THE UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE
with SOPHIA
Deep blue locations are my favorite, but if that’s too intimidating for you or anyone in your family, we will work together to find an appropriate depth for your swimming skills and comfort level. I got you! And safety comes first here.
We can still take some beautiful photos in the ocean - but I will make sure we’re in a calm location where you can fully stand and stay safe. You don’t need to dive under to have gorgeous shots.
The ocean can be intimidating for some people - that’s why we will cater the underwater experience to your level of comfort.
Not everyone needs to be completely submerged. As long as my camera is underwater, we will get amazing water photos for you and your family!
I grew up swimming, surfing and scuba diving in the northeast coast of Brazil, so I have plenty of experience being in the ocean and feeling 100% at ease in it.
It’s my ultimate goal to make sure you have an amazing time in the water with me, so we will tailor the whole experience and location choice to your comfort level and sense of security in the ocean.
I am also a Level 1 certified freediver through Fii (Freediving Instructors International).
Feeling comfortable in the water on the day of your shoot is a major element for getting the shots you want. Underwater posing isn’t super easy, especially when you have to think about holding your breath and getting your limbs and body into certain positions.
I don’t stay underwater if you’re not. This allows me to be right by your side the whole time and to communicate with you. I am constantly reminding you to give yourself grace and time to get used to the environment, and also fine tuning what we can so that we can nail all the shots you want to walk away with.
I do a ton of behind the scenes tracking to ensure the best and safest conditions for our underwater shoot.
However, there will be times when we swim out and the water won’t be 100% ideal clarity wise. The reality is that the ocean is a massive body of water that is constantly moving, and sometimes currents will come through and bring sediment or algae particles.
I can’t promise perfectly clear water or your preferred location because I can’t control the ocean, but I can promise I will do my very best with the skills that I have to make amazing images for you!
Safety in the water is my number one priority.
If I notice strong currents or something that could affect our safety, I will make the call to not get in the water because your safety and mine trumps incredible images.
I know that goes against the “social media craze” we live in, but I stand by that firmly.
Flexibility is a must when booking your underwater shoot. The wave forecast can change rapidly and I only take you out if it’s safe.
If being in deep water is intimidating for you, we will look at some alternative locations where you can feel safer.
I only work with maternity clients, personal branding clients and families who can swim. I don’t shoot couples/elopement/trash the dress type shoots.
Marine animals are never a guarantee. They show up with they want to and we roll with it.
I give you a lot of guidance on what kinds of swimsuits work best for coverage so we don’t have to worry about adjusting anything while swimming.
You are welcome to wear diving fins or bodyboarding fins if you want. That will be completely up to you and the look you want from your photos.