you.
“Will my clothes get ruined?”
Most clothing holds up just fine. If it’s machine-washable, it’s usually pool-safe. Many clients are surprised at how well their outfits last.
“I’m not photogenic.”
Almost everyone worries about this before their first underwater photoshoot. The reality is, you don’t need to know how to pose or look like a model. I’ll guide you through each step — from how to hold your hands, to where to look, to how to relax your face so you appear calm and natural. Underwater portrait sessions are collaborative, and I take hundreds of photos to make sure we capture those magical moments where everything comes together beautifully.
“What if I feel awkward?”
Feeling a little awkward at the beginning is completely normal. Underwater photography is a brand-new experience for most people, and it can feel unusual at first. That’s why we start slowly, review images as we go, and build your confidence step by step. Almost every client tells me how quickly their nerves fade once they see their first set of photos — and by the end, they’re usually laughing, relaxed, and amazed by the results.

If you have other worries about your first underwater portrait session, I’ll walk you through them before we even step into the pool.

One Last Tip for Natural, Beautiful Underwater Photos

If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: let go, just flow. Once you’re underwater, fabric, hair, and body movement all behave in ways you can’t fully predict. That unpredictability is what makes your images feel alive and unique. When you trust yourself and lean into the process, you’ll find a natural rhythm, and that’s when the most beautiful, effortless photos happen.

Some stories can only be told underwater. Let’s create one you’ll remember for years to come. The water is waiting.