Using Models in Underwater Photography: A Comprehensive Guide

Underwater photography opens up a fascinating view of the marine world, and while capturing marine life is thrilling, incorporating human models into your shots can elevate the narrative by adding a dynamic, relatable element that resonates with viewers. Models can bring scale, emotion, and storytelling to underwater images, making them more captivating. However, working with models underwater requires a specific set of skills and knowledge to achieve the best results. This guide provides an in-depth look at how to effectively use models in underwater photography, covering everything from planning and communication to posing and lighting.

1. Pre-Dive Planning and Communication

Effective communication is crucial when working with models underwater, especially since verbal communication becomes impossible during the dive. Before even entering the water, thorough planning is essential to ensure both the photographer and the model are on the same page.

a. Conceptualize the Shoot

Start by developing a clear concept or vision for the shoot. Whether you're aiming for a wreck scene or a reef composition, having a defined theme will help guide the entire process. Discuss the idea with your model in detail, including the desired poses, movements, and, most importantly, where the model should look. A shot where the diver looks directly at the camera rarely works; instead, the diver should focus on the subject of the photo, as this is where you want to draw the viewer's eye. If the model doesn't engage with the subject, neither will your viewer.

For example, if the goal is to create images of a diver interacting with coral or a shipwreck, make sure the model understands the importance of staying in position, with good trim while also protecting the underwater environment and having their line of sight firmly on the shipwreck or reef. If the model is using a dive light/torch, the torch should also shine directly onto the subject and follow the same path as the line of sight.

Also, consider the equipment your model is using, as it should match the style of the photo you’re envisioning. For example, when shooting a deep wreck, it’s important that the model has the correct gear configuration, and their diving style reflects that of a technical diver—with bent knees, good trim, and a proper DIR setup. Conversely, for general recreational dive shots, a diver with straight legs and a more relaxed gear setup resonates much better with the viewer. Pay attention to the color of the equipment as well. For technical shots, black gear works well, while for recreational shots, a brightly colored rash vest can add vibrancy and visual appeal to the photos.

b. Pre-Dive Hand Signals

Since you can’t communicate verbally underwater, establish clear hand signals with your model. Standard diver signals are useful, but you may need to create custom signals specific to the shoot, such as those for adjusting pose, moving closer or further from the camera, or signaling that the lighting needs tweaking.

I like to keep my signals simple, and I explain them thoroughly before the dive. But also remember that you will be holding a camera so it is important that you can do all signals using only one arm/hand. Overly complicated signals will not work well.

c. Model’s Experience Level

Consider the model’s level of comfort and experience underwater. While some models may be experienced divers, others may not be as familiar with the underwater environment. Ensure that the model is comfortable staying underwater for extended periods and is proficient in basic diving or snorkeling skills. If the model is inexperienced, avoid overloading them with the pressure of modeling, as this can affect the quality of the shoot. Instead, seek out divemasters on holiday, as they are usually very comfortable underwater and may appreciate the opportunity to receive images from the shoot. Ideally, though, it’s best to build a relationship with a regular dive buddy, as getting to know each other well will significantly improve your results over time.

2. Understanding the Location

Understanding the environment you are shooting in is paramount to successful model shots where time is limited. Do your research before you head to a location, understand the best places to shoot, the things you might see and research your favorite shots form those locations. Have a clear understanding of where you are shooting.

Consider the marine life you might encounter—whether it's sharks, turtles, or schooling fish. If you're shooting a wreck, research as much as possible about it beforehand. While it's exciting to explore and find new angles, many wrecks have iconic shots that you'll want in your portfolio alongside more creative and unique images. Think of ways to capture those classic angles in a fresh, new way. This approach allows you to create something unique while still producing a shot that is instantly recognizable and stands out.

Consider the environmental conditions that could impact your shot, such as the time of day and the angle of the sun. Do you want to capture sunrays by shooting into the sun, or would you prefer the sunlight to come from over your shoulder to enhance ambient lighting? Will the currents be strong? When does the tide change? How will visibility be at different times? These are all critical factors to research well in advance of your dive, ensuring you’re fully prepared to maximize the conditions and achieve the best results.

When shooting in a popular dive location, there may be a large number of divers around, so it's crucial to have a clear, pre-communicated plan. Both you and the model should be focused and mission-oriented to make the most of your time and minimize distractions. This ensures you can capture the shots you need despite the potential challenges of a crowded dive site.

3. Equipment and Camera Settings

The technical aspects of underwater photography become more complex when working with models. You’ll need to consider camera settings, lighting, and the specific challenges posed by shooting a moving subject in a fluid environment.

 a. Camera Settings

• Aperture: Keep your aperture closed down to around f/11 or f/13 to ensure that as much of your image as possible, from the background to the foreground, remains in focus. This also helps maintain sharpness in the corners of your frame. With wide-angle lenses and dome ports, using larger apertures can cause the corners of your image to become soft, so a smaller aperture is key for sharp, detailed shots.

• Shutter Speed: A faster shutter speed, typically around 1/125 to 1/250, is essential for freezing both the model's movement and any water motion, especially if the model is swimming or diving dynamically. When the model is close to the camera, you'll likely be using strobes to light them, which will help freeze the action. However, when shooting with ambient light, be sure to take multiple shots to account for any camera movement or blur that might occur in a single frame.

• ISO: Underwater photography often requires a higher ISO due to limited natural light, but aim to keep it as low as possible to avoid graininess. Modern cameras can handle ISO up to 800 or even 1600 without introducing significant noise. However, I usually try to keep the ISO at 400 or below to achieve the best image quality. That said, I’d rather raise the ISO slightly than sacrifice sharpness by adjusting the aperture or shutter speed too much.

b. Lenses

Wide-angle lenses are often the best choice for underwater model photography because they allow you to capture the model within a vast underwater landscape, such as coral reefs, wrecks, or schools of fish. A fisheye lens, in particular, yields excellent results by drawing elements toward the center of the frame, effectively pulling your model into the shot. However, be cautious when positioning your model close to the lens and the edge of the frame, as this can cause distortion.

c. Lighting Considerations

Underwater lighting can be tricky due to the natural absorption of light at depth. Reds and oranges disappear first, followed by yellows and greens, leaving primarily blues at deeper depths. Use strobes or underwater video lights to bring back color and illuminate your model.

• Positioning of Lights: Place your strobes to the side of your camera and behind the dome port, back level with your ears. If you don’t have strobe positioning mastered yet, read our article to get a deeper understanding.

• Natural Light: If you are shooting in shallow water with abundant sunlight, use the natural light to your advantage. The interplay of sunlight filtering through the water’s surface can create striking effects, such as sunrays or reflective patterns. When using natural light, ensure that the model is positioned to take advantage of these rays, which can enhance the mood and drama of the shot. Read our article on shooting ambient light for more information. 

4. Posing and Movement

Posing models underwater can be challenging due to the buoyancy and resistance of the water. However, with practice and guidance, your model can achieve graceful and natural poses that enhance the overall image.

 a. Buoyancy Control

The model’s ability to control their buoyancy is crucial for achieving the desired pose. Practice neutral buoyancy, where the model neither sinks nor floats. This allows them to hold still in the water, which is essential for creating well-composed images.

b. Fluid Movements

In underwater photography, fluid and slow movements look far more graceful than quick or jerky ones. Ask your model to move slowly and deliberately, whether they are swimming, extending their arms, or turning their head. Slow movements prevent water from swirling around them, which can cloud the image and create unwanted motion blur.

c. Bubbles and Shot Timing

Asking a diver to limit their breathing during a shoot can cause more problems than it solves. They’ll appear uncomfortable and will struggle to stay steady and relaxed. Instead, I tell my models not to worry about it and time my shots around their natural breathing. I wait for them to exhale, watch the bubbles dissipate, and then press the shutter, ensuring the model remains calm and relaxed throughout the shoot.

Also, keep in mind that not all bubbles are bad. A stream of bubbles can be incredibly effective in creating a sense of depth, especially when shooting larger scenes like wrecks. Bubbles can also help draw attention to your model when they are a smaller part of the overall composition, adding both scale and context to the image.

d. Expressive Poses

Encourage your model to be expressive with their body language. It’s always enjoyable to work with models who are relaxed and having fun underwater, as their natural poses and playful expressions can greatly enhance an image, especially when they are engaging with the subject. For instance, a diver with open arms can add a dynamic element to the shot, helping to bring the composition to life.

e. Light the Eyes

While we often want the model to focus on the subject, there are many instances where you still want to capture one or both of their eyes, even if they’re looking across the image. In these cases, it’s crucial to get light onto the eyes and inside the mask. Avoid masks with UV or reflective coatings, as these can prevent your strobe light from passing through properly and may create unwanted color casts or reflections. Opt instead for plain, transparent masks to ensure the best lighting and clarity in your shots.

 5. Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount when working with models underwater. Always ensure that both the photographer and model are prepared for the unique challenges of shooting underwater.

a. Environmental Awareness

Be mindful of the underwater environment. Make sure that neither you nor the model is disturbing fragile marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs. Avoid contact with marine life, and respect local regulations about underwater conduct. Safety also extends to avoiding sharp objects, like wreck debris, and dangerous marine animals.

b. Dive Buddy System

Always work with a dive buddy system when photographing models underwater. Both the model and photographer will also need to be responsible for ensuring they perform their buddy duties. When you are planning a very dedicated shoot which will be fully absorbing, consider using a safety diver who will be looking out for both divers during the shoot and also looking at the outside factors that photographers and models can become blind to when absorbed in the shot.

Conclusion

Using models in underwater photography opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing photographers to capture not just the beauty of the ocean but also human interaction with it. By carefully planning your shoot, selecting the right equipment, and guiding your model through effective poses and movements, you can create striking, dynamic images that tell a powerful story. With patience, practice, and the right safety measures in place, underwater photography with models can lead to some of the most captivating and memorable shots in your portfolio. These images will allow all viewers to feel as if they could be the person in the image, so these shots work well with both diver and non diver viewers.